We have recently returned from an eventful long weekend break in the Isle of Wight with the Aldbury Morris Men.
A cultural journey into the traditions of Ye Olde England with a well meaning group of historians you may think, but you would be totally wrong, it was more of a journey into the drinking establishments of sleepy seaside villages with a bunch of jolly drunks.
My Uncle (He is the one on the top hat - see the website) is a musician (he insists in making it quite clear he does not actually dance), and he invited us to become part of the Morris Groupies along with the various relatives and friends of the other members of this band of merry men.
We met them all at Portsmouth (not before being pulled over by the police – but then that is to be expected if you by a ‘cheap’ car). We pulled up at the harbour car park just as the lightning and thunder struck and we promptly found shelter in the local hostelry (well, start as you mean to go on as they say).
Our ferry journey across to the island was dramatic not only for the regular forked lightning strikes on the mainland, but for the assembled naval forces of many nations arranged throughout the harbour in preparation for the Trafalgar 200 ceremonies to come.
During the weekend we were ferried around the island in an old 1965 bus that was built in the Duple coachworks at the same time as my father used to work there. We travelled in style from village to village where the be-belled gentlemen of a certain age would prance about waving hankies and knocking seven bells out of each other with lengths of timber, before retiring for a cleansing ale or a pint of the local cider (very good stuff it was too). The evening consisted of taking over a venue and bringing out a variety of strange and wonderful instruments (mostly musical – of course) and singing and playing some truly moving and memorable folk tunes.
Before we took the ferry home we managed a short sightseeing trip to Cowes to watch the various waterborne craft enjoying the much improved weather. We also came across an interesting T-Shirt shop that held a garment with the legend that symbolised the weekend for us – The liver is evil and it must by punished!
In my opinion the adage ‘never trust a book by its cover’ is certainly true in this case, never turn down a weekend with the Aldbury Morris Men (that is unless you are a recovering alcoholic).
Sunday, July 03, 2005
More of wot I have read...
Here is a nicely written fable for the modern day that introduces some old and familiar heroes and villains in some very unfamiliar yet strangely understandable settings. It is a sometimes confusing and convoluted journey where much of the enjoyment comes from getting there. I particularly enjoyed the author's liberty taking and fun poking at mythological characters and the re-interpretation of what a god really is. A good read.
I am most familiar with Neil Gaiman's graphic novel (comic book) series Sandman, and reading this novel you can certainly see how he brings that dramatic visual style to the written word.
American Gods, by Neil Gaiman.
'Is Nothing Sacred?
Days before his release from prison, Shadow's wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refuge from a distant war, a former god and the king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what, and who, it finds there!'
I am most familiar with Neil Gaiman's graphic novel (comic book) series Sandman, and reading this novel you can certainly see how he brings that dramatic visual style to the written word.
American Gods, by Neil Gaiman.
'Is Nothing Sacred?
Days before his release from prison, Shadow's wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refuge from a distant war, a former god and the king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what, and who, it finds there!'
Sunday, June 12, 2005
A Cornish country garden…
We have just returned from an extended weekend away with my Aunt and Uncle to Cornwall. We went especially to visit the Tresco Abbey Gardens.
We all travelled down together late in the week and went straight to St Michaels Mount. The bad weather had just started to improve as we approached and the fog that was shrouding the island lifted to reveal the picturesque view. Luckily this was one of the bright periods in an otherwise very rainy weekend. It is a great for a short visit.
Afterwards we drove off to check into the Gurnards Head Hotel where we were staying while we were on the mainland. An ordinary looking country pub with average facilities, but it did do some less than ordinary food. However, as is our way when we holiday, we did end up spending more on wine than food. The landlord was from Newcastle, his wife was Finish and other staff included a Polish couple and a Thai woman.
Cornwall seems to have been forced out of its traditional industries and solely into tourism. There is hardly any evidence of farming, fishing or other traditional industry any where, but you can’t drive down a road without noticing that every second building is a B&B or Hotel. We looked at the local papers and the housing section was enormous with houses more expensive than those near to London. And yet the job vacancies pages, of which there were few, had no great opportunities.
We flew to Tresco in the Scilly Isles by helicopter, which was quite an interesting and enjoyable (if somewhat noisy and expensive) way to travel (also much faster than by boat). 20mins later we were on the island where we jumped into the back of a small truck and were driven to our hotel, the New Inn.
The island is lovely and once again we benefited from a break in the weather. We walked around the much of the small island in a couple of hours. The next day we walked around the rest and visited the exceptional sub-tropical gardens.
Whilst we were in the county we also visited one of our favourite looking theatres, the Minak built onto a cliff side over looking a beautiful sandy bay.
We also managed to fit in the obligatory National Trust site, this time it was the stately home called Terice.
We had a nightmare journey home with traffic accidents, poor weather, and road works combining to have spent the whole day in the car. We had a short break at my aunt and uncle’s where we dug up the first of the new potatoes for dinner, before we jumped into our car for the journey home. Again we got caught in more traffic and road works and we didn’t get home until the early hours of the morning.
We all travelled down together late in the week and went straight to St Michaels Mount. The bad weather had just started to improve as we approached and the fog that was shrouding the island lifted to reveal the picturesque view. Luckily this was one of the bright periods in an otherwise very rainy weekend. It is a great for a short visit.
Afterwards we drove off to check into the Gurnards Head Hotel where we were staying while we were on the mainland. An ordinary looking country pub with average facilities, but it did do some less than ordinary food. However, as is our way when we holiday, we did end up spending more on wine than food. The landlord was from Newcastle, his wife was Finish and other staff included a Polish couple and a Thai woman.
Cornwall seems to have been forced out of its traditional industries and solely into tourism. There is hardly any evidence of farming, fishing or other traditional industry any where, but you can’t drive down a road without noticing that every second building is a B&B or Hotel. We looked at the local papers and the housing section was enormous with houses more expensive than those near to London. And yet the job vacancies pages, of which there were few, had no great opportunities.
We flew to Tresco in the Scilly Isles by helicopter, which was quite an interesting and enjoyable (if somewhat noisy and expensive) way to travel (also much faster than by boat). 20mins later we were on the island where we jumped into the back of a small truck and were driven to our hotel, the New Inn.
The island is lovely and once again we benefited from a break in the weather. We walked around the much of the small island in a couple of hours. The next day we walked around the rest and visited the exceptional sub-tropical gardens.
Whilst we were in the county we also visited one of our favourite looking theatres, the Minak built onto a cliff side over looking a beautiful sandy bay.
We also managed to fit in the obligatory National Trust site, this time it was the stately home called Terice.
We had a nightmare journey home with traffic accidents, poor weather, and road works combining to have spent the whole day in the car. We had a short break at my aunt and uncle’s where we dug up the first of the new potatoes for dinner, before we jumped into our car for the journey home. Again we got caught in more traffic and road works and we didn’t get home until the early hours of the morning.
More of wot I have heard…
Picaresque, by The Decemberists.
My new favourite band at the moment. They are an unusual combination of Indie edge and folksy story telling. Epic story ideas are played out in each song with the a modern folk sound. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they do the music.
Demon Days, by the Gorillaz.
Here is another ‘band’ that doesn’t but themselves before the music. This is a good second album by the cartoon foursome and has some more of the same along with a few surprises. The website is great fun to play around with especially if you are a fan of Jamie Hewlett’s (Tank Girl) artwork.
Happenstance, by Rachael Yamagata.
We saw this artist last year when we had a spat of going out to music gigs. She was the supporting artist and we had never heard her before. She is a very good musician and has a lovely voice (check it out at her web site). Her album was not available at the gig or at any of the high street stores, so I finally got around to buying it on-line (it is often cheaper to buy music online from America and pay the postage, than it is to buy it hear – the UK is a rip-off for this among other things).
My new favourite band at the moment. They are an unusual combination of Indie edge and folksy story telling. Epic story ideas are played out in each song with the a modern folk sound. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they do the music.
Demon Days, by the Gorillaz.
Here is another ‘band’ that doesn’t but themselves before the music. This is a good second album by the cartoon foursome and has some more of the same along with a few surprises. The website is great fun to play around with especially if you are a fan of Jamie Hewlett’s (Tank Girl) artwork.
Happenstance, by Rachael Yamagata.
We saw this artist last year when we had a spat of going out to music gigs. She was the supporting artist and we had never heard her before. She is a very good musician and has a lovely voice (check it out at her web site). Her album was not available at the gig or at any of the high street stores, so I finally got around to buying it on-line (it is often cheaper to buy music online from America and pay the postage, than it is to buy it hear – the UK is a rip-off for this among other things).
More of wot I have read…
I have bought a few of the 'Young Adult' range of books so that I can get a better idea of what is currently being published at the moment.
Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera.
I guess most people will know this story from the film, but the book approaches the topic from a very different angle. The author spends more time on the spiritual and mystical nature of the story than the narrative, and details the significance of the imagery as it relates to the Maori culture. It is an interesting and moving read but it is not what you might expect if you only know of this author through the silver screen.
‘Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather’s love and attention. But he’s focused on his duties as chief of the Ngati Konohi in Whangara, on the East Coast – a tribe that claims descent from the legendary ‘whale rider’. In every generation since the wale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir – there’s only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale reedier himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales.’
Fat kid rules the world by KL Going.
This book is one of a breed of new edgier teen books and touches on subjects of suicide, sex, drugs and rock and roll.
‘What would you say to a homeless punk who just saved your life?
When Curt (skinny punk, guitar genius) stops Troy (hugely overweight social leper) from committing suicide, it’s the start of a very unlikely friendship. Troy’s family think Curt is just a junkie loser, but Troy knows there’s more to him.
Besides, life’s looking up now Curt’s arrived – with a new image and a new nickname (Big T) the fat kid finally has potential. And when Curt recruits Troy as the drummer in his punk band, it seems like Troy might be cool for the first time ever. There’s just one problem – he doesn’t know how to play the drums. But when Curt’s around, anything seems possible.’
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve.
This is more of the old school rip-roaring adventure stories, though even here the author touches on some more adult themes. I like the 'future-Victoriana' setting that is presented in this, the first in a trilogy city-eat-city stories.
‘London is on the move again. The city has been lying low, skulking in the hills to avoid the bigger, faster, hungrier cities loose in the Great Hunting Ground. The great town moves off after its quarry as events within the walls begin to take a sinister turn…’
Postcards from no man’s land by Aidan Chambers.
This is a story of a young man’s journey to find out more about his dead grandfather with whom he shares his name, but in turn he finds out something important about himself. Again this ‘young adult’ book touches on sensitive and adult themes. I read this book to see how the author combined the dual stories of Jacob and his grandfather in two parallel narratives. It has given me some more ideas.
‘Jacob Todd, abroad on his own for the first time, arrives in Amsterdam for the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem where his grandfather fought 50 years before. There, Geertrui Wessling, now an old lady terminally ill, tells an extraordinary story of love and betrayal which links Jacob with her own Dutch family in a way he never suspected and which leads him to question his place in the world.’
I have also been wading through a little New Zealand history. I found the early period more interesting, and now I am having trouble in finishing it.
History of New Zealand by Michael King
Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera.
I guess most people will know this story from the film, but the book approaches the topic from a very different angle. The author spends more time on the spiritual and mystical nature of the story than the narrative, and details the significance of the imagery as it relates to the Maori culture. It is an interesting and moving read but it is not what you might expect if you only know of this author through the silver screen.
‘Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather’s love and attention. But he’s focused on his duties as chief of the Ngati Konohi in Whangara, on the East Coast – a tribe that claims descent from the legendary ‘whale rider’. In every generation since the wale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir – there’s only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale reedier himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales.’
Fat kid rules the world by KL Going.
This book is one of a breed of new edgier teen books and touches on subjects of suicide, sex, drugs and rock and roll.
‘What would you say to a homeless punk who just saved your life?
When Curt (skinny punk, guitar genius) stops Troy (hugely overweight social leper) from committing suicide, it’s the start of a very unlikely friendship. Troy’s family think Curt is just a junkie loser, but Troy knows there’s more to him.
Besides, life’s looking up now Curt’s arrived – with a new image and a new nickname (Big T) the fat kid finally has potential. And when Curt recruits Troy as the drummer in his punk band, it seems like Troy might be cool for the first time ever. There’s just one problem – he doesn’t know how to play the drums. But when Curt’s around, anything seems possible.’
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve.
This is more of the old school rip-roaring adventure stories, though even here the author touches on some more adult themes. I like the 'future-Victoriana' setting that is presented in this, the first in a trilogy city-eat-city stories.
‘London is on the move again. The city has been lying low, skulking in the hills to avoid the bigger, faster, hungrier cities loose in the Great Hunting Ground. The great town moves off after its quarry as events within the walls begin to take a sinister turn…’
Postcards from no man’s land by Aidan Chambers.
This is a story of a young man’s journey to find out more about his dead grandfather with whom he shares his name, but in turn he finds out something important about himself. Again this ‘young adult’ book touches on sensitive and adult themes. I read this book to see how the author combined the dual stories of Jacob and his grandfather in two parallel narratives. It has given me some more ideas.
‘Jacob Todd, abroad on his own for the first time, arrives in Amsterdam for the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem where his grandfather fought 50 years before. There, Geertrui Wessling, now an old lady terminally ill, tells an extraordinary story of love and betrayal which links Jacob with her own Dutch family in a way he never suspected and which leads him to question his place in the world.’
I have also been wading through a little New Zealand history. I found the early period more interesting, and now I am having trouble in finishing it.
History of New Zealand by Michael King
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
More of wot I have watched…
StarWars III.
Well that's it then - it's all over. But was it worth it? I quite enjoyed this movie and it did seem to tie up all of the loose ends, though I am glad I didn't book the special screening that included all shows back-to-back just to get there.
Isn't amazing how Hyden Christensen's acting range improves once the mask comes down!
Sideways.
A buddy movie with wine (as long as it is not Merlot). A very well acted story of great sensitivity but it is a little on the slow side.
Spivs.
Not the best movie by a long shot, wait until there is absolutely nothing else to do before you bother with this one.
Battlestar Galactica.
The new TV series has just played out here in the UK and I enjoyed it with only a few gripes (the capture and use of a Raider in particular). I liked how they tied the old series in, the feel and effects and the new twists. You don't have to have been a fan of the original, but it does help. Sky One Link
SciFi Link
Well that's it then - it's all over. But was it worth it? I quite enjoyed this movie and it did seem to tie up all of the loose ends, though I am glad I didn't book the special screening that included all shows back-to-back just to get there.
Isn't amazing how Hyden Christensen's acting range improves once the mask comes down!
Sideways.
A buddy movie with wine (as long as it is not Merlot). A very well acted story of great sensitivity but it is a little on the slow side.
Spivs.
Not the best movie by a long shot, wait until there is absolutely nothing else to do before you bother with this one.
Battlestar Galactica.
The new TV series has just played out here in the UK and I enjoyed it with only a few gripes (the capture and use of a Raider in particular). I liked how they tied the old series in, the feel and effects and the new twists. You don't have to have been a fan of the original, but it does help. Sky One Link
SciFi Link
Roleplaying…
I am currently in a D20 modern campaign and in the occasional DragonQuest adventure.
Kevin is running a campaign set in an American modern city that is becoming the focus of supernatural activity as the Earth is becoming exposed to increasing amounts of Dark Matter. James and I play agents in a shadowy private organisation that investigates these occurrences.
I have played in several adventures run by Kiwis abroad (Dean, Ross and Adam). In all of them I have played Ular Rah Shan a confused E&E mage whose mental problems are increasingly manifesting themselves as physical side effects.
Kevin is running a campaign set in an American modern city that is becoming the focus of supernatural activity as the Earth is becoming exposed to increasing amounts of Dark Matter. James and I play agents in a shadowy private organisation that investigates these occurrences.
I have played in several adventures run by Kiwis abroad (Dean, Ross and Adam). In all of them I have played Ular Rah Shan a confused E&E mage whose mental problems are increasingly manifesting themselves as physical side effects.
The kitchen gardener…
Many of this years crop is in the ground or in seed trays in the green house and with the change in temperatures we are watering and weeding in equal measures. We have had a good few spears of asparagus and now the strawberries are starting to ripen. We are keeping mostly to our favourites this time, but we have a couple of new crop choices that we are trying; out doors we have a row of Pak Choi and in the green house we have a couple of melons.
