My Aunty J died recently after a long and courageous battle against the dreaded cancer. The end was peaceful and in her own home with family around her and was the best that could be hoped for. Uncle J and Sue were there at the end. J & T had lots of support from family and friends and from the District Nurses and the wonderful Iain Rennie Hospice at Home nurses.
J had been diagnosed seven years ago with terminal breast cancer and given 18 months; she took a lot more, which was down to her determination and positive attitude along with the supurb care she received from the NHS. Sue and I had spent a lot of time with them enjoying long drunken dinners, gardens and National Trust houses and some fantastic holidays abroad and in the UK.
The service in the local church was incredibly moving, well attended as it was by over eighty friends and family. There was music by classically trained neighbours, a song specifically requested by J was performed by the Morris group that T belonged and a eulogy by a long time friend that was all beautiful. The coffin was taken to the grave through and arch of Morris men and everybody was encouraged to witness the internment. Afterwards we congregated at the village hall and talked to each other while we partook of a great spread washed down by suitable beverages. It was an emotional and beautiful day.
Good night sweet lady, we will miss you very much.
Friday, August 01, 2008
An educated man…
We were in Hull again recently, this time to witness Jamie gain his degree. Jamie, Sue, her mom and I drove up and met Jamie’s dad there where we had an enjoyable evening out at a local restaurant. The next day we gathered in the town square and, after Sue obtained some extra tickets, we all filed into the Guild Hall to watch the pomp and pageantry (it was like a scene out of Harry Potter) of the great day.
After the presentations the assembled ranks of newly qualified assembled on the steps of the monument for and address by the town-crier, photos and the ritual throwing of the mortar-boards in the air.
After the presentations the assembled ranks of newly qualified assembled on the steps of the monument for and address by the town-crier, photos and the ritual throwing of the mortar-boards in the air.
Wednesday, July 09, 2008
The Prodigal Son…
Jamie has returned home to a heroes welcome after finishing at Hull University with a 2.1 in Computer Science. We went up to pick him up and collect his belongs as he moved out of student digs to bring him back home.
On the way up we stopped at Lincoln for Sue’s birthday and checked into a hotel in the old town for the night. We had a quick drink in the Wig and Mitre pub to avoid the crowd of young girls that were queuing to go into the castle for a Sugerbabes concert.
Afterwards we had a stroll around the old town along the cobbled streets alongs side buildings that date back to Roman times. Then had a an evening meal in the delightful Brown’s Pie Shop , where Sue had Scallops to start followed by Fisherman’s pie and cheese to finish. I had Haggis to start followed by Beef and Oyster pie (the most expensive pie ever at £15) and finished with jam roly-poly and custard. The meal was wonderful and we were suitable stuffed when we returned to our rooms after a nightcap again in the Wig and Mitre.
In the morning we visited the imposing Lincoln Cathedral which is a very impressive structure both outside and in, only marred a little by the use of plastic chairs for seating.
We journeyed on towards Hull, crossing the more modern and no less impressive construction that is the Humber Bridge and met Jamie.
It took a great deal of time and clever packing to fit all of Jamie’s possessions in the car and an even more time to ensure that the place was left clean and tidy before we set off for the long trip back home.
We will be returning to Hull the following week for his graduation and then Jamie flies off to Spain for a holiday before come back home and starting to look for a job.
On the way up we stopped at Lincoln for Sue’s birthday and checked into a hotel in the old town for the night. We had a quick drink in the Wig and Mitre pub to avoid the crowd of young girls that were queuing to go into the castle for a Sugerbabes concert.
Afterwards we had a stroll around the old town along the cobbled streets alongs side buildings that date back to Roman times. Then had a an evening meal in the delightful Brown’s Pie Shop , where Sue had Scallops to start followed by Fisherman’s pie and cheese to finish. I had Haggis to start followed by Beef and Oyster pie (the most expensive pie ever at £15) and finished with jam roly-poly and custard. The meal was wonderful and we were suitable stuffed when we returned to our rooms after a nightcap again in the Wig and Mitre.
In the morning we visited the imposing Lincoln Cathedral which is a very impressive structure both outside and in, only marred a little by the use of plastic chairs for seating.