The first of many…
Summer has come to the UK (though if you slept in that day you would have missed it).
To understand the British fascination with the weather you have to live through a few seasons here. One day it can be so cold that you have the heating on and the frosts kill the new seedlings in the garden, and the next day it is so hot that cars are overheating at the side of the road and people are wearing ill advise clothing choices.
To understand the British fascination with the weather you have to live through a few seasons here. One day it can be so cold that you have the heating on and the frosts kill the new seedlings in the garden, and the next day it is so hot that cars are overheating at the side of the road and people are wearing ill advise clothing choices.
Celebrations…
J has passed his exams and is looking forward to the summer break in Spain before returning back to Hull and continuing on with his Computer Science degree.
In another milestone J has had his 19th birthday recently. He is staying with us for a couple of days before he flies off on holiday.
We had a nice family BBQ at Deb and Fog's place where they showed us a video of their recent holiday to Australia and cooked a joint of pork and a leg of lamb in their new Weber barbie'.
In another milestone J has had his 19th birthday recently. He is staying with us for a couple of days before he flies off on holiday.
We had a nice family BBQ at Deb and Fog's place where they showed us a video of their recent holiday to Australia and cooked a joint of pork and a leg of lamb in their new Weber barbie'.
Wednesday, May 11, 2005
How long?
Wow! This is about the longest I have gone without blogging. Not that nothing has happened just busy doing something else.
We have some big news that can be revealed, although many already know. We are to become migratory – at least for a while. We are planning on following the sun across the globe. After summer ends here in the northern hemisphere, around October time, we will be flying south and soaking the southern sun until April when we return for the northern spring.
We had to make sure all our nearest and dearest were ok with the idea and we are happy to report they have given us their collective blessings. This should mean that we can spend a maximum time with all of our family and friends.
Our major task is to ensure that J and the house are sorted by renting it out while we are away (if you know of someone suitable drop us a note). We need to cover the mortgage and J’s expenses and then a little left over for incidentals.
While we are down under we hope to live a slightly more frugal lifestyle and thus avoid having to work in a traditional job, existing on some small scale enterprises. We hope to start an on-line T-shirt business with some friends here in the UK, and we hope to help sell some of my folks olive produce, along with other local items at craft fairs and the like. In addition we will try our hands at the creative arts, Sue making glass jewellery, and me painting, drawing and writing.
I have continued the progress with my book, but it is slow. If I can get a couple of chapters and a synopsis down I can start sending it out to publishers for their reactions.
Spring has sprung here and I have been spending more time at the allotment with plenty of seedlings sprouting in the greenhouse. Outside it is still too early for many plants as there is still a risk of night time frosts, but we do have the onions, potatoes, some carrots and beetroot in, and we have been eating our first crop of asparagus.
We have some big news that can be revealed, although many already know. We are to become migratory – at least for a while. We are planning on following the sun across the globe. After summer ends here in the northern hemisphere, around October time, we will be flying south and soaking the southern sun until April when we return for the northern spring.
We had to make sure all our nearest and dearest were ok with the idea and we are happy to report they have given us their collective blessings. This should mean that we can spend a maximum time with all of our family and friends.
Our major task is to ensure that J and the house are sorted by renting it out while we are away (if you know of someone suitable drop us a note). We need to cover the mortgage and J’s expenses and then a little left over for incidentals.
While we are down under we hope to live a slightly more frugal lifestyle and thus avoid having to work in a traditional job, existing on some small scale enterprises. We hope to start an on-line T-shirt business with some friends here in the UK, and we hope to help sell some of my folks olive produce, along with other local items at craft fairs and the like. In addition we will try our hands at the creative arts, Sue making glass jewellery, and me painting, drawing and writing.
I have continued the progress with my book, but it is slow. If I can get a couple of chapters and a synopsis down I can start sending it out to publishers for their reactions.
Spring has sprung here and I have been spending more time at the allotment with plenty of seedlings sprouting in the greenhouse. Outside it is still too early for many plants as there is still a risk of night time frosts, but we do have the onions, potatoes, some carrots and beetroot in, and we have been eating our first crop of asparagus.
Monday, April 18, 2005
Online T-shirt enterprise…
Along with a couple of friends we are looking more seriously into the possibility of designing and selling our own range of T-shirts online. We want to keep costs down initially by limiting stock holding and investing in specialised equipment, but we still want to retain a high quality product.
We have several leads to investigate but we will be tapping friends and relations for information and support.
Remember T-shirts make an ideal gift…
We have several leads to investigate but we will be tapping friends and relations for information and support.
Remember T-shirts make an ideal gift…
On the road again…
We have a new (newer than the previous) chariot. The old Ford Mondeo was uneconomical to repair (see my earlier blog regarding the unhappy circumstances) so we splashed out £700 and bought a newer model Mondeo. Although it is lower specification (I am already missing the air-conditioning and automatic transmission), and quite tatty (dent in the door, worn trim etc.) it gets me from A to B, which is the important thing.
And it is red, and as we all know red one's go faster, after all isn't that why the paint fire engines that colour?
And it is red, and as we all know red one's go faster, after all isn't that why the paint fire engines that colour?
Wednesday, April 13, 2005
More of wot I have read…
White Teeth by Zadie Smith
This an interesting book for its cultural insights to elements of society I would not usually be exposed to. In a similar vein as Monica Ali’s Brick Lane this book exposes the challenges face by first and subsequent generations of immigrants to the UK.
It is an entertaining read full of colour and great characterisation, but it is a little long and drawn out affair, if you have the patience it is rewarding.
‘Zadie Smith's White Teeth is a delightfully cacophonous tale that spans 25 years of two families' assimilation in North London. The Joneses and the Iqbals are an unlikely a pairing of families, but their intertwined destinies distil the British Empire's history and hopes into a dazzling multiethnic melange that is a pure joy to read. Smith proves herself to be a master at drawing fully-realized, vibrant characters, and she demonstrates an extraordinary ear for dialogue. It is a novel full of humour and empathy that is as inspiring as it is enjoyable.’
This an interesting book for its cultural insights to elements of society I would not usually be exposed to. In a similar vein as Monica Ali’s Brick Lane this book exposes the challenges face by first and subsequent generations of immigrants to the UK.
It is an entertaining read full of colour and great characterisation, but it is a little long and drawn out affair, if you have the patience it is rewarding.
‘Zadie Smith's White Teeth is a delightfully cacophonous tale that spans 25 years of two families' assimilation in North London. The Joneses and the Iqbals are an unlikely a pairing of families, but their intertwined destinies distil the British Empire's history and hopes into a dazzling multiethnic melange that is a pure joy to read. Smith proves herself to be a master at drawing fully-realized, vibrant characters, and she demonstrates an extraordinary ear for dialogue. It is a novel full of humour and empathy that is as inspiring as it is enjoyable.’
Monday, April 11, 2005
More of wot I have read…
The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger
This was an absolutely riveting and delightful read. It is one of the most enjoyable books I can remember.
It starts with what might appear at first glance a totally improbable premise, but the author's skill and involving personal plot line pulls you in gently until you find yourself hooked and unable to put the book down.
A beautiful book. God I wish I could write like that!
'A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant.
An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come.'
This was an absolutely riveting and delightful read. It is one of the most enjoyable books I can remember.
It starts with what might appear at first glance a totally improbable premise, but the author's skill and involving personal plot line pulls you in gently until you find yourself hooked and unable to put the book down.
A beautiful book. God I wish I could write like that!
'A dazzling novel in the most untraditional fashion, this is the remarkable story of Henry DeTamble, a dashing, adventuresome librarian who travels involuntarily through time, and Clare Abshire, an artist whose life takes a natural sequential course. Henry and Clare's passionate love affair endures across a sea of time and captures the two lovers in an impossibly romantic trap, and it is Audrey Niffenegger's cinematic storytelling that makes the novel's unconventional chronology so vibrantly triumphant.
An enchanting debut and a spellbinding tale of fate and belief in the bonds of love, The Time Traveler's Wife is destined to captivate readers for years to come.'
Spring in an urban garden…
Our clocks have changed and the weather is trying to improve, so we went out to the allotment to start the tidy up ready for planting the new season's crops. Before we went on holiday we planted our onion and garlic sets and they are sprouting nicely. We spent a good time pulling up the weeds and unwanted raspberry runners. I took the seed potatoes out of the loft where they have been 'chitting' (we are still eating last years crop, which are also showing signs of sprouting in their sacks). Just a bit more tidying up to go and then the fun task of planting seeds begins. Hope springs…
There and back again…
We have been back in the UK a week now after our short holiday down under and already it seems like an age ago.
We visited family and friends in NZ trying to avoid the usual constant trekking about and normal holiday traps. Nevertheless we were busy most days, managed to see quite a few people and still found time to sightsee and shop.
I did get together with a bunch of guys who hung around together at school. We had a great evening reminiscing of days gone by. It seemed that while were are all becoming a little more staid and nearing our 4 decade we still feel pretty much as we did when we were 15. I wonder if every one feels like that?
We had a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur (we find it is very necessary for us to break that long flight up) and we managed to see a little of this interesting city. There appear to be a large disparity between the have and have-nots (slum suburbs and mansion houses). Some of the place has a slightly worn out look while at the same time there is a lot of brand new building going on. Being an old colony of England they drive on the same side as us and almost everybody speaks English. The city was built up with labour from China and India, so there is a great multicultural flavour (though at times you are the only white face in the crowd).
The only real tragedy in the whole trip was when I left the duty free on the trolley as we got into the taxi to come home. I was almost divorced over that (after all it is not the first time I've done it either!)
We landed back on Sunday evening and on Monday we were back at work. Oh well we need to earn the money for the next trip somehow.
We visited family and friends in NZ trying to avoid the usual constant trekking about and normal holiday traps. Nevertheless we were busy most days, managed to see quite a few people and still found time to sightsee and shop.
I did get together with a bunch of guys who hung around together at school. We had a great evening reminiscing of days gone by. It seemed that while were are all becoming a little more staid and nearing our 4 decade we still feel pretty much as we did when we were 15. I wonder if every one feels like that?
We had a short stopover in Kuala Lumpur (we find it is very necessary for us to break that long flight up) and we managed to see a little of this interesting city. There appear to be a large disparity between the have and have-nots (slum suburbs and mansion houses). Some of the place has a slightly worn out look while at the same time there is a lot of brand new building going on. Being an old colony of England they drive on the same side as us and almost everybody speaks English. The city was built up with labour from China and India, so there is a great multicultural flavour (though at times you are the only white face in the crowd).
The only real tragedy in the whole trip was when I left the duty free on the trolley as we got into the taxi to come home. I was almost divorced over that (after all it is not the first time I've done it either!)
We landed back on Sunday evening and on Monday we were back at work. Oh well we need to earn the money for the next trip somehow.
Tuesday, March 15, 2005
Shanks's pony...
I was in a car accident last week, though luckily I only suffered mild whiplash.
I was waiting to turn into the company car park after lunch when I was hit from behind. As I got out to investigate the bastard drove off right in front of dozens of witnesses and me - he was even perused by another driver - nobody could believe he did it. Two independent witnesses got his registration (with only one letter different), but neither number came up on the police computer - then the penny dropped - that's why he did a runner. If his plates weren't legal, than neither would be the car, and he wouldn't be taxed; MOT'd or insured.
I spent the rest of that day alternatively at the hospital and at the police station and the next two days off at home. The car is sans-bumper but even though it drives and all the lights work Sue insists that I take public transport to work until I get a new car (The car is only worth a couple of hundred quid, which is less than it would cost to fix). At least I can read my book while I am on the bus and train.
Sue has said I can get a VW Kombi if I want, but they are not cheap. Even a thirty-year-old tatty Type 2 camper is selling for £3000 to £4000. Better quality or rarer Type 1 campers can go for anything up to £10000.
I have found out that for even more money you can get a brand spanking new Type 2 Kombi (or a new 'old style' Beetle, Type 1 Golf or Caddy). VW Brazil still makes these old models and a company, Beetles UK, imports them and turns the Kombi transporter into a Camper Van.
Better check the lottery tickets again!
I was waiting to turn into the company car park after lunch when I was hit from behind. As I got out to investigate the bastard drove off right in front of dozens of witnesses and me - he was even perused by another driver - nobody could believe he did it. Two independent witnesses got his registration (with only one letter different), but neither number came up on the police computer - then the penny dropped - that's why he did a runner. If his plates weren't legal, than neither would be the car, and he wouldn't be taxed; MOT'd or insured.
I spent the rest of that day alternatively at the hospital and at the police station and the next two days off at home. The car is sans-bumper but even though it drives and all the lights work Sue insists that I take public transport to work until I get a new car (The car is only worth a couple of hundred quid, which is less than it would cost to fix). At least I can read my book while I am on the bus and train.
Sue has said I can get a VW Kombi if I want, but they are not cheap. Even a thirty-year-old tatty Type 2 camper is selling for £3000 to £4000. Better quality or rarer Type 1 campers can go for anything up to £10000.
I have found out that for even more money you can get a brand spanking new Type 2 Kombi (or a new 'old style' Beetle, Type 1 Golf or Caddy). VW Brazil still makes these old models and a company, Beetles UK, imports them and turns the Kombi transporter into a Camper Van.
Better check the lottery tickets again!
More of wot I have watched...
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
An entertaining tale though rather unnecessarily overcomplicated I thought (did miss a bit in the middle, which can't have helped). My, haven't those kids grown up!
Vera Drake
A superbly acted (perhaps a tad too much blubbering for my tastes) and very evocative cinematography lift this film above the ordinary.
Super Volcanoe
I saw an interesting docu-drama about the potential disaster of Super Volcanoes (like Taupo), and the catastrophic 'end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it' scenario. Some days it doesn’t pay to get out of bed.
An entertaining tale though rather unnecessarily overcomplicated I thought (did miss a bit in the middle, which can't have helped). My, haven't those kids grown up!
Vera Drake
A superbly acted (perhaps a tad too much blubbering for my tastes) and very evocative cinematography lift this film above the ordinary.
Super Volcanoe
I saw an interesting docu-drama about the potential disaster of Super Volcanoes (like Taupo), and the catastrophic 'end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it' scenario. Some days it doesn’t pay to get out of bed.
Tuesday, March 01, 2005
Another month flies by...
We are experiencing wintry weather here in the UK at the moment with occasional flurries of snow and temperatures below 5 degrees. The heating is on most of the time, and silly hats and scarves are the order of the day. Sue got me a great 'silly hat' that looks like a cross between a Russian soldier's hat and a deerstalker with its fluffy ear flaps - I think it was a joke?
I think I am going through a mid-life crisis. My hair has grown long, I am wearing leather bracelets with cartoon t-shirts and cords. I have brought Jamie's old 3/4 guitar down from the loft and have re-strung it, tuned it and bought a book on how-to-play-guitar-for-complete-beginners. I am looking longingly at VW Combi vans and we have arranged to go to a world-music festival with our neighbours in the summer (tents, tie-dye and veggie-burgers). If you fancy sitting on the grass lacing daises in our hair and calling each other sister, why don't you come join my commune?
We have decorated (mostly) our bedroom. It was the only room we hadn't done anything with since we bought the house, so we camped in Jamie's room for the weekend and painted the walls. Unfortunately when we moved one of the bookcases it revealed a damp patch that was caused by a leaky down pipe outside, so now we need to get the builders in.
Jamie came down for a visit this weekend, the first time we have seen him since before New Years. It was great to see him again and we all had a nice time when some of the Aunts and Uncle's came over for dinner. He seems to be enjoying the student life to the full and refers to his place in Hull as home (so much so he and his flatmates have paid a deposit to stay at the house next year).
I think I am going through a mid-life crisis. My hair has grown long, I am wearing leather bracelets with cartoon t-shirts and cords. I have brought Jamie's old 3/4 guitar down from the loft and have re-strung it, tuned it and bought a book on how-to-play-guitar-for-complete-beginners. I am looking longingly at VW Combi vans and we have arranged to go to a world-music festival with our neighbours in the summer (tents, tie-dye and veggie-burgers). If you fancy sitting on the grass lacing daises in our hair and calling each other sister, why don't you come join my commune?
We have decorated (mostly) our bedroom. It was the only room we hadn't done anything with since we bought the house, so we camped in Jamie's room for the weekend and painted the walls. Unfortunately when we moved one of the bookcases it revealed a damp patch that was caused by a leaky down pipe outside, so now we need to get the builders in.
Jamie came down for a visit this weekend, the first time we have seen him since before New Years. It was great to see him again and we all had a nice time when some of the Aunts and Uncle's came over for dinner. He seems to be enjoying the student life to the full and refers to his place in Hull as home (so much so he and his flatmates have paid a deposit to stay at the house next year).
More of wot I have read…
Croydon Airport: The great Days, 1928-1939
A historical record of the beginnings of the UK's first international airport from its amalgamation of earlier military and civil sites to the outbreak of WWII and its temporary return to military use. Now the site is half open field and half housing and industrial estate with the only evidence being the airport terminal building, hotel and some obscure road names to hint at its past. Not many locals realise the importance of Croydon, and its role in early civil flying. I have been looking into the history in the hope that I can use some of the events in a children's story, perhaps linking Croydon with New Zealand with record breaking pioneers like Jean Batten.
Links
Croydon Gov
Croydon Online
A historical record of the beginnings of the UK's first international airport from its amalgamation of earlier military and civil sites to the outbreak of WWII and its temporary return to military use. Now the site is half open field and half housing and industrial estate with the only evidence being the airport terminal building, hotel and some obscure road names to hint at its past. Not many locals realise the importance of Croydon, and its role in early civil flying. I have been looking into the history in the hope that I can use some of the events in a children's story, perhaps linking Croydon with New Zealand with record breaking pioneers like Jean Batten.
Links
Croydon Gov
Croydon Online
More of wot I have watched…
The Aviator
We saw this with our friends James and Nikala, and we were not so impressed with this movie, in fact the girls both fell asleep during it. There was something about the Martin Scorsese's directing that made you feel that at anytime soon the cast were all going to burst into a song and dance routine. I have seen much better bio-pics of Howard Hughes on TV. All in all this was a bit of a let down after all the hype in the media.
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
This is an odd and convoluted sort of film, something I quite like, but Sue didn't. It has a good cast led by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. There are a great many scenes out of order, flashbacks and dream like sequences, which don't suit everyone, but there is a deeper level of moral and ethical subtext.
House of Flying Daggers
We saw this with Jamie, and it is his opinion that there was too much love-story and not enough flying daggers. It did make him want a sword - to Sue's obvious distress. This is a beautiful picturesque film, with wonderful characters (the lead actors are great). It has the same super-human special effects that 'crouching-tiger, hidden-dragon' had but it does have a little more plot. Great heroic adventurer fun.
Ladies in Lavender
This is a lovely, slow and touching story of hope and regret, played out by a couple of fabulous dames (Dench and Smith). In a sleepy 1930's Cornish seaside village under a cloud of war a young foreigner is cast ashore barely alive.
We saw this with our friends James and Nikala, and we were not so impressed with this movie, in fact the girls both fell asleep during it. There was something about the Martin Scorsese's directing that made you feel that at anytime soon the cast were all going to burst into a song and dance routine. I have seen much better bio-pics of Howard Hughes on TV. All in all this was a bit of a let down after all the hype in the media.
The Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind
This is an odd and convoluted sort of film, something I quite like, but Sue didn't. It has a good cast led by Jim Carrey and Kate Winslet. There are a great many scenes out of order, flashbacks and dream like sequences, which don't suit everyone, but there is a deeper level of moral and ethical subtext.
House of Flying Daggers
We saw this with Jamie, and it is his opinion that there was too much love-story and not enough flying daggers. It did make him want a sword - to Sue's obvious distress. This is a beautiful picturesque film, with wonderful characters (the lead actors are great). It has the same super-human special effects that 'crouching-tiger, hidden-dragon' had but it does have a little more plot. Great heroic adventurer fun.
Ladies in Lavender
This is a lovely, slow and touching story of hope and regret, played out by a couple of fabulous dames (Dench and Smith). In a sleepy 1930's Cornish seaside village under a cloud of war a young foreigner is cast ashore barely alive.
Monday, February 14, 2005
More of wot I have heard…
I have eventually managed to track down a copy of ‘The Clarence Greenwood Recordings’ by Citizen Cope. Strangely enough his real name is Clarence Greenwood.
I have wanted to get a copy of this for some time now after I heard some of the songs on the Seattle radio station KEXP. It has not been released here in the UK and I’ve not heard it played on any of the local stations.
He has a bluesy gruff and very soulful sound and his lyrics are both moving and playful at the same time, irreverent and yet passionate. I think it is an album that you might put on late at night in a darkened room when you have your feet up with a glass of what-you-like in hand.
Check out his site and try some of the samples. See what you think.
I have wanted to get a copy of this for some time now after I heard some of the songs on the Seattle radio station KEXP. It has not been released here in the UK and I’ve not heard it played on any of the local stations.
He has a bluesy gruff and very soulful sound and his lyrics are both moving and playful at the same time, irreverent and yet passionate. I think it is an album that you might put on late at night in a darkened room when you have your feet up with a glass of what-you-like in hand.
Check out his site and try some of the samples. See what you think.
More of wot I have watched…
On Sunday we arranged to meet James and Nikala at the cinema late morning where we watched the incredibly moving Spanish film ‘The Sea Inside’.
This is not an easy film, based as it is on the true story of a quadriplegic’s fight for the right to end his life. Even so the acting is some of the absolute best I have ever seen and it more than maked up for the subject matter.
Take plenty of tissues to this one…
This is not an easy film, based as it is on the true story of a quadriplegic’s fight for the right to end his life. Even so the acting is some of the absolute best I have ever seen and it more than maked up for the subject matter.
Take plenty of tissues to this one…
Another lovely weekend...
Saturday we did some chores around the house and managed to get out onto the allotment getting it ready for the spring planting. I have my seed potatoes ‘chitting’ in the loft and I have put my onion sets into trays to start their roots growing. In the evening we went to a Valentines themed dinner party at Chris and Carole’s where we ate and drank more than we should have done. Very nice it was too.
Sunday we went out to the movies with James and Nikala and had a lovely roast chicken dinner and followed it with pancakes with glazed banana and maple syrup. Oh boy…
Sunday we went out to the movies with James and Nikala and had a lovely roast chicken dinner and followed it with pancakes with glazed banana and maple syrup. Oh boy…
Monday, February 07, 2005
Another year older…
Well here we go the last year of my 30’s.
Sue and I celebrated by driving down to the lovely Sussex town of Rye. Once an island defence against French invasion, it now sits miles from the see overlooking farmland. It is a bit teashops-and-antiques, but even so it is nice at this time of the year. I can imagine it would be absolutely heaving during the summer months. As it was it took us a while to find accommodation, which we did in the Borough Arms, a family run 300 year old former sailors' inn situated alongside Mermaid Street, overlooking the Strand. After a leisurely drive down we freshened up and took to the cobbled streets and had a look at the local places of interest. This did include a pub or two. We had a wonderful evening meal at the highly recommended The Flushing Inn.
On Sunday, after unwrapping a super haul of pressies (thanks everybody), we stoked up on a Full-English and set off to explore more of the countryside by car. We headed down to the coast to see the sea defences (it is a little unnerving to stand on them and realise that the sea is higher than land behind the barrier). We stopped in Hastings for a ramble around for a few hours before head back homewards.
Near home we stopped at the former Croydon Aerodrome which has an open day on the first Sunday of each month, luckily. We spent a few more hours here being told the history of England’s first International Airport and of famous flyers like Lindbergh, Kingsford-Smith, Amy Johnson, Jean Batten and many more. Many of the guides worked at the airport or flew from it and it was very inspiring to hear their stories.
Sue and I celebrated by driving down to the lovely Sussex town of Rye. Once an island defence against French invasion, it now sits miles from the see overlooking farmland. It is a bit teashops-and-antiques, but even so it is nice at this time of the year. I can imagine it would be absolutely heaving during the summer months. As it was it took us a while to find accommodation, which we did in the Borough Arms, a family run 300 year old former sailors' inn situated alongside Mermaid Street, overlooking the Strand. After a leisurely drive down we freshened up and took to the cobbled streets and had a look at the local places of interest. This did include a pub or two. We had a wonderful evening meal at the highly recommended The Flushing Inn.
On Sunday, after unwrapping a super haul of pressies (thanks everybody), we stoked up on a Full-English and set off to explore more of the countryside by car. We headed down to the coast to see the sea defences (it is a little unnerving to stand on them and realise that the sea is higher than land behind the barrier). We stopped in Hastings for a ramble around for a few hours before head back homewards.
Near home we stopped at the former Croydon Aerodrome which has an open day on the first Sunday of each month, luckily. We spent a few more hours here being told the history of England’s first International Airport and of famous flyers like Lindbergh, Kingsford-Smith, Amy Johnson, Jean Batten and many more. Many of the guides worked at the airport or flew from it and it was very inspiring to hear their stories.
More of wot I have read…
Elle Minow Pea by Mark Dunn
This book was a Christmas present from James and Nikala who bought it for its literary uniqueness. The book revolves around a famous pangram (a phrase, sentence or verse composed of all the letters of the alphabet). But it is the developing political fanaticism that drives the story and I must say that it is one of the only books where the story has actually wound me up. It is a very interesting and entertaining read.
‘As Ella Minnow Pea writes to her cousin with the latest news on the small, quiet island of Nollop, little does she imagine the crisis ahead. The letter z has fallen from the statue of Nevin Nollop, revered author of the sentence ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’ – and the island’s rulers interpret this as a sign of divine displeasure and ban its use in any form. In a novel composed of correspondence, the loss of z is inconvenient; but far worse is to come as more letters fall and more are banned, until only l, m, n, o, p remain…
The story of a battle against tyranny, this extraordinary novel, written with an ever-shrinking alphabet, is at once a moving love story, a brilliant political allegory and an unforgettable celebration of language.'
Pompeii by Robert Harris
This is a riveting read that I couldn’t put down. I love historical novels and one, like this, based on such a famous incident adds something due to the familiarity of the subject. It is great to read an account from such a personal viewpoint.
‘A sweltering week in late August. Where better to enjoy the last days of summer than on the beautiful Bay of Naples?
But even as Rome’s richest citizens relax in their villas around Pompeii and Herculaneum, there are ominous warnings that something is going wrong. Wells and springs are falling, a man has disappeared, and now the greatest aqueduct in the world – the mighty Aqua Augusta – has suddenly ceased to flow…
Through the eyes of four characters – a young engineer, an adolescent girl, a corrupt millionaire and an elderly scientist – Robert Harris brilliantly recreates a luxurious world on the brink of destruction.'
This book was a Christmas present from James and Nikala who bought it for its literary uniqueness. The book revolves around a famous pangram (a phrase, sentence or verse composed of all the letters of the alphabet). But it is the developing political fanaticism that drives the story and I must say that it is one of the only books where the story has actually wound me up. It is a very interesting and entertaining read.
‘As Ella Minnow Pea writes to her cousin with the latest news on the small, quiet island of Nollop, little does she imagine the crisis ahead. The letter z has fallen from the statue of Nevin Nollop, revered author of the sentence ‘The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog’ – and the island’s rulers interpret this as a sign of divine displeasure and ban its use in any form. In a novel composed of correspondence, the loss of z is inconvenient; but far worse is to come as more letters fall and more are banned, until only l, m, n, o, p remain…
The story of a battle against tyranny, this extraordinary novel, written with an ever-shrinking alphabet, is at once a moving love story, a brilliant political allegory and an unforgettable celebration of language.'
Pompeii by Robert Harris
This is a riveting read that I couldn’t put down. I love historical novels and one, like this, based on such a famous incident adds something due to the familiarity of the subject. It is great to read an account from such a personal viewpoint.
‘A sweltering week in late August. Where better to enjoy the last days of summer than on the beautiful Bay of Naples?
But even as Rome’s richest citizens relax in their villas around Pompeii and Herculaneum, there are ominous warnings that something is going wrong. Wells and springs are falling, a man has disappeared, and now the greatest aqueduct in the world – the mighty Aqua Augusta – has suddenly ceased to flow…
Through the eyes of four characters – a young engineer, an adolescent girl, a corrupt millionaire and an elderly scientist – Robert Harris brilliantly recreates a luxurious world on the brink of destruction.'
Old Folk Heads…
Planxty might not ring any bells for many people unless you are an original folky. For those in the know they are one of the most popular Irish Folk bands of the 70’s and a vehicle for the skills of Donal Lunny (bouzouki, vocals), Andy Irvine (bouzouki, mandola), Liam O’Flynn (uilleann pipes), and Christy Moore (guitar, vocals). After two decades the band has got together again to tour the UK. We took Terry and Joyce (old folkys) who are very familiar with Planxty (Their dog is called Liam, the neighbours is Flynn).
We had a lovely Italian meal at Vecchio Parioli near the Barbican tube station. It had a very interesting and delicious menu.
We saw Planxty playing at the barbican on 30th January. The warm up act was another Irish artist called Luka Bloom. The guys came on a played solidly without break for what seamed like a couple of hours. Totally awesome they were too. If you haven’t heard uilleann pipes they are something else, and nobody knows how to play them better than Liam O’Flynn.
We had a lovely Italian meal at Vecchio Parioli near the Barbican tube station. It had a very interesting and delicious menu.
We saw Planxty playing at the barbican on 30th January. The warm up act was another Irish artist called Luka Bloom. The guys came on a played solidly without break for what seamed like a couple of hours. Totally awesome they were too. If you haven’t heard uilleann pipes they are something else, and nobody knows how to play them better than Liam O’Flynn.
Wednesday, February 02, 2005
After a long while I have again been playing DQ as Ular Rah Shan (though not quite as you might remember him - this is an old picture, but things have changed - ask the others!).
Dean ran a short campaign to the land of OZ. Things were never quite as they seemed which resulted in ever increasing levels of paranoia with humorous results. Michelle, Marc, Terry and Ross played the mixed level party and everybody seemed to enjoy themselves. It was fun.
Tuesday, January 18, 2005
More of wot I have watched…
We had a full-on evening on Saturday when we had a few friends and family over for dinner. Sue's sister, Deb, and husband Foggy, newlyweds Terry and Alexis and neighbours Deb and Dave came over. Deb, Fog, Terry and Alexis had recently returned from Australia where Terry and Alexis were married. Alexis didn't manage to last the night and had to be carried to bed.
In the morning after we saw Terry and Alexis off, Sue and I decided to get some fresh air and went for a long walk through the nearby park. Afterwards we took the tram to the entertainment complex where we had a bite to eat and then watched (or in Sue's case slept through) the film, Team America - World Police (the film that's putting the 'F' back into freedom).
This is some crazy puppet shit. Coming from the creators of South Park it has a lot of adult (or adolescent) themes. If you are someone who is easily offended then this is not a film for you. There is total puppet nudity and full sex, extreme violence resulting in dismembered puppets and destruction of several cities, and large amounts of profanity in outrageous accents (we actually saw the subtitled version and I think it helps!).
The best bits for me were the Cairo 'cantina' scene (hey! This looks and sounds familiar - does George Lucas know?), and the Kim Jong Il's song 'I'm so ronery'.
In the morning after we saw Terry and Alexis off, Sue and I decided to get some fresh air and went for a long walk through the nearby park. Afterwards we took the tram to the entertainment complex where we had a bite to eat and then watched (or in Sue's case slept through) the film, Team America - World Police (the film that's putting the 'F' back into freedom).
This is some crazy puppet shit. Coming from the creators of South Park it has a lot of adult (or adolescent) themes. If you are someone who is easily offended then this is not a film for you. There is total puppet nudity and full sex, extreme violence resulting in dismembered puppets and destruction of several cities, and large amounts of profanity in outrageous accents (we actually saw the subtitled version and I think it helps!).
The best bits for me were the Cairo 'cantina' scene (hey! This looks and sounds familiar - does George Lucas know?), and the Kim Jong Il's song 'I'm so ronery'.
Friday, January 14, 2005
More of wot I have read…
Pattern Recognition, by William Gibson
This is a good book but a slight departure for Gibson as it deals in the present rather than the Cyber-Punk future he is more commonly known for. Much of what is in this book is already out there, even if only at the fringes. I like a bit of conspiracy theory and this has it by the bucket load.
'It's only called paranoia if you can't prove it.