We journeyed on towards Hull, crossing the more modern and no less impressive construction that is the Humber Bridge and met Jamie.
It took a great deal of time and clever packing to fit all of Jamie’s possessions in the car and an even more time to ensure that the place was left clean and tidy before we set off for the long trip back home.
We will be returning to Hull the following week for his graduation and then Jamie flies off to Spain for a holiday before come back home and starting to look for a job.
More of wot I have read…
The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith
This is a gentle and somewhat dull story that didn’t really do it for me. I couldn’t find much sympathy in the main character and was often frustrated by her stuffy middle aged, middle class attitudes.
‘Behind Edinburgh’s regimented Georgian facades, its moral compasses are spinning with greed, dishonesty, lust and murderous intent. Isabel Dalhousie knows this. Isabel, in fact, rather relishes it. An accomplished philosopher and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, she knows all about the difference between good and bad. Which is probably why, by instinct, she is an amateur sleuth. And instinct tells her the man who tumbled to his death in front of her eyes after a concert in the Usher Hall didn’t fall. He was pushed.
And whatever Isabel lacks in official status, she more than makes up for with accomplices and contacts: there’s her housekeeper Grace, whose applied philosophy is that the Edinburgh way is right and the way of the world is wrong; her beautiful niece Cat; and Cat’s ex boyfriend, Jamie, who is leading Isabel to review her own ethics in the sexual attraction market…’
This is a gentle and somewhat dull story that didn’t really do it for me. I couldn’t find much sympathy in the main character and was often frustrated by her stuffy middle aged, middle class attitudes.
‘Behind Edinburgh’s regimented Georgian facades, its moral compasses are spinning with greed, dishonesty, lust and murderous intent. Isabel Dalhousie knows this. Isabel, in fact, rather relishes it. An accomplished philosopher and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, she knows all about the difference between good and bad. Which is probably why, by instinct, she is an amateur sleuth. And instinct tells her the man who tumbled to his death in front of her eyes after a concert in the Usher Hall didn’t fall. He was pushed.
And whatever Isabel lacks in official status, she more than makes up for with accomplices and contacts: there’s her housekeeper Grace, whose applied philosophy is that the Edinburgh way is right and the way of the world is wrong; her beautiful niece Cat; and Cat’s ex boyfriend, Jamie, who is leading Isabel to review her own ethics in the sexual attraction market…’
More of wot I have heard…
The Boy Bands Have Won by Chumbawamba
This is one of the best finds for some time and has been played often to family and friends. They are a very sincere and considered band (some times edging towards ‘right-on’) with a superb craftsmanship of word and music of beautiful harmonies, skilled instrument work and joyous lyrics. They have a good time with many of there subjects and the Add Me track pokes fun at the weird and wonderful social networking trends and is a current anthem of ours.
The music has a strong folk influence and has guest performances by big names of the genre, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from giving it a go as it is not all sandals, beards and real ale.
This is one of the best finds for some time and has been played often to family and friends. They are a very sincere and considered band (some times edging towards ‘right-on’) with a superb craftsmanship of word and music of beautiful harmonies, skilled instrument work and joyous lyrics. They have a good time with many of there subjects and the Add Me track pokes fun at the weird and wonderful social networking trends and is a current anthem of ours.
The music has a strong folk influence and has guest performances by big names of the genre, but that shouldn’t stop anyone from giving it a go as it is not all sandals, beards and real ale.
Monday, June 23, 2008
More of wot I have read…
Gormenghast trilogy by Mervyn Peake 1911-1968
Titus Groan 1946
Gormenghast 1950
Titus alone 1959 – reworked after his death
This was a very difficult series of books and ultimately took me several months to stubbornly plough my way through. The exciting but complicated writing of Peake had its rewards and challenges and the increasingly surreal imagery proved difficult to overcome. I found the first book the best and the most exciting and beautifully imagined, the second became more complicated and the last book was just to way out there to really be enjoyed.
I remembered the first book being made into a TV series some time ago that thinking back on it recreated much of the gothic grandeur pretty much as I imagined whenI read it.