Cayce is in London to work. Her pathological sensitivity to brands makes her the perfect divining rod for an ad agency that wants to test a new logo. But when she is co-opted into a search for the creator of a strangely addictive on-line film, Cayce wonders if she has done the right - or indeed, safe - thing. And that's before violence, Japanese computer crazies and Russian Mafia men are in the mix. But she wants to discover the source of the film too, and the truth of her fathers disappearance in New York, two years ago. And from the way people are trying to stop her, it looks like she's getting close…'
This is a good book but a slight departure for Gibson as it deals in the present rather than the Cyber-Punk future he is more commonly known for. Much of what is in this book is already out there, even if only at the fringes. I like a bit of conspiracy theory and this has it by the bucket load.
'It's only called paranoia if you can't prove it.
Cayce is in London to work. Her pathological sensitivity to brands makes her the perfect divining rod for an ad agency that wants to test a new logo. But when she is co-opted into a search for the creator of a strangely addictive on-line film, Cayce wonders if she has done the right - or indeed, safe - thing. And that's before violence, Japanese computer crazies and Russian Mafia men are in the mix. But she wants to discover the source of the film too, and the truth of her fathers disappearance in New York, two years ago. And from the way people are trying to stop her, it looks like she's getting close…'
Global Dimming…
I saw a thought-provoking documentary last night on Horizon about Global Dimming. Why the sun seems to be 'dimming'.
It turns out that the rich polluting European countries may have been responsible for the horrific Ethiopian droughts of several decades ago. Unfortunately the 'cleaning' (removing particles but not removing greenhouse gasses) could actually create a far worse problem to come.
Are we actually ruining the world for OUR children?
'Scientists are now worried that dimming, by shielding the oceans from the full power of the Sun, may be disrupting the pattern of the world's rainfall.
There are suggestions that dimming was behind the droughts in sub-Saharan Africa, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the 1970s and 80s.
There are disturbing hints the same thing may be happening today in Asia, home to half the world's population.
"My main concern is global dimming is also having a detrimental impact on the Asian monsoon," says Professor Veerhabhadran Ramanathan, professor of climate and atmospheric sciences at the University of California, San Diego. "We are talking about billions of people."
Even the most pessimistic forecasts of global warming may now have to be drastically revised upwards.
That means a temperature rise of 10 degrees Celsius by 2100 could be on the cards, giving the UK a climate like that of North Africa, and rendering many parts of the world uninhabitable.
That is unless we act urgently to curb our emissions of greenhouse gases.'
It turns out that the rich polluting European countries may have been responsible for the horrific Ethiopian droughts of several decades ago. Unfortunately the 'cleaning' (removing particles but not removing greenhouse gasses) could actually create a far worse problem to come.
Are we actually ruining the world for OUR children?
'Scientists are now worried that dimming, by shielding the oceans from the full power of the Sun, may be disrupting the pattern of the world's rainfall.
There are suggestions that dimming was behind the droughts in sub-Saharan Africa, which claimed hundreds of thousands of lives in the 1970s and 80s.
There are disturbing hints the same thing may be happening today in Asia, home to half the world's population.
"My main concern is global dimming is also having a detrimental impact on the Asian monsoon," says Professor Veerhabhadran Ramanathan, professor of climate and atmospheric sciences at the University of California, San Diego. "We are talking about billions of people."
Even the most pessimistic forecasts of global warming may now have to be drastically revised upwards.
That means a temperature rise of 10 degrees Celsius by 2100 could be on the cards, giving the UK a climate like that of North Africa, and rendering many parts of the world uninhabitable.
That is unless we act urgently to curb our emissions of greenhouse gases.'
Legalisation of drugs…
The BBC 'If…' series has been very good. It is an accessible introduction to some very controversial, but increasingly possible, 'what if' worst case scenarios. It combines drama and documentary to present a well-balanced view of how the world might become if certain things continue the way they appear to be heading.
This week's subject was 'If… drugs were legal' and proved to be very believable and frightening.
What do you think is the right thing to do?
This week's subject was 'If… drugs were legal' and proved to be very believable and frightening.
What do you think is the right thing to do?
Tuesday, January 04, 2005
Back to work…
Well here we go again, back at the grind stone (actually the extra effort made before Christmas means I have enough time to Blog - so at least I can ease back into it slowly).
Now we start making plans for the year to come (every weekend from now until the 14th Feb is full already).
Looking forward to the holidays…
Now we start making plans for the year to come (every weekend from now until the 14th Feb is full already).
Looking forward to the holidays…
More of wot I have watched…
We went to see Lemony Snicket's - a Series of Unfortunate Events, starring Jim Carrey as the evil Count Olaf. This is a dreadfully wonderful children's movie that has plenty to keep the grown-ups entertained too.
The movie is based on a series of Lemony Snicket books that are very popular in America.
Almost an equivalent to the Harry Potter series.
We went with James and Nikala to the early afternoon showing and invited them back to ours for dinner. Sue had got a pasta maker for Christmas so we decided to try it out on friends. Once you role the sheets you are supposed to leave them to dry a little before you pass them through the cutters (unfortunately we left them to dry for a couple of hour while we went to the movies - so some of them didn't come out to well). Also the cutter has a dodge cog that keeps coming out of mesh, stopping the pasta from feeding properly. Nevertheless together we all managed to make more than enough pasta for the four of us, and we all agreed it definitely tastes better freshly made.
The movie is based on a series of Lemony Snicket books that are very popular in America.
Almost an equivalent to the Harry Potter series.
We went with James and Nikala to the early afternoon showing and invited them back to ours for dinner. Sue had got a pasta maker for Christmas so we decided to try it out on friends. Once you role the sheets you are supposed to leave them to dry a little before you pass them through the cutters (unfortunately we left them to dry for a couple of hour while we went to the movies - so some of them didn't come out to well). Also the cutter has a dodge cog that keeps coming out of mesh, stopping the pasta from feeding properly. Nevertheless together we all managed to make more than enough pasta for the four of us, and we all agreed it definitely tastes better freshly made.
Happy New Year…
We spent our New Years at home with a few friends (Deb, Dave & little Tom, and Dean & Michelle) engaging in our favourite activities of eating and drinking. Sue had made a wonderful Moroccan inspired meal starting with spiced vegetable pies, lamb filo parcels, and samosas. The main course was lamb stuffed with dried fruits and covered in harisa. Dave made a delicious Italian custard desert. We washed this down with a few wines, some with bubbles, and topped it of with something stronger from the spirit cabinet.
We saw the New Year in with kisses and hugs and phone calls but soon after we turned in, no long sessions for us.
We were slow to start the next day and we were trying to recharge our batteries with caffeine at breakfast with Dean and Michelle when we had a call inviting us up into town to meet some Kiwi friends for lunch. So we found our selves a few hours latter eating Chinese in China Town with Marc & Heather, Terry and Ross.
Sue and I returned home to rest in front of the television.
Happy New Year to you all…
We saw the New Year in with kisses and hugs and phone calls but soon after we turned in, no long sessions for us.
We were slow to start the next day and we were trying to recharge our batteries with caffeine at breakfast with Dean and Michelle when we had a call inviting us up into town to meet some Kiwi friends for lunch. So we found our selves a few hours latter eating Chinese in China Town with Marc & Heather, Terry and Ross.
Sue and I returned home to rest in front of the television.
Happy New Year to you all…
More of wot I have read…
Billy: by Pamela Stephenson
This is an interesting and entertaining book if you are a fan of Billy Connolly. It is well written and captures Billy's 'voice' well in many places. The only downfall is Pamela Stephenson's habit of name-dropping can become a bit overdone.
It gives you a feel of the difficulties Billy had to endure and overcome in his early childhood which fashioned his outlook and give rise to many of his insecurities and manias. But overall it shows that he has an uncommon view of life and the ability that borders on genius for bring that viewpoint out to an audience.
The only time I have seen him live I was made helpless from laughing so much that I couldn't move or breathe from the ache in my side.
This is an interesting and entertaining book if you are a fan of Billy Connolly. It is well written and captures Billy's 'voice' well in many places. The only downfall is Pamela Stephenson's habit of name-dropping can become a bit overdone.
It gives you a feel of the difficulties Billy had to endure and overcome in his early childhood which fashioned his outlook and give rise to many of his insecurities and manias. But overall it shows that he has an uncommon view of life and the ability that borders on genius for bring that viewpoint out to an audience.
The only time I have seen him live I was made helpless from laughing so much that I couldn't move or breathe from the ache in my side.
Friday, December 31, 2004
And once again…
We continued the festive season with a few more gatherings. We had our good friends Chris and Carole and their girls around for sausage, liver, bacon mash and bubble-and-squeak the next day and on the following day Sue and I visited old friends from a previous company we worked with for an annual walk in the park and meal out gathering.
Needless to say we were quite happy for a quieter day after that so we did a bit of shopping, watched the box and then made our way with Jamie into London. He was heading back to Hull, not that Uni’ starts yet, but he had an invite to a New Years bash and the booze is so much cheaper up north. We did manage to fit another meal in, this time Jaime’s favourite of Chinese in China Town.
We came home and collapsed in front of the television.
Next it is the New Years celebrations…
Needless to say we were quite happy for a quieter day after that so we did a bit of shopping, watched the box and then made our way with Jamie into London. He was heading back to Hull, not that Uni’ starts yet, but he had an invite to a New Years bash and the booze is so much cheaper up north. We did manage to fit another meal in, this time Jaime’s favourite of Chinese in China Town.
We came home and collapsed in front of the television.
Next it is the New Years celebrations…
A family gathering…
Jamie returned from Spain on the 27th and we had arranged for many of Sue’s family to come over to our place for another Christmas Dinner. We had a dozen family members squeezed around our table (we did the party borrowing-chairs-from-the-neighbours dash to gather enough seats).
Sue made a superb traditional spread and with the exception of the carrots (ours are a little too deformed) the veggies were all our own (we are still picking plenty of roots and winter greens even now). It was all very jolly and Sue even managed to talk to the only missing sibling, her sister, who called from Australia where she was on holiday.
Exactly what Christmas is all about; family.
Sue made a superb traditional spread and with the exception of the carrots (ours are a little too deformed) the veggies were all our own (we are still picking plenty of roots and winter greens even now). It was all very jolly and Sue even managed to talk to the only missing sibling, her sister, who called from Australia where she was on holiday.
Exactly what Christmas is all about; family.
Merry Christmas…
We often arrange to see Joyce and Terry at Christmas and they certainly know how to overindulge in style. This year Jamie was in Spain visiting his father (He hadn’t seen him since his birthday after moving to University in Hull) – we had seen him for a few hours as he travelled down on his way to catch his plane. Sue and I travelled up to my Aunt and Uncle's on Christmas Eve after I finished work, and we started as we meant to carry on; toasting the festive season with a glass or two of champagne. We had a wonderful evening eating and drinking and managed a few, semi-coherent, words with my family in New Zealand when they rang.
On Christmas day we exchanged presents and later in the morning, after breakfast, we walked along the canal to the Grand Junction Arms where we relaxed with a couple of revivers before walking back. We were accompanied on our way back by a kingfisher that skimmed the surface of the canal from branch to overhanging branch.
Having kept of the sauce, so far, I drove us down to our mutual friends Brian and Julie’s where we were having our traditional dinner with them and their two young daughters. Brian is very creative in the kitchen and enjoys making the most mouth watering meals. This year he had arranged for his butcher to stuff a boned turkey with a ham covered in stuffing.
Many hours of eating and drinking later, we staggered into the freezing winter’s night and weaved and giggled our way home.
Not having the endurance to continue at that pace (and knowing we had much more of the same to come), Sue and I left on Boxing Day to return home where we had ham, egg and chips with Sue’s mum at her place (glory be - a favourite meal of mine).
Ah yes! Loosen the belt… here we go again…
On Christmas day we exchanged presents and later in the morning, after breakfast, we walked along the canal to the Grand Junction Arms where we relaxed with a couple of revivers before walking back. We were accompanied on our way back by a kingfisher that skimmed the surface of the canal from branch to overhanging branch.
Having kept of the sauce, so far, I drove us down to our mutual friends Brian and Julie’s where we were having our traditional dinner with them and their two young daughters. Brian is very creative in the kitchen and enjoys making the most mouth watering meals. This year he had arranged for his butcher to stuff a boned turkey with a ham covered in stuffing.
Many hours of eating and drinking later, we staggered into the freezing winter’s night and weaved and giggled our way home.
Not having the endurance to continue at that pace (and knowing we had much more of the same to come), Sue and I left on Boxing Day to return home where we had ham, egg and chips with Sue’s mum at her place (glory be - a favourite meal of mine).
Ah yes! Loosen the belt… here we go again…
Tin and Aluminium…
Apparently the 10th wedding anniversary is either tin or aluminium and for us it was on the 23rd of December. I was at work that day so we had arranged to spend the evening at a posh hotel is East Sussex.
Sue came with me in the morning and spent the day in Crawley battling with the last minute Christmas shoppers until she could face it no more and took shelter in a coffee shop. I managed to get away from work at three as I had worked late the day before and my boss couldn’t refuse once he knew of our arrangements. So I picked Sue up from town and we drove off into the countryside to the wonderful Alexander House Hotel.
Set in its own private gardens this secluded hotel was once a grand estate with family connections to Bysshe and Shelly. Later additions were made by William Campbell, a Governor of the Bank of England. The place is currently undergoing further extensions to include Spa facilities.
While we were checking we were asked if we were there for the Christmas Party and we told them that we were there for our 10th wedding anniversary. The man at the desk asked if we had requested this particular room specially and when we said we hadn’t (we just asked for a standard room), he pick up another key and escorted through the lovely Georgian hall and up the grand stairs to a door that he opened, and said with a smile “I hope you like this room. If you have a problem with it I am sure we can change it for you…” We looked into the master bedroom with its canopied bed and managed to squeak “Oh! It’s fine, thank you” We had been upgraded to a Luxury Feature Suite which consisted of a fabulous bedroom, a drawing room, a large bathroom with a claw-footed free-standing bath and a dressing room with chaise lounge and his and hers sinks. As we collected our bags from the car our bottle of chilled champagne followed. We had a wonderful few hours relaxing in the luxury and slowly preparing for the evening meal.
When we came down we found the bar full of the Christmas Party guests so we were shown to a sumptuous leather suite in front of a log fire where our drinks were brought to us along with canapés of quails eggs topped with caviar and slivers of duck breast on hand made biscuits (this is the way to live). We listened to the birds singing in the large Victorian birdcage while we chose our meal and wine and then we were escorted through to the dinning room. We were given another little entrée, this time a slice of beef Wellington in gravy, before our food was served. Sue had Ravioli of Lobster and Crab, Celeriac Puree and Armagnac Sauce to start, followed by Roasted Wild Sea Bass and Hand Dived Scallop, Pomme Fondant, Asian Greens and Artichoke Sauce, and finished with Selection of Home County and Continental Cheeses, with Chutney. I had Warm Goats Cheese, Mediterranean Vegetable Fondue and Wild Rocket and Pistachio Pesto to start, followed by medallions of monkfish and finished with raspberry cheesecake. We had our coffees and petit-fours in the library.
The next day I dropped Sue off at the train station so that she could go home as I had to back into work for a few hours. That evening we packed up our pressies and headed of to Joyce and Terry’s for the start of our Christmas.
Sue came with me in the morning and spent the day in Crawley battling with the last minute Christmas shoppers until she could face it no more and took shelter in a coffee shop. I managed to get away from work at three as I had worked late the day before and my boss couldn’t refuse once he knew of our arrangements. So I picked Sue up from town and we drove off into the countryside to the wonderful Alexander House Hotel.
Set in its own private gardens this secluded hotel was once a grand estate with family connections to Bysshe and Shelly. Later additions were made by William Campbell, a Governor of the Bank of England. The place is currently undergoing further extensions to include Spa facilities.
While we were checking we were asked if we were there for the Christmas Party and we told them that we were there for our 10th wedding anniversary. The man at the desk asked if we had requested this particular room specially and when we said we hadn’t (we just asked for a standard room), he pick up another key and escorted through the lovely Georgian hall and up the grand stairs to a door that he opened, and said with a smile “I hope you like this room. If you have a problem with it I am sure we can change it for you…” We looked into the master bedroom with its canopied bed and managed to squeak “Oh! It’s fine, thank you” We had been upgraded to a Luxury Feature Suite which consisted of a fabulous bedroom, a drawing room, a large bathroom with a claw-footed free-standing bath and a dressing room with chaise lounge and his and hers sinks. As we collected our bags from the car our bottle of chilled champagne followed. We had a wonderful few hours relaxing in the luxury and slowly preparing for the evening meal.
When we came down we found the bar full of the Christmas Party guests so we were shown to a sumptuous leather suite in front of a log fire where our drinks were brought to us along with canapés of quails eggs topped with caviar and slivers of duck breast on hand made biscuits (this is the way to live). We listened to the birds singing in the large Victorian birdcage while we chose our meal and wine and then we were escorted through to the dinning room. We were given another little entrée, this time a slice of beef Wellington in gravy, before our food was served. Sue had Ravioli of Lobster and Crab, Celeriac Puree and Armagnac Sauce to start, followed by Roasted Wild Sea Bass and Hand Dived Scallop, Pomme Fondant, Asian Greens and Artichoke Sauce, and finished with Selection of Home County and Continental Cheeses, with Chutney. I had Warm Goats Cheese, Mediterranean Vegetable Fondue and Wild Rocket and Pistachio Pesto to start, followed by medallions of monkfish and finished with raspberry cheesecake. We had our coffees and petit-fours in the library.
The next day I dropped Sue off at the train station so that she could go home as I had to back into work for a few hours. That evening we packed up our pressies and headed of to Joyce and Terry’s for the start of our Christmas.
Tuesday, December 21, 2004
Middle of winter…
It is the Winter Solstice today, which means it will probably start getting dark not long after lunchtime.
On the other hand it does mean it's downhill towards summer from now on.
On the other hand it does mean it's downhill towards summer from now on.
The best way to see a film…
Last night we went to see the Polar Express at the IMAX theatre at Waterloo.
The overwhelming consensus of our party (Chris, Carole and their three girls and Sue and me) was that this was the best way to see this film.
The Polar Express 3D has been designed just for this type of experience and it feels as if you are in some sort of theme park ride.
The only down side was having to wear uncomfortable 3D glasses (over my normal pair). This made the whole audience look like they were part of some bizarre Timmy Mallet convention.
The movie is supposed to be very good as it is, but if you have a choice go for 3D.
The overwhelming consensus of our party (Chris, Carole and their three girls and Sue and me) was that this was the best way to see this film.
The Polar Express 3D has been designed just for this type of experience and it feels as if you are in some sort of theme park ride.
The only down side was having to wear uncomfortable 3D glasses (over my normal pair). This made the whole audience look like they were part of some bizarre Timmy Mallet convention.
The movie is supposed to be very good as it is, but if you have a choice go for 3D.
Thursday, December 16, 2004
A busy time of year…
It is becoming like a military operation organising our selves at this time of year. We have almost every day planned - visiting family and friends, Christmas shopping, decorating Jamie's room, taking the cat to the vets…
We saw Jamie for a few hours last night and again this morning as he passed by on his way to Spain for Christmas. He has just finished his first lot of exams, which he was positive about (he is still finding Maths a challenge). We are in the process of fixing his room up and have just finished painting (just some touching up to do) and hanging new curtains. We still have the carpet fitters coming in the beginning of next year. Then we can move some more furniture in.
I find shopping a struggle at the best of times and I do not like large crowds, so at Christmas it can become even worse. There is so much 'junk' out there that it is difficult to find anything special in amongst it all.
We saw Jamie for a few hours last night and again this morning as he passed by on his way to Spain for Christmas. He has just finished his first lot of exams, which he was positive about (he is still finding Maths a challenge). We are in the process of fixing his room up and have just finished painting (just some touching up to do) and hanging new curtains. We still have the carpet fitters coming in the beginning of next year. Then we can move some more furniture in.
I find shopping a struggle at the best of times and I do not like large crowds, so at Christmas it can become even worse. There is so much 'junk' out there that it is difficult to find anything special in amongst it all.
Monday, December 13, 2004
Soon be Christmas...
On Friday we visited Dean and Michelle for dinner with Marc and Heather. We had a lovely meal of roast lamb and veggies with gravy and mint sauce, followed with by a choice (both is a choice!) of puddings with brandy butter and custard. It was all washed down by a couple of fine wines and helped along with some sparkling conversation (after a few wines it all seems sparkling). It was late when we left and we only just made the last train out of London (which was full to the gunwales with merry office workers and tired shoppers). Still it was fun.
Saturday and Sunday we spent most of our time redecorating Jamie's old room. A builder friend patched up the walls earlier in the week. Sue painted the woodwork while I went to the allotment for veggies for our Sunday dinner. Due to my natural height advantage (?) I painted the ceiling down to the picture rail.
On Sunday I put up the lining paper while Sue cleaned the rest of the house and put up the Christmas decorations. The walls will be painted during the week and then we can arrange for the carpet to be fitted (probably in the New Year). Later on our neighbours, Deb (of the broken leg), Dave and young Tom all came over for drinks and nibbles. Tom has way too much energy for his own good, but being cute he gets away with almost everything.
We are almost ready for Christmas, having bought most of the pressies, wrapped and posted some, written and posted most of our cards, and have almost filled our calendar with social events.
Saturday and Sunday we spent most of our time redecorating Jamie's old room. A builder friend patched up the walls earlier in the week. Sue painted the woodwork while I went to the allotment for veggies for our Sunday dinner. Due to my natural height advantage (?) I painted the ceiling down to the picture rail.
On Sunday I put up the lining paper while Sue cleaned the rest of the house and put up the Christmas decorations. The walls will be painted during the week and then we can arrange for the carpet to be fitted (probably in the New Year). Later on our neighbours, Deb (of the broken leg), Dave and young Tom all came over for drinks and nibbles. Tom has way too much energy for his own good, but being cute he gets away with almost everything.
We are almost ready for Christmas, having bought most of the pressies, wrapped and posted some, written and posted most of our cards, and have almost filled our calendar with social events.
Wednesday, December 08, 2004
Tuesday, December 07, 2004
More of wot I have read…
Kiwis Might Fly: Around New Zealand On Two Big Wheels, by Polly Evans
This is not a great book, but it is mildly diverting, which was the reason I bought it when I saw it in the airport recently. Something light to read on a subject I know something about. Nothing new in this book for Kiwi's and no great insights for non-Kiwi's either.
'When Polly Evans read a survey claiming that the last bastion of masculinity, the real Kiwi bloke, was about to breathe his last, she was seized by a sense of foreboding. Abandoning the London winter she took off on a motorbike for the windswept beaches and golden plains of New Zealand, hoping to root out some examples of this endangered species for posterity. But her challenges didn’t stop at the men.
Just weeks after passing her bike test, Polly rode from Auckland’s glitzy Viaduct Basin to the vineyards of Hawkes Bay and on to the Southern Alps. She found wild kiwis in the dead of night, kayaked among dolphins at dawn, and spent an evening on a remote hillside with a sheep-shearing gang. As she travelled, Polly reflected on the Maori warriors who carved their enemies’ bones into cutlery, the pioneer family who lived in a tree, and the flamboyant gold miners who lit their pipes with five-pound notes, and wondered how their descendents could have become pathologically obsessed with helpfulness and Coronation Street.
The author of the highly acclaimed It’s Not About the Tapas reaches some unexpected conclusions about the new New Zealand man – and finds that evolution has taken an unlikely twist.'
I know Terry Pratchett is one of those authors that can inspire total fanatic support or hatred, but I just like his books. I like the style of writing, his humour and sensitivities. They are a rollicking good read and the Monstrous Regiment is no exception.
'War has come to Discworld…again.
And, to no one's great surprise, the conflict centres around the small, insufferably arrogant, strictly fundamentalist duchy of Borogravia, which has long prided itself on its ability to beat up on its neighbours. This time, however, it's Borogravia that's getting its long-overdue comeuppance, which has left the country severely drained of young men.
Ever since her brother Paul marched off to battle a year ago, Polly Perks has been running The Duchess, her family's inn -- even though the revered national deity, Nuggan, has decreed that female ownership of a business is an Abomination. To keep The Duchess in the family, Polly must find her missing sibling. So she cuts off her hair, dons masculine garb, and sets out to join him in this man's army.
Polly is afraid that someone will see through her disguise; a fear that proves groundless when the legendary Sergeant Jackrum accepts her without question. Or perhaps the sergeant is too desperate to discriminate -- which would explain why a vampire, a troll, a zombie, a religious fanatic, and two uncommonly close "friends" are also eagerly welcomed into the fighting fold. Soon, Polly finds herself wondering about the myriad peculiarities of her new brothers-in-arms. It would appear that Polly "Ozzer" Perks is not the only grunt with a secret.'
This is not a great book, but it is mildly diverting, which was the reason I bought it when I saw it in the airport recently. Something light to read on a subject I know something about. Nothing new in this book for Kiwi's and no great insights for non-Kiwi's either.
'When Polly Evans read a survey claiming that the last bastion of masculinity, the real Kiwi bloke, was about to breathe his last, she was seized by a sense of foreboding. Abandoning the London winter she took off on a motorbike for the windswept beaches and golden plains of New Zealand, hoping to root out some examples of this endangered species for posterity. But her challenges didn’t stop at the men.
Just weeks after passing her bike test, Polly rode from Auckland’s glitzy Viaduct Basin to the vineyards of Hawkes Bay and on to the Southern Alps. She found wild kiwis in the dead of night, kayaked among dolphins at dawn, and spent an evening on a remote hillside with a sheep-shearing gang. As she travelled, Polly reflected on the Maori warriors who carved their enemies’ bones into cutlery, the pioneer family who lived in a tree, and the flamboyant gold miners who lit their pipes with five-pound notes, and wondered how their descendents could have become pathologically obsessed with helpfulness and Coronation Street.
The author of the highly acclaimed It’s Not About the Tapas reaches some unexpected conclusions about the new New Zealand man – and finds that evolution has taken an unlikely twist.'
Monstrous Regiment, by Terry Pratchett
I know Terry Pratchett is one of those authors that can inspire total fanatic support or hatred, but I just like his books. I like the style of writing, his humour and sensitivities. They are a rollicking good read and the Monstrous Regiment is no exception.
'War has come to Discworld…again.
And, to no one's great surprise, the conflict centres around the small, insufferably arrogant, strictly fundamentalist duchy of Borogravia, which has long prided itself on its ability to beat up on its neighbours. This time, however, it's Borogravia that's getting its long-overdue comeuppance, which has left the country severely drained of young men.
Ever since her brother Paul marched off to battle a year ago, Polly Perks has been running The Duchess, her family's inn -- even though the revered national deity, Nuggan, has decreed that female ownership of a business is an Abomination. To keep The Duchess in the family, Polly must find her missing sibling. So she cuts off her hair, dons masculine garb, and sets out to join him in this man's army.
Polly is afraid that someone will see through her disguise; a fear that proves groundless when the legendary Sergeant Jackrum accepts her without question. Or perhaps the sergeant is too desperate to discriminate -- which would explain why a vampire, a troll, a zombie, a religious fanatic, and two uncommonly close "friends" are also eagerly welcomed into the fighting fold. Soon, Polly finds herself wondering about the myriad peculiarities of her new brothers-in-arms. It would appear that Polly "Ozzer" Perks is not the only grunt with a secret.'
Birthday treats…
On the Sunday we returned into London this time to meet Joyce and Terry at the Victoria & Albert
It was Joyce's birthday, so we had a bit of culture (not too much - you can overdo those sort of things) and then we went and found a nice Italian restaurant near South Kensington where we could indulge our mutual passion for food and wine. We did revisit the museum later for a while to walk off some of the excesses before bidding each other farewell arranging to meet again at Christmas for more overindulgence.
It was Joyce's birthday, so we had a bit of culture (not too much - you can overdo those sort of things) and then we went and found a nice Italian restaurant near South Kensington where we could indulge our mutual passion for food and wine. We did revisit the museum later for a while to walk off some of the excesses before bidding each other farewell arranging to meet again at Christmas for more overindulgence.
Gig guide…
On Monday evening Sue and I went out to a 'gig' in North London. We went to see the Willard Grant Conspiracy play at the Garage in Highbury. The concert was opened by Rachel Goswell who is new to me but definitely has a lovely voice. I bought her CD at the gig, her first solo album since leaving the Mojave 3.
WGC came on later and played some old and new songs from their extensive back catalogue. Unfortunately they had too much amplification (you could feel your chest vibrate with the base). It really didn't suit their style of music. The venue also was too smoky, noisy and uncomfortable for us so this along with Sue's jet lag made us decide to leave before the end. We are just getting too old for going out on a 'school night'...
On Saturday we went out to a very different concert, this time at the Barbican. Before hand we went to Warterloo and the IMAX theatre to buy tickets for the new 3D film Polar Express. We are going to go with Chris, Carol and their three girls. It is supposed to be absolutely magical, even better in 3D.
After buying the tickets we wandered along the south bank of the Thames past the Millennium Wheel and to the Marriott for a glass of wine whilst sitting and watching Big Ben. Everything about London in winter at night is bright and sparkly and very picturesque.
Before the concert we went looking for a different place to eat, and we found it in a tiny vegetarian-Mediterranean restaurant towards Old Street. I think I am surprising myself, as it wasn't bad.
We went to see one of our favourite bands, Lambchop, play accompaniment to a silent movie, Sunrise - A Song of two Humans. The band came on and sat facing the screen in front of the audience. They had an eight-piece band, which is a small part of the overall loose collective that they can draw upon. The film was absolutely wonderful, both modern and archaic at the same time. Stunningly filmed in a stylish and uncomplicated way that shows how the skill of the director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau overcame the limitations of the technology in 1927.
The music of Lambchop initially seemed out of place with and old film, but soon you realised that it actually complemented the way the film was not about a particular place or time, but about the people involved. Much of the music written for this film became the basis for their double album AWCMONNOYOUCMON.
This was more our kind of scene...
WGC came on later and played some old and new songs from their extensive back catalogue. Unfortunately they had too much amplification (you could feel your chest vibrate with the base). It really didn't suit their style of music. The venue also was too smoky, noisy and uncomfortable for us so this along with Sue's jet lag made us decide to leave before the end. We are just getting too old for going out on a 'school night'...
On Saturday we went out to a very different concert, this time at the Barbican. Before hand we went to Warterloo and the IMAX theatre to buy tickets for the new 3D film Polar Express. We are going to go with Chris, Carol and their three girls. It is supposed to be absolutely magical, even better in 3D.
After buying the tickets we wandered along the south bank of the Thames past the Millennium Wheel and to the Marriott for a glass of wine whilst sitting and watching Big Ben. Everything about London in winter at night is bright and sparkly and very picturesque.
Before the concert we went looking for a different place to eat, and we found it in a tiny vegetarian-Mediterranean restaurant towards Old Street. I think I am surprising myself, as it wasn't bad.
We went to see one of our favourite bands, Lambchop, play accompaniment to a silent movie, Sunrise - A Song of two Humans. The band came on and sat facing the screen in front of the audience. They had an eight-piece band, which is a small part of the overall loose collective that they can draw upon. The film was absolutely wonderful, both modern and archaic at the same time. Stunningly filmed in a stylish and uncomplicated way that shows how the skill of the director Friedrich Wilhelm Murnau overcame the limitations of the technology in 1927.
The music of Lambchop initially seemed out of place with and old film, but soon you realised that it actually complemented the way the film was not about a particular place or time, but about the people involved. Much of the music written for this film became the basis for their double album AWCMONNOYOUCMON.
This was more our kind of scene...
A short break in New York…
Someone ought to have warned the Americans. Sue and five other girls went to New York for a Lilo's hen weekend. Sue shouted her sister Deb as a birthday present, and along with our godson's mum (another) Deb and a couple of Lilo's nursing friends they all headed off on Thursday.
Sleep was the last thing on their minds as they flew across the Atlantic and into JFK as they took advantage of the liquid refreshments. Sue did take on the role of group 'mum' to try and mitigate some of the possible excesses that may have ensued. When they did get to their hotel they found that the Quality Hotel was anything but. The offensive smell and damp and mouldy patches were totally unacceptable, so Sue rounded the girls up and got them re-housed in the Edison Hotel (a wonderful art-deco hotel right on Times Square).
The girls had a good time shopping as the current exchange rate is greatly in our favour and they enjoyed the nearby Christmas Market at Bryant Park. They enjoyed eating at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and to a posh place called 8½ which was located between 6th & 7th Ave and had the number 9 outside (recommended by a passing local), the food was delightful. A few drinks were had in the Piano Bar at the Hotel (they were the last ones to leave the hotel bar at four in the morning).