Moon by James Herbert
Not quite the same sort of book as what I have just been reading previously (Gormenghast) and the technology changes from when it was written did make it feel dated. But it did have some good ideas; however I can’t find enough in it to really recommend it unless you have nothing else to read.
‘He had fled from the terrors of his past, finding refuge in the quietness of the island. And for a time he lived in peace. Until the ‘sightings’ began, visions of horror seeping into his mind like poisonous tendrils, violent acts that were hideously macabre, the thoughts becoming intense.
He witnessed the grotesque acts of another, a thing that glorified in murder and mutilation, a monster that soon became aware of the observer within its own mind, and relished the contact. A creature that eventually would come to the island to seek him out…’
Titus Groan 1946
Gormenghast 1950
Titus alone 1959 – reworked after his death
This was a very difficult series of books and ultimately took me several months to stubbornly plough my way through. The exciting but complicated writing of Peake had its rewards and challenges and the increasingly surreal imagery proved difficult to overcome. I found the first book the best and the most exciting and beautifully imagined, the second became more complicated and the last book was just to way out there to really be enjoyed.
I remembered the first book being made into a TV series some time ago that thinking back on it recreated much of the gothic grandeur pretty much as I imagined whenI read it.
Moon by James Herbert
Not quite the same sort of book as what I have just been reading previously (Gormenghast) and the technology changes from when it was written did make it feel dated. But it did have some good ideas; however I can’t find enough in it to really recommend it unless you have nothing else to read.
‘He had fled from the terrors of his past, finding refuge in the quietness of the island. And for a time he lived in peace. Until the ‘sightings’ began, visions of horror seeping into his mind like poisonous tendrils, violent acts that were hideously macabre, the thoughts becoming intense.
He witnessed the grotesque acts of another, a thing that glorified in murder and mutilation, a monster that soon became aware of the observer within its own mind, and relished the contact. A creature that eventually would come to the island to seek him out…’
Cat-flap catastrophe…
Being new to the neighbourhood our cat has found that he is no longer king of the castle and he has had several run-ins with other cats – mostly limited to singing competitions in the middle of the night. But some of the cats started to come into our house to eat any left over cat food and sleep on the beds, and after a while one of them started to try and show his dominance by spraying in the house. This disturbed our cat and didn’t impress us either, so when I was at the vets I bought the most expensive cat-flap ever. Over a hundred pounds later and I was the dubious owner of a Pet Porte electronic cat-flap. This is designed to detect the cat’s microchip and only allow it in, but the problem was I had to make sure it worked with our cat’s microchip and get it programmed. Sooty is not the most sociable of cats and it usually a two person job just to put the flea drops on him, so I was not looking forward to having to ‘scan’ him across this detector and still retain all of my digits. Luckily I managed to sneak up in him when he was eating and programmed it successfully. The next job was to get it into the door – and for this I fitted it where the old one came out, only now it was to high outside to be able to scan the cat successfully as there is a big step from inside to out and the flap was situated high in the door. The only solution was to some how raise the floor out side the door so that when the cat tried to get in he was within range of the scanner – so now we have a shelf on the outside of the door that looks bloody weird. All this fuss and messing with the door and manhandling of the cat had made him nervous of the whole thing so now we have to retraining him to use it. Oh joy!
Springwatch…
We were given a cute bird box a while ago and I put it up on the side of our house not expect to much from it as I was told it was in the wrong place. But we were pleasantly surprise when a couple of Blue Tits chose it to set up nest and we took to watching and listening to their progress (unfortunately as did our cat and some of the neighbouring cats too). We were rewarded with the chirping of babies and the sight of the parents busily feeding them. Unfortunately nature’s cruel hand cam into play and some of the fledglings didn’t make it. One fell out of the nest and died, and another flew into a window and was killed by our cat as it lay stunned on the ground. We think the others survived and hope that the box will prove to be attractive next year too.