The Staten Island ferry is highly recommended as a free alternative way to see the views from the harbour.
The queues for the Empire State were too long on the Saturday, so they decided to go ice skating under the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center
After an hour in the line they managed to get on the ice hour 10 or 15 minutes before Sue's friend Deb fell badly and broke her leg. She was very brave and didn't complain as they waited for the paramedics to arrive. A short journey to the hospital and long wait later Sue told the other girls to go back to the hotel so that they would be fit enough to do some more sightseeing on Sunday. It took a long time for Deb to be fixed up and sent back to the hotel where Sue stayed with her.
While the other girls went up the Empire State on Sunday Sue stayed and acted as nurse getting things ready for their flight home. The airline upgraded both Deb and Sue to the flight beds which they both made the most of catching up on some their lost sleep.
They arrived back in the UK on the Monday morning.
Sleep was the last thing on their minds as they flew across the Atlantic and into JFK as they took advantage of the liquid refreshments. Sue did take on the role of group 'mum' to try and mitigate some of the possible excesses that may have ensued. When they did get to their hotel they found that the Quality Hotel was anything but. The offensive smell and damp and mouldy patches were totally unacceptable, so Sue rounded the girls up and got them re-housed in the Edison Hotel (a wonderful art-deco hotel right on Times Square).
The girls had a good time shopping as the current exchange rate is greatly in our favour and they enjoyed the nearby Christmas Market at Bryant Park. They enjoyed eating at the Oyster Bar in Grand Central Station and to a posh place called 8½ which was located between 6th & 7th Ave and had the number 9 outside (recommended by a passing local), the food was delightful. A few drinks were had in the Piano Bar at the Hotel (they were the last ones to leave the hotel bar at four in the morning).
The Staten Island ferry is highly recommended as a free alternative way to see the views from the harbour.
The queues for the Empire State were too long on the Saturday, so they decided to go ice skating under the Christmas tree at the Rockefeller Center
After an hour in the line they managed to get on the ice hour 10 or 15 minutes before Sue's friend Deb fell badly and broke her leg. She was very brave and didn't complain as they waited for the paramedics to arrive. A short journey to the hospital and long wait later Sue told the other girls to go back to the hotel so that they would be fit enough to do some more sightseeing on Sunday. It took a long time for Deb to be fixed up and sent back to the hotel where Sue stayed with her.
While the other girls went up the Empire State on Sunday Sue stayed and acted as nurse getting things ready for their flight home. The airline upgraded both Deb and Sue to the flight beds which they both made the most of catching up on some their lost sleep.
They arrived back in the UK on the Monday morning.
Sunday, November 21, 2004
Waiting on…
I didn’t think that I would have to working as a waiter this late in my career, but then again it was all for a good cause.
Good friends of ours were having a combined birthday party for two of their three young girls (Mum Carole, eldest and middle daughters Paige and Sophie all have their birthdays within a few days of each other). This year one of the girls presents was a trip in a limousine and a fully catered (Carole and Sue in the kitchen, Chris and me front of house) meal for friends.
Nine pre-teen girls were chaperoned by Chris in a stretch limo tour of the local (not very well chaperoned as they were pulled over by the police after a couple of girls leaned out of the windows (all adding to the excitement of the trip).
The girls were all dressed to the nines as were Chris and I in our bow ties and waiter outfits. They were treated like ladies with a (non-alcoholic) cocktail reception, before being announced into the dinning room for a full three course dinner (in French – mostly). They all played along wonderfully and had an enjoyable meal.
When dinner was over the fun continued with roulette, a playstation dance-mat game and karaoke in the back room. I made a discreet exit at this stage and went into the front room to watch TV.
Good friends of ours were having a combined birthday party for two of their three young girls (Mum Carole, eldest and middle daughters Paige and Sophie all have their birthdays within a few days of each other). This year one of the girls presents was a trip in a limousine and a fully catered (Carole and Sue in the kitchen, Chris and me front of house) meal for friends.
Nine pre-teen girls were chaperoned by Chris in a stretch limo tour of the local (not very well chaperoned as they were pulled over by the police after a couple of girls leaned out of the windows (all adding to the excitement of the trip).
The girls were all dressed to the nines as were Chris and I in our bow ties and waiter outfits. They were treated like ladies with a (non-alcoholic) cocktail reception, before being announced into the dinning room for a full three course dinner (in French – mostly). They all played along wonderfully and had an enjoyable meal.
When dinner was over the fun continued with roulette, a playstation dance-mat game and karaoke in the back room. I made a discreet exit at this stage and went into the front room to watch TV.
Out on a school night…
We were out at another musical event this week.
On Tuesday we went to see Ray Lamontagne play at Bush Hall. The venue is small and intimate, just how we like them (I get a bit claustrophobic in a large venue, and I think you miss something in the performance). It has a faded grandeur and has plenty of character. Luckily we were there early as only the first few managed to get a seat at the tables. The rest of the audience either sat on the floor at the front or stood near the bar at the rear.
The opening at was Rachael Yamagata and her all girl band. The difference amplification can make to acoustic instruments is amazing, they totally rocked the place. Her very passionate lyrics, mostly about relationship troubles, were very moving.
Ray Lamontagne is another unlikely star; bearded and quietly spoken it is hard to believe that he can produce such heartrending and powerful songs. He was occasionally accompanied by the best double bassist ever. They totally had the place rocking to there bluesy, country rock.
It was great fun apart from the necessary hours of public travelling to get there and back. Oh and it was so hard to get up in the morning.
On Tuesday we went to see Ray Lamontagne play at Bush Hall. The venue is small and intimate, just how we like them (I get a bit claustrophobic in a large venue, and I think you miss something in the performance). It has a faded grandeur and has plenty of character. Luckily we were there early as only the first few managed to get a seat at the tables. The rest of the audience either sat on the floor at the front or stood near the bar at the rear.
The opening at was Rachael Yamagata and her all girl band. The difference amplification can make to acoustic instruments is amazing, they totally rocked the place. Her very passionate lyrics, mostly about relationship troubles, were very moving.
Ray Lamontagne is another unlikely star; bearded and quietly spoken it is hard to believe that he can produce such heartrending and powerful songs. He was occasionally accompanied by the best double bassist ever. They totally had the place rocking to there bluesy, country rock.
It was great fun apart from the necessary hours of public travelling to get there and back. Oh and it was so hard to get up in the morning.
Monday, November 15, 2004
The silly season starts…
We have been out and about again and it sometimes feels like we are getting too old for it.
We went out to a concert recently at a fantastic venue. Although the concert was through the Barbican it was actually held at the LSO’s St Lukes
Before the ‘gig’ we stopped in at the Museum of London. Often overlooked this smaller museum, like its name suggests, is London-centric and has an amazing collection of artefacts all held in a lovely space, small enough to wander around in a few hours.
We then had a bite to eat at the Barbican's classy little Bistro before heading off to the venue.
We went to see a couple of artists that feature in my new collection; Iron & Wine (Sam Beam on guitar and lead vocals, his sister on tambourine and backing vocals, and his friend Patrick on banjo and guitar). Supporting them was Micha P Hinson singing and playing the guitar with a friend on the accordion.
The venue is great, open and airy but still intimate with contrasting architecture of the old church and modern seating arrangement. Both of the acts were fantastic, pared down to their basic elements they nevertheless managed to convey so much passion that comes from their mutual strength of good writing.
Also this week we caught up with quite a few of the Kiwi contingent as Gary and Mary and the kids breezed through town. We had dinner and a chat on Monday night and got the lowdown on Mary’s exciting kids clothing venture with the re-branding of her new shop Mesamis. Later in the week we met them again, this time in town with Dean and Michelle, Derek and Kate, and Marc and Heather. It was Heather’s birthday and so we were not short of an excuse to have a drink or two.
Sue, unfortunately, came down with a cold which has worn her out. So while she prepared a warming soup I did a little bit of work on the allotment to get it ready for the frosts to come. We harvested our bumper crop of chillies that, now we have brought into the warmth of the kitchen, are all turning a fiery red.
We went out to a concert recently at a fantastic venue. Although the concert was through the Barbican it was actually held at the LSO’s St Lukes
Before the ‘gig’ we stopped in at the Museum of London. Often overlooked this smaller museum, like its name suggests, is London-centric and has an amazing collection of artefacts all held in a lovely space, small enough to wander around in a few hours.
We then had a bite to eat at the Barbican's classy little Bistro before heading off to the venue.
We went to see a couple of artists that feature in my new collection; Iron & Wine (Sam Beam on guitar and lead vocals, his sister on tambourine and backing vocals, and his friend Patrick on banjo and guitar). Supporting them was Micha P Hinson singing and playing the guitar with a friend on the accordion.
The venue is great, open and airy but still intimate with contrasting architecture of the old church and modern seating arrangement. Both of the acts were fantastic, pared down to their basic elements they nevertheless managed to convey so much passion that comes from their mutual strength of good writing.
Also this week we caught up with quite a few of the Kiwi contingent as Gary and Mary and the kids breezed through town. We had dinner and a chat on Monday night and got the lowdown on Mary’s exciting kids clothing venture with the re-branding of her new shop Mesamis. Later in the week we met them again, this time in town with Dean and Michelle, Derek and Kate, and Marc and Heather. It was Heather’s birthday and so we were not short of an excuse to have a drink or two.
Sue, unfortunately, came down with a cold which has worn her out. So while she prepared a warming soup I did a little bit of work on the allotment to get it ready for the frosts to come. We harvested our bumper crop of chillies that, now we have brought into the warmth of the kitchen, are all turning a fiery red.
More of wot I have read…
Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, by Roddy Doyle
I had finished this book some time ago now, but I have been unable to write about it. It is a very difficult book for several reasons. The cultural references and language are hard to follow as Roddy Doyle writes in a particular late 60’s Irish vernacular. But, for me, the most difficult thing was that I found the main characters very troubling, almost alien. They are not necessarily evil, but they do exhibit the worst elements of children; bullies and cowards. If you like a challenging read go ahead, but I caution you there are parts of this book that are very haunting and desperately upsetting.
‘It is 1968. Patrick Clarke is ten. He loves George Best, Geronimo and the smell of his hot water bottle. He hates zoos, kissing and the boys from the Corporation houses. He can’t stand his little brother. He wants to be a missionary like Father Damien. He coerces the McCarthy twins and Willy Hancock into playing lepers. He never picks the scabs off his knees before they’re ready.
Kevin is his best friend. Their names are all over Barrytown, written with sticks in wet cement. They play football, knick-knack, jumping to the bottom of the sea. Shoplifting. Robbing ‘Football Monthly’ means four million years purgatory. But a good confession before you died and you’d go straight to heaven.
He wants to know why no one jumped in for him when Charles Leavy had been going to kill him. He wants to stop his da arguing with his ma. He’s confused: he sees everything but understands less and less…’
I had finished this book some time ago now, but I have been unable to write about it. It is a very difficult book for several reasons. The cultural references and language are hard to follow as Roddy Doyle writes in a particular late 60’s Irish vernacular. But, for me, the most difficult thing was that I found the main characters very troubling, almost alien. They are not necessarily evil, but they do exhibit the worst elements of children; bullies and cowards. If you like a challenging read go ahead, but I caution you there are parts of this book that are very haunting and desperately upsetting.
‘It is 1968. Patrick Clarke is ten. He loves George Best, Geronimo and the smell of his hot water bottle. He hates zoos, kissing and the boys from the Corporation houses. He can’t stand his little brother. He wants to be a missionary like Father Damien. He coerces the McCarthy twins and Willy Hancock into playing lepers. He never picks the scabs off his knees before they’re ready.
Kevin is his best friend. Their names are all over Barrytown, written with sticks in wet cement. They play football, knick-knack, jumping to the bottom of the sea. Shoplifting. Robbing ‘Football Monthly’ means four million years purgatory. But a good confession before you died and you’d go straight to heaven.
He wants to know why no one jumped in for him when Charles Leavy had been going to kill him. He wants to stop his da arguing with his ma. He’s confused: he sees everything but understands less and less…’
Sunday, November 07, 2004
New Music. From the sublime to the ridiculous…
I have been spending some money (umm… well… quite a lot actually), on new music. Again it is an eclectic mix, not to everybody’s taste, but I don’t think there is a dud amongst them.
New-Folk
Kings of Convenience – riot on an empty street,
This band is my new favourite. They are so laid back and chilled; it is hard not to listen to them without nodding off. The track ‘I’d rather dance with you’ is as fast paced as it gets – and even that won’t over stimulate. This album has beautifully crafted songs, simple music, and heartrending harmonies. It is absolutely sublime.
Willard Grant Conspiracy – regard the end,
With a slightly more ‘country’ feel this band are high up my scale of great music. Slightly rough around the edges but still beautiful.
Micah P. Hinson – and the gospel of progress,
New on the scene with his debut album it is a great offering that draws on his troubled past. Worth keeping an eye on.
Ray Lamontagne – trouble,
Another artist I hadn’t heard of before. I will be watching out for more from him too. Love the title track.
Country-ish
Jim White – drill a hole in the substrate and tell me what you see,
More ‘country’ than the others above. His songs initially appear to be a little less ‘serious’, but the message is still there, even if it is disguised in tracks like ‘if Jesus drove a motor home’.
Mex-Tex
Calexico – black heart,
Having fun in a foot-stomping sort of way. More of an EP than a full blown album this is a taster of the style and energy that is Calexico.
Folk-Indie
Elliot Smith – from a basement on the hill,
The posthumous release from Elliott Smith is a grower rather than the instant delight that was his XO album. A troubled artist that has inspired many others.
Earlimart – treble & tremble,
Definitely one artist inspired by Elliott Smith, so much so that this is basically a tribute album to the man.
Smog – knock knock,
Great stuff. I absolutely love the track ‘cold blooded old times’.
Rilo Kiley – more adventurous,
Beautiful and charming with a sense of humour and certain amount of edge. Jenny Lewis’s voice is sparky and haunting.
The Postal Service – give up,
Another great album. The band gets its name from the way the album was created. The members of the band would send partial completed tracks to each other.
Wilco – a ghost is born,
A big name in this genre and deservedly so. More mainstream than the others but still very much with thier own sound.
Electronica
Flunk – for sleepyheads only,
A contrast to the more paired down music of the new folk scene the electronica groups are full of rich and heavily processed sounds. Still on the mellow side but ever so slightly dancey.
Her Space Holiday – the young machines,
New to me, but that’s what I look for in my music. Good stuff here, well worth a try.
Neotropic – white rabbits,
Not so heavily processed. Somewhere between Indie and Electronica. Sweet sounding.
Sigur Ros – ( ),
Definitely towards the weirder end of the scale. This album has no title, track listing, bio notes, or anything that could be construed as information. Still I guess it’s all about the music, and that at least is complete and interesting.
Mainstream
The Zutons – who killed…,
Slightly ‘comic strip’ at first glance, but in deeper investigation it is full of great rousing pop tunes. Great party music.
Scissor Sisters,
Again, don’t be fooled be appearances. They may look like the modern day Village People, but they sure know how to write a good pop song.
Groove Armada – the best of,
Nothing new here, but if want the best of this band then here it is. Well polished and serene.
Blur – the best of,
All of you favourite tracks from the best Brit-Pop band of them all.
Paul Weller – studio 150,
The Godfather of soul interprets some old standards. An interesting selection of tracks done the way only Paul Weller can.
And now for something completely different…
William Shatner – has been,
Oh yes! You better believe it. If you haven’t heard this you are in for a treat. Mostly his own material (with the obvious exception of Pulp's – Common People) and with the help of big names like Joe Jackson, Henry Rollins, Ben Folds, Lemon Jelly and more this album is a revelation. Not to be taken seriously it can surprise you more than you would expect. The raging rant that is ‘I can’t get behind that’ is fab. A cult classic.
New-Folk
Kings of Convenience – riot on an empty street,
This band is my new favourite. They are so laid back and chilled; it is hard not to listen to them without nodding off. The track ‘I’d rather dance with you’ is as fast paced as it gets – and even that won’t over stimulate. This album has beautifully crafted songs, simple music, and heartrending harmonies. It is absolutely sublime.
Willard Grant Conspiracy – regard the end,
With a slightly more ‘country’ feel this band are high up my scale of great music. Slightly rough around the edges but still beautiful.
Micah P. Hinson – and the gospel of progress,
New on the scene with his debut album it is a great offering that draws on his troubled past. Worth keeping an eye on.
Ray Lamontagne – trouble,
Another artist I hadn’t heard of before. I will be watching out for more from him too. Love the title track.
Country-ish
Jim White – drill a hole in the substrate and tell me what you see,
More ‘country’ than the others above. His songs initially appear to be a little less ‘serious’, but the message is still there, even if it is disguised in tracks like ‘if Jesus drove a motor home’.
Mex-Tex
Calexico – black heart,
Having fun in a foot-stomping sort of way. More of an EP than a full blown album this is a taster of the style and energy that is Calexico.
Folk-Indie
Elliot Smith – from a basement on the hill,
The posthumous release from Elliott Smith is a grower rather than the instant delight that was his XO album. A troubled artist that has inspired many others.
Earlimart – treble & tremble,
Definitely one artist inspired by Elliott Smith, so much so that this is basically a tribute album to the man.
Smog – knock knock,
Great stuff. I absolutely love the track ‘cold blooded old times’.
Rilo Kiley – more adventurous,
Beautiful and charming with a sense of humour and certain amount of edge. Jenny Lewis’s voice is sparky and haunting.
The Postal Service – give up,
Another great album. The band gets its name from the way the album was created. The members of the band would send partial completed tracks to each other.
Wilco – a ghost is born,
A big name in this genre and deservedly so. More mainstream than the others but still very much with thier own sound.
Electronica
Flunk – for sleepyheads only,
A contrast to the more paired down music of the new folk scene the electronica groups are full of rich and heavily processed sounds. Still on the mellow side but ever so slightly dancey.
Her Space Holiday – the young machines,
New to me, but that’s what I look for in my music. Good stuff here, well worth a try.
Neotropic – white rabbits,
Not so heavily processed. Somewhere between Indie and Electronica. Sweet sounding.
Sigur Ros – ( ),
Definitely towards the weirder end of the scale. This album has no title, track listing, bio notes, or anything that could be construed as information. Still I guess it’s all about the music, and that at least is complete and interesting.
Mainstream
The Zutons – who killed…,
Slightly ‘comic strip’ at first glance, but in deeper investigation it is full of great rousing pop tunes. Great party music.
Scissor Sisters,
Again, don’t be fooled be appearances. They may look like the modern day Village People, but they sure know how to write a good pop song.
Groove Armada – the best of,
Nothing new here, but if want the best of this band then here it is. Well polished and serene.
Blur – the best of,
All of you favourite tracks from the best Brit-Pop band of them all.
Paul Weller – studio 150,
The Godfather of soul interprets some old standards. An interesting selection of tracks done the way only Paul Weller can.
And now for something completely different…
William Shatner – has been,
Oh yes! You better believe it. If you haven’t heard this you are in for a treat. Mostly his own material (with the obvious exception of Pulp's – Common People) and with the help of big names like Joe Jackson, Henry Rollins, Ben Folds, Lemon Jelly and more this album is a revelation. Not to be taken seriously it can surprise you more than you would expect. The raging rant that is ‘I can’t get behind that’ is fab. A cult classic.
Monday, November 01, 2004
Family weekend…
This weekend was spent at home. Saturday morning the Pete-the-plumber came around to change the shower so now we don't have to run a cold tap to ensure the shower runs hot.
We were concerned with a bad smell in the dinning room (not good when people are coming around for a meal). We thought it might be the old carpet so we took that out, but unfortunately it was worse than that. One of the cat's trophies was slowly decomposing under the cabinet (ugh! …shudder).
I spent a little time in the garden and allotment, planting garlic (the left over bulbs from our meagre crop - apparently garlic around roses helps keep the bugs away), tidying the green house, and preparing chicory for forcing-on. Sue came down later on and we picked some crops for dinner.
Sue, again, made a fantastic meal for us (my Aunt and Uncle and neighbours Deb and Dave). We had nibbles to start (pastry croutons with sun-dried tomatoes & cheese or Italian wild boar spread), then, when we got to the table, we had scallops in Parma ham on fresh herb salad to start. Andalucean pork (stuffed with dates and dried-apricots) with dishes of cabbage & lardons, roast potatoes, ruby chard, and celariac mash for the main meal. A choice of either (or both) puddings, apple & quince tarte tartin or a pinole (pine nut) cake. Of course there was also the cheese board. All liberally washed down with a choice selection of New Zealand (thanks Mum & Dad), Spanish, French and Italian wines.
On Sunday we had a lazy start and after breakfast (yes, we were still eating), we took Liam (my Aunt and Uncles dog) for a walk in the park. While we were there we noticed that there was an abundance of fungi everywhere. Normally Sue and I would ignore them, but Joyce and terry are more familiar with collecting food-for-free and identified some of the mushrooms as edible, so that was lunch sorted. Sue had some dried pasta that we brought back from Italy. While that was all cooking we did an olive oil taste test between oil we had also brought back and a bottle of my Mum & Dad's own Fylde Fields brand. The colour and taste were both very similar.
It was a very pleasant weekend.
We were concerned with a bad smell in the dinning room (not good when people are coming around for a meal). We thought it might be the old carpet so we took that out, but unfortunately it was worse than that. One of the cat's trophies was slowly decomposing under the cabinet (ugh! …shudder).
I spent a little time in the garden and allotment, planting garlic (the left over bulbs from our meagre crop - apparently garlic around roses helps keep the bugs away), tidying the green house, and preparing chicory for forcing-on. Sue came down later on and we picked some crops for dinner.
Sue, again, made a fantastic meal for us (my Aunt and Uncle and neighbours Deb and Dave). We had nibbles to start (pastry croutons with sun-dried tomatoes & cheese or Italian wild boar spread), then, when we got to the table, we had scallops in Parma ham on fresh herb salad to start. Andalucean pork (stuffed with dates and dried-apricots) with dishes of cabbage & lardons, roast potatoes, ruby chard, and celariac mash for the main meal. A choice of either (or both) puddings, apple & quince tarte tartin or a pinole (pine nut) cake. Of course there was also the cheese board. All liberally washed down with a choice selection of New Zealand (thanks Mum & Dad), Spanish, French and Italian wines.
On Sunday we had a lazy start and after breakfast (yes, we were still eating), we took Liam (my Aunt and Uncles dog) for a walk in the park. While we were there we noticed that there was an abundance of fungi everywhere. Normally Sue and I would ignore them, but Joyce and terry are more familiar with collecting food-for-free and identified some of the mushrooms as edible, so that was lunch sorted. Sue had some dried pasta that we brought back from Italy. While that was all cooking we did an olive oil taste test between oil we had also brought back and a bottle of my Mum & Dad's own Fylde Fields brand. The colour and taste were both very similar.
It was a very pleasant weekend.
Fall back…
The clocks went back an hour this Sunday so we had a lie-in.
Every year it happens, but still it doesn’t get any easier.
Sunset tonight is 4:30pm!
Every year it happens, but still it doesn’t get any easier.
Sunset tonight is 4:30pm!
Monday, October 25, 2004
In and out…
We went out into London on Saturday to brave the tourists and the rain so that we could see the film, Bubba Ho-tep. It has been around for a while now, but it has only just made it to the UK, and it is only playing in a few cinemas. Nevertheless, I want to se it so much we ventured off to the big smoke.
This film is a hoot…
"If you see one ELVIS VS. MUMMY movie this year... This Is It!"
Based on the Bram Stoker Award nominee short story by acclaimed author Joe R. Lansdale, Bubba Ho-tep tells the "true" story of what really did become of Elvis. We find the King (Bruce Campbell) as an elderly resident in an East Texas rest home, who switched identities with an Elvis impersonator years before his "death", then missed his chance to switch back. Elvis teams up with Jack (Ossie Davis), a fellow nursing home resident who thinks that he is actually President John F. Kennedy, and the two valiant old codgers sally forth to battle an evil Egyptian entity who has chosen their long-term care facility as his happy hunting grounds… "
Afterwards we decided to grab a bite to eat in a quite little restaurant we know near the Wyndam, trying to keep it small as we were going out to friends for dinner. Then it was on to the Victoria & Albert Museum for some culture.
The museum was quite busy as many other people came in from the rain. The place though is very large and after a mosey around the lower galleries we climbed to the top where not so many tourist get to and found a little cinema showing short films like 'The Crystal Palace' and 'An English Country House'. The V&A is such a big place with such a large number of pieces that it can become quite overawing and tiring to see more than a part of it.
In the evening we went to visit James and Nikala for dinner and to talk nonsense for several hours which we did without much difficulty at all.
Sunday I started to show signs of having a cold, so we stayed in for most of the day (apart for a short excursion to the allotment for more supplies) and I hardly moved from the sofa. Watched some old stuff on the box including the 'War of the Worlds' - go the Martians…
This film is a hoot…
"If you see one ELVIS VS. MUMMY movie this year... This Is It!"
Based on the Bram Stoker Award nominee short story by acclaimed author Joe R. Lansdale, Bubba Ho-tep tells the "true" story of what really did become of Elvis. We find the King (Bruce Campbell) as an elderly resident in an East Texas rest home, who switched identities with an Elvis impersonator years before his "death", then missed his chance to switch back. Elvis teams up with Jack (Ossie Davis), a fellow nursing home resident who thinks that he is actually President John F. Kennedy, and the two valiant old codgers sally forth to battle an evil Egyptian entity who has chosen their long-term care facility as his happy hunting grounds… "
Afterwards we decided to grab a bite to eat in a quite little restaurant we know near the Wyndam, trying to keep it small as we were going out to friends for dinner. Then it was on to the Victoria & Albert Museum for some culture.
The museum was quite busy as many other people came in from the rain. The place though is very large and after a mosey around the lower galleries we climbed to the top where not so many tourist get to and found a little cinema showing short films like 'The Crystal Palace' and 'An English Country House'. The V&A is such a big place with such a large number of pieces that it can become quite overawing and tiring to see more than a part of it.
In the evening we went to visit James and Nikala for dinner and to talk nonsense for several hours which we did without much difficulty at all.
Sunday I started to show signs of having a cold, so we stayed in for most of the day (apart for a short excursion to the allotment for more supplies) and I hardly moved from the sofa. Watched some old stuff on the box including the 'War of the Worlds' - go the Martians…
Friday, October 22, 2004
Sshh! ...sleeping...
It has all been a bit quiet this week.
The only excitement at work was a fire alarm on Friday.
The weather has been wet and grey so we haven't spent much time at the allotment this week.
The cat has taken to hunting in the nearby river and keeps coming home wet to his middle. It is pretty much the only time he will seek out someone to sit on - when he is cold and wet. He has also left a few mice in the dinning room for us to find - usually when someone stands on them (it was Kevin on Tuesday - luckily, as I wasn't wearing any shoes). I have gone out and bought a new collar for the cat, one that has a bell on it. We are going to have to 'mug' him to get it on - it is usually a two-person job.
Sue has been very inventive with our meals, keeping within the Weight Watchers guidelines and still making them taste good. We are both doing well at it so far. Points mean prizes.
The Orks failed me this week; they must have been on the fungus beer. I tried a different tactic and they were absolutely slaughtered by Kevin's Dark Eldar.
I have bought a load of music, which is being delivered in stages. I have used a variety of on-line shops this time to get the best prices (Play.com, 101cd, CD WOW, and Amazon). There is a great variety and as usual some are better than others. The joker in the pack, so far, is William Shatners - Has Been (yeah, I know, but it is actually quite entertaining in a not very serious way).
Sue is starting decorating Jamie's old room and has borrowed a wallpaper stripper from Deb and Fog so that she can get it ready for her brother Dave to come and fix up the walls for us.
The problem with having a quite week at work is that you start thinking about things you could be doing. I hope that when we have Jamie's room finished we will end up using it to get some of these things done. I hope to submit a story to a couple of publishers as a trial (I am a… farmyard animal) - what do you think? Also I hope to be inspired to do more drawings. And I still want to get my own web site in place (when I have had a bit of practice with HTML).
I did find a few fun web sites out there that you might like to try. They are all part of the Dumbrella Conspiracy:
Overcompensating: Jeffrey Rowland's True Oklahoma Stories
Wigu: There is no "I" in "team", but there is in "family"
Diesel Sweeties: pixilated robot romance web comic (I just had to order the 'Chewie is my co-pilot' T-Shirt)
Goats: The comic strip by Jonathon Rosenberg
Creatures In My Head - illustration and artwork by Andrew Bell
Explodingdog 2004
The only excitement at work was a fire alarm on Friday.
The weather has been wet and grey so we haven't spent much time at the allotment this week.
The cat has taken to hunting in the nearby river and keeps coming home wet to his middle. It is pretty much the only time he will seek out someone to sit on - when he is cold and wet. He has also left a few mice in the dinning room for us to find - usually when someone stands on them (it was Kevin on Tuesday - luckily, as I wasn't wearing any shoes). I have gone out and bought a new collar for the cat, one that has a bell on it. We are going to have to 'mug' him to get it on - it is usually a two-person job.
Sue has been very inventive with our meals, keeping within the Weight Watchers guidelines and still making them taste good. We are both doing well at it so far. Points mean prizes.
The Orks failed me this week; they must have been on the fungus beer. I tried a different tactic and they were absolutely slaughtered by Kevin's Dark Eldar.
I have bought a load of music, which is being delivered in stages. I have used a variety of on-line shops this time to get the best prices (Play.com, 101cd, CD WOW, and Amazon). There is a great variety and as usual some are better than others. The joker in the pack, so far, is William Shatners - Has Been (yeah, I know, but it is actually quite entertaining in a not very serious way).
Sue is starting decorating Jamie's old room and has borrowed a wallpaper stripper from Deb and Fog so that she can get it ready for her brother Dave to come and fix up the walls for us.
The problem with having a quite week at work is that you start thinking about things you could be doing. I hope that when we have Jamie's room finished we will end up using it to get some of these things done. I hope to submit a story to a couple of publishers as a trial (I am a… farmyard animal) - what do you think? Also I hope to be inspired to do more drawings. And I still want to get my own web site in place (when I have had a bit of practice with HTML).
I did find a few fun web sites out there that you might like to try. They are all part of the Dumbrella Conspiracy:
Overcompensating: Jeffrey Rowland's True Oklahoma Stories
Wigu: There is no "I" in "team", but there is in "family"
Diesel Sweeties: pixilated robot romance web comic (I just had to order the 'Chewie is my co-pilot' T-Shirt)
Goats: The comic strip by Jonathon Rosenberg
Creatures In My Head - illustration and artwork by Andrew Bell
Explodingdog 2004
Tuesday, October 19, 2004
A weekend of big lunches…
We had a rather indulgent time last weekend, eating, drinking and generally overdoing things.
Sue spent Saturday morning helping out at her Sister's place as they finish off the major works they have been doing to it. I waited in for a plumber and played with my toy soldiers (having slaughtered the Tau, the Orks now need a win against the Dark Elder).
The plumber didn't manage fix the shower (it runs cool unless you have the cold tap on as well). So we are going to have to get a replacement mixer (we think the thermostat is busted).
We wanted to get out and see a movie afterwards so we thought we would have a late lunch first and then go onto the film. We had a 'blow-out' lunch at an Italian restaurant at Abbey Mills (where William Morris - and then later Liberty - had a factory).
Merton Abbey and area…
http://www.marcus-beale.co.uk/pages/merton.html
…or…
http://www.mertonpriory.org/history/index.html
On Sunday we did some chores and then went off to our neighbours for lunch to celebrate Deb & Dave's anniversary and Dave's birthday. Deb's brother and sister-in-law were there along with friends Alexis and Terry. We had another great, big, meal and some of us had a little too much to drink (no names mentioned).
Even though we had two big lunches we didn't have any evening meals on the weekend, so we might not have done too much damage to our diet.
Sue spent Saturday morning helping out at her Sister's place as they finish off the major works they have been doing to it. I waited in for a plumber and played with my toy soldiers (having slaughtered the Tau, the Orks now need a win against the Dark Elder).
The plumber didn't manage fix the shower (it runs cool unless you have the cold tap on as well). So we are going to have to get a replacement mixer (we think the thermostat is busted).
We wanted to get out and see a movie afterwards so we thought we would have a late lunch first and then go onto the film. We had a 'blow-out' lunch at an Italian restaurant at Abbey Mills (where William Morris - and then later Liberty - had a factory).
Merton Abbey and area…
http://www.marcus-beale.co.uk/pages/merton.html
…or…
http://www.mertonpriory.org/history/index.html
On Sunday we did some chores and then went off to our neighbours for lunch to celebrate Deb & Dave's anniversary and Dave's birthday. Deb's brother and sister-in-law were there along with friends Alexis and Terry. We had another great, big, meal and some of us had a little too much to drink (no names mentioned).
Even though we had two big lunches we didn't have any evening meals on the weekend, so we might not have done too much damage to our diet.
More of wot I have watched...
On Saturday we went out to see the new film, Inside I'm dancing. If you can get past the controversy of able-bodied actors playing disabled persons, and you are willing to shed a tear or two in public, then you need to see this film. It is a revelation and it should make you think more about a section of society that most of us are total unfamiliar with.
'From the highly-acclaimed director of East is East and the producers of box office smash hit Billy Elliott comes a unique story of two unlikely friends who choose to take life head-on in the face of difficult circumstances.
Michael Connolly's (Steven Robertson) life is passing him by until one day he meets the irrepressible Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy), who has a plan that will change their lives forever. Outsmarting the system, the unlikely pair manage to leave Carrigmore Home for the Disabled and land their very own flat. They employ the headstrong but inexperienced Siobhan (Romola Garai) to take care of their every need. Her arrival brings unexpected revelations; Michael experiences emotions he has never felt before and the straight-talking Rory realises he has finally met his match. With their newfound friendship and independence, life is theirs for the taking.
Inside I'm Dancing is a funny and inspirational film about friendship and freedom that will make you laugh, cry and see the world through different eyes.'
'From the highly-acclaimed director of East is East and the producers of box office smash hit Billy Elliott comes a unique story of two unlikely friends who choose to take life head-on in the face of difficult circumstances.
Michael Connolly's (Steven Robertson) life is passing him by until one day he meets the irrepressible Rory O'Shea (James McAvoy), who has a plan that will change their lives forever. Outsmarting the system, the unlikely pair manage to leave Carrigmore Home for the Disabled and land their very own flat. They employ the headstrong but inexperienced Siobhan (Romola Garai) to take care of their every need. Her arrival brings unexpected revelations; Michael experiences emotions he has never felt before and the straight-talking Rory realises he has finally met his match. With their newfound friendship and independence, life is theirs for the taking.
Inside I'm Dancing is a funny and inspirational film about friendship and freedom that will make you laugh, cry and see the world through different eyes.'
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Virtually Art
I have now managed to get around to publishing some of my 'art' on the web.
I have Sally to thank for the link to a web-site that gives space to artists who draw Fantasy inspired works.
Virtually Art
or
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/art/v/i/virtuallyart/virtuallyart.html
Most of my close friends will have seen this work before (it is very old), but that fact is I have not done much that is any newer. Still now I hope to have the inspiration.
I need to get to grips with modern technology and figure out how to use a graphics package so that I can edit and touch up drawings as many of mine are not in a good enough state to publish.
I have Sally to thank for the link to a web-site that gives space to artists who draw Fantasy inspired works.
Virtually Art
or
http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/art/v/i/virtuallyart/virtuallyart.html
Most of my close friends will have seen this work before (it is very old), but that fact is I have not done much that is any newer. Still now I hope to have the inspiration.
I need to get to grips with modern technology and figure out how to use a graphics package so that I can edit and touch up drawings as many of mine are not in a good enough state to publish.
Monday, October 11, 2004
More of wot I have watched...
The Station Agent
A fabulous, quirky, where not much happens but it doesn't matter, type of film…
Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) is a man trying to live life on his own terms. Looking only to be left alone, he takes up residence in a rural town's old train depot. But much like the station agents that occupied small town depots before him, he finds himself reluctantly becoming enmeshed in the lives of his neighbours, especially Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a forty-year-old artist struggling with the break up of her marriage, and Joe (Bobby Cannavale) a thirty-year-old with a talent for cooking and an insatiable hunger for conversation - whether anyone wants to talk to him or not.
The STATION AGENT is about three people with nothing in common, except their shared solitude, until chance circumstances bring their lives together. Before long, from this forgotten depot, this mismatched threesome forges an unlikely bond, which ultimately reveals that even isolation is better shared.
We loved this movie not least for the scenery. We played spot the place we had visited and felt quite nostalgic at the end…
Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book, 'Under The Tuscan Sun' follows San Francisco writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) to Italy as a good friend offers her a special gift - 10 days in Tuscany. Once there, she is captivated by its beauty and warmth, and impulsively buys an ageing, but very charming, villa. Fully embracing new friends and local colour, she finds herself immersed in a life-changing adventure filled with enough unexpected surprises, laughter, friendship, and romance to restore her new home - and her belief in second chances.
A fabulous, quirky, where not much happens but it doesn't matter, type of film…
Finbar McBride (Peter Dinklage) is a man trying to live life on his own terms. Looking only to be left alone, he takes up residence in a rural town's old train depot. But much like the station agents that occupied small town depots before him, he finds himself reluctantly becoming enmeshed in the lives of his neighbours, especially Olivia (Patricia Clarkson), a forty-year-old artist struggling with the break up of her marriage, and Joe (Bobby Cannavale) a thirty-year-old with a talent for cooking and an insatiable hunger for conversation - whether anyone wants to talk to him or not.
The STATION AGENT is about three people with nothing in common, except their shared solitude, until chance circumstances bring their lives together. Before long, from this forgotten depot, this mismatched threesome forges an unlikely bond, which ultimately reveals that even isolation is better shared.
We loved this movie not least for the scenery. We played spot the place we had visited and felt quite nostalgic at the end…
Based on the #1 New York Times best-selling book, 'Under The Tuscan Sun' follows San Francisco writer Frances Mayes (Diane Lane) to Italy as a good friend offers her a special gift - 10 days in Tuscany. Once there, she is captivated by its beauty and warmth, and impulsively buys an ageing, but very charming, villa. Fully embracing new friends and local colour, she finds herself immersed in a life-changing adventure filled with enough unexpected surprises, laughter, friendship, and romance to restore her new home - and her belief in second chances.
Science bites…
The New Scientist is a good read for those with an interest in all things scientific, but who don't necessarily have a PhD. If you have a short time to spare and would like a laugh, try their Feedback pages.
Sock singularity! I knew it…
ONE of our winning questions to Stephen Hawking was "Why, when two socks pass the washday event horizon, do they so often become singularities?" (11 September). Peter Hicks's proposal prompted reader Geoff Levick to recall investigating this very serious matter in the 1970s.
He reports discovering that the board of New Zealand's largest sock manufacturer and the board of the country's only washing-machine manufacturer had two directors in common. He deduced that collaboration between the two companies had resulted in a device for the washing machine that extracted socks on a random basis, shredded them, and expelled them in the wash water.
Some time spent upside down in the machine bowl with a torch in an unsuccessful search for the device only led him to conclude that it was very cleverly hidden.
See what?
This is great! I first saw these experiments on TV, and it is surprising how easy it is to fool the eyes. Obviously 'slight-of-hand' magicians and pick-pockets have been doing this for ages, but it is interesting to find out that our eyes are actually quite poor and it is our brain that sees (and not sees) things. Try them out, but don't cheat…
Daniel Simons of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Christopher Chabris of Harvard earned the Ig Nobel prize in psychology for their "Gorillas in our midst: sustained inattention blindness for dynamic events" (Perception, vol 28, p 1059). In a study that has already gained some notoriety, they asked students to count how many times a group of people threw a basketball in a video. Over a third failed to notice a woman in a gorilla suit walking through the scene. See http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/djs_lab/demos.html and for the full Ig Nobels go to www.improb.com
Sock singularity! I knew it…
ONE of our winning questions to Stephen Hawking was "Why, when two socks pass the washday event horizon, do they so often become singularities?" (11 September). Peter Hicks's proposal prompted reader Geoff Levick to recall investigating this very serious matter in the 1970s.
He reports discovering that the board of New Zealand's largest sock manufacturer and the board of the country's only washing-machine manufacturer had two directors in common. He deduced that collaboration between the two companies had resulted in a device for the washing machine that extracted socks on a random basis, shredded them, and expelled them in the wash water.
Some time spent upside down in the machine bowl with a torch in an unsuccessful search for the device only led him to conclude that it was very cleverly hidden.
See what?
This is great! I first saw these experiments on TV, and it is surprising how easy it is to fool the eyes. Obviously 'slight-of-hand' magicians and pick-pockets have been doing this for ages, but it is interesting to find out that our eyes are actually quite poor and it is our brain that sees (and not sees) things. Try them out, but don't cheat…
Daniel Simons of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Christopher Chabris of Harvard earned the Ig Nobel prize in psychology for their "Gorillas in our midst: sustained inattention blindness for dynamic events" (Perception, vol 28, p 1059). In a study that has already gained some notoriety, they asked students to count how many times a group of people threw a basketball in a video. Over a third failed to notice a woman in a gorilla suit walking through the scene. See http://viscog.beckman.uiuc.edu/djs_lab/demos.html and for the full Ig Nobels go to www.improb.com
Tuesday, October 05, 2004
A food lovers film...
We watched an absolutely wonderful movie last night on Sky. Tortilla Soup, though, is not a film to watch if you are hungry, as the main star of it is the delicious Mexican dishes that are prepared so mouth-wateringly. Hector Elizondo is superb as the retired chef, Martin, father of three very different women. The film also stars Raquel Welch who obviously had great fun in playing the gravity-deifying man-eater Hortensia.
Tortilla Soup
'Retired Mexican-American chef Martin Naranjo shares an L.A. home with his three gorgeous, but single, adult daughters. Though he long ago lost his ability to taste, Martin still lives to cook incredibly lavish dinners for his loved ones and to serve them in a family-style ritual at traditional sit-down meals. Although the women humour their father's old-fashioned ways, each of them is searching for fulfilment outside the family circle. College student Maribel is growing increasingly frustrated with the singles scene and wants a steady man; gorgeous career woman Carmen is fed up with her boyfriend and his wandering eye; meanwhile, eldest daughter Letitia, who has suppressed her own romantic longings, senses something missing in her life. Things take a turn for the romantic when Dad, a widower, meets a vivacious divorcee on the lookout for a mate and each of his daughters, in turn, finds someone. But they'll all discover that the recipe for happiness may call for some unexpected ingredients
The film is based on Ang Lee's "Eat Drink Man Woman" that centred on a Chinese family with the same story line basically here transplanted as a Latino clan in Los Angeles and the cuisine Mexican.'
Tortilla Soup
'Retired Mexican-American chef Martin Naranjo shares an L.A. home with his three gorgeous, but single, adult daughters. Though he long ago lost his ability to taste, Martin still lives to cook incredibly lavish dinners for his loved ones and to serve them in a family-style ritual at traditional sit-down meals. Although the women humour their father's old-fashioned ways, each of them is searching for fulfilment outside the family circle. College student Maribel is growing increasingly frustrated with the singles scene and wants a steady man; gorgeous career woman Carmen is fed up with her boyfriend and his wandering eye; meanwhile, eldest daughter Letitia, who has suppressed her own romantic longings, senses something missing in her life. Things take a turn for the romantic when Dad, a widower, meets a vivacious divorcee on the lookout for a mate and each of his daughters, in turn, finds someone. But they'll all discover that the recipe for happiness may call for some unexpected ingredients
The film is based on Ang Lee's "Eat Drink Man Woman" that centred on a Chinese family with the same story line basically here transplanted as a Latino clan in Los Angeles and the cuisine Mexican.'
Sunday, October 03, 2004
The Terminal
Today Sue and I went to see Steven Spielberg’s film The Terminal that stars Tom Hanks, Catherine Zeta-Jones and Stanley Tucci.
The story is about Viktor Navorski (Hanks) who is stranded at JFK Airport when his Eastern European home country is thrown into chaos during a revolution. I seem to recall that the story was inspired by true life story of a similarly stranded passenger who spent ages wandering around in duty-free limbo.
It is a good film with solid acting from the all of the cast although it is slow to get going at first. Once you are into it the film is quite absorbing, a little predictable, but nicely done with a sizable dose of good old fashioned American warm-and-cuddlies at the end.
The story is about Viktor Navorski (Hanks) who is stranded at JFK Airport when his Eastern European home country is thrown into chaos during a revolution. I seem to recall that the story was inspired by true life story of a similarly stranded passenger who spent ages wandering around in duty-free limbo.
It is a good film with solid acting from the all of the cast although it is slow to get going at first. Once you are into it the film is quite absorbing, a little predictable, but nicely done with a sizable dose of good old fashioned American warm-and-cuddlies at the end.
A day out in London…
Yesterday we took the opportunity to do a little site seeing in London. We first went to Sir John Soane's Museum in Lincoln Fields (Sue couldn’t make it when I visited before with some NZ friends earlier in the year). Soane’s was a well regarded architect of his time who will probably be best known for his work on the Bank of England. He was also an avid (almost kleptomaniac) collector of artefacts and it is necessary to walk sideways in some parts of the building to avoid touching the pieces on display. Unfortunately the Picture Room was closed to allow emergency building work to take place at the rear of the Museum, so the collection of Hogarth paintings was not on display.
Later we travelled over to Chelsea to visit Carlyle’s House . The Atmospheric home of the writer Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane.
'In a quiet and beautiful residential area of London, this Queen Anne house was the home of Thomas Carlyle, the ‘Sage of Chelsea’, for 47 years until his death in 1881. The skilful Scottish home-making of his wife Jane is much in evidence: the Victorian period decor, the furniture, pictures, portraits and books are all still in place. As a historian, social writer, ethical thinker and powerful public speaker, Thomas is honoured in the house, while Jane’s strong belief in his genius and her own brilliant wit and gift for writing are recognised in the many existing letters. Their academic and domestic lives can be experienced today in the evocative atmosphere of the house.'
Neither of us were aware of Carlyle’s work but the house has so much personality and charm that we didn’t feel that we had missed out from this obvious ignorance.
The weather started to close in later so we high-tailed it home with a bottle of NZ fizz to sit in front of the fire.
Later we travelled over to Chelsea to visit Carlyle’s House . The Atmospheric home of the writer Thomas Carlyle and his wife Jane.
'In a quiet and beautiful residential area of London, this Queen Anne house was the home of Thomas Carlyle, the ‘Sage of Chelsea’, for 47 years until his death in 1881. The skilful Scottish home-making of his wife Jane is much in evidence: the Victorian period decor, the furniture, pictures, portraits and books are all still in place. As a historian, social writer, ethical thinker and powerful public speaker, Thomas is honoured in the house, while Jane’s strong belief in his genius and her own brilliant wit and gift for writing are recognised in the many existing letters. Their academic and domestic lives can be experienced today in the evocative atmosphere of the house.'
Neither of us were aware of Carlyle’s work but the house has so much personality and charm that we didn’t feel that we had missed out from this obvious ignorance.
The weather started to close in later so we high-tailed it home with a bottle of NZ fizz to sit in front of the fire.
More of wot I have heard…
I have just bought the latest double album from Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, called ABATTOIR BLUES / THE LYRE OF ORPHEUS. It is very much for Nick Cave fans and those more accustomed to his particular sense of style. The two albums have a couple of ‘pop’ hits on them but the rest are ‘growers’ that demand concentration from the listener to get the most out of them.
The music of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is not for everybody but if you have an open mind, like your music on the intense side and are in a reflective mood, then give it a go.
The Irish band The Thrills latest album 'Let's Bottle Bohemia' is from the same mould as the first. The distinctive sound and vibe are little changed from the ‘So Much for the City’ album but where that tended to exhibit American West Coast Surfing tendencies, the new one reaches back towards their Irish roots.
It is a great collection of tracks to play as background music to a boisterous dinner party or equally to chill-out to when your guests have gone home.
The music of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds is not for everybody but if you have an open mind, like your music on the intense side and are in a reflective mood, then give it a go.
The Irish band The Thrills latest album 'Let's Bottle Bohemia' is from the same mould as the first. The distinctive sound and vibe are little changed from the ‘So Much for the City’ album but where that tended to exhibit American West Coast Surfing tendencies, the new one reaches back towards their Irish roots.
It is a great collection of tracks to play as background music to a boisterous dinner party or equally to chill-out to when your guests have gone home.
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