Sue changes jobs…
After being a long term temp Sue has recently been made redundant, however even before she left the old job she was offered something new. Also a temp job this new work has grown and after being there for only a week or two Sue was ask to train the other staff and had been left in charge. Now the company has offered her a permanent job hinting at more responsibility. This doesn’t suit her at the moment and she will probably not take them up on their offer as ultimately Sue hopes to find work nearer to home. Nevertheless it is pretty cool to be so good at what you do that people are clambering for your services.
They actually expect me to work…
My job has an unpredictable workload as we rely on customer’s demands. I provide support to the sales staff in estimating engineered solutions to meet our client’s requirements in the industrial marketplace (mostly petrochemical and chemical sites). And at the moment with the current demand for fuel and chemicals these customers want to increase their capacity by build new sites or expanding existing ones. Of course they all want them done at the same time and over the last few year there has been a steady reduction in people with the necessary qualifications to support these industries, so that now there is not enough people to do the work.
A rambling man…
We have again enjoyed getting out into the lovely Surrey countryside (when we have the time) and have explored a few different paths. We have seen rare wild orchids on Ranmore common and have heard tales of exotic wildlife such as snakes being spotted nearby. Of course the charm of an English country walk is often enhanced by the prospect of a drink in a country pub and these too are very welcome diversions.
Garden in bloom…
Around home we have also been busy in the garden with a small veggie patch providing lots of salad greens and the flowers in the front garden starting to provide colour and scent to what was once a relatively boring patch of lawn and that has now been turned into out version of a cottage garden. We are quite please with the results though we will have to do some more tweaks now we can see what the plants look like fully grown. Now all we need is some time and good weather to be able to enjoy it.
Dig for victory…
We have had a better start this year at the allotment and have benefitted from the new shed by getting the seedlings off to a good start. The ground is still poor and this is something we are going to have to deal with over the next few years. We have a fence around the site to help stop the deer and other wildlife helping them selves to food (though I am not sure it has prevented human intervention – I am sure there were more strawberries than that!). The plots are all full now and we are having to resort to tubs and are planning to extend the available land for crops that are still to go in. Now we are starting reap our rewards with the first pickings of peas and beans and strawberries and we have high hopes for the garlic, though the potatoes seem to be suffering with the poor soil.
The Americans are coming…
Dana & Susan Robinson – This was a night of sweet music mostly written by Dana in a more modern folk style inspired by the rich American folk heritage.
Jeff Warner – He was a man who has grown up with a family that have researched American folk history and who has an obvious passion for the subject that was very inspiring. He spent time explaining the origins of the songs and showed a great knowledge and understanding.
Judy Cook – Mostly singing solo and unaccompanied, Judy had a great voice and expressed her passion for the songs she sang. Another singer who had researched the origins of the songs she sang and who was able to add a greater depth of understanding to the subject.
Mike Agranoff – Here was an entertainer who was lively and engaging whose talent for music shone out even when he was performing his more flippant of songs.
Jeff Warner – He was a man who has grown up with a family that have researched American folk history and who has an obvious passion for the subject that was very inspiring. He spent time explaining the origins of the songs and showed a great knowledge and understanding.
Judy Cook – Mostly singing solo and unaccompanied, Judy had a great voice and expressed her passion for the songs she sang. Another singer who had researched the origins of the songs she sang and who was able to add a greater depth of understanding to the subject.
Mike Agranoff – Here was an entertainer who was lively and engaging whose talent for music shone out even when he was performing his more flippant of songs.
More of wot I have heard…
Upstate Songs by Devon Sproule
Just the right side of odd, I saw this artist on the Later with Jules Holland TV show and knowing that she is scheduled to perform at Womad I picked this up to see what she was like. Charming and qwerky this album probably won’t appeal to everyone, but I like it.
Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
This is the third album we have of them and although it is good it is not quite as good as their first (Felt Mountain). They have made an effort to try new things each time they record, which is a problem if you find one of them that you like.
Thirst for Romance by Cherry Ghost – They have some very good tunes packed into this album. I particularly like the tracks, Mathematics, 4am and People Help The People.
Just the right side of odd, I saw this artist on the Later with Jules Holland TV show and knowing that she is scheduled to perform at Womad I picked this up to see what she was like. Charming and qwerky this album probably won’t appeal to everyone, but I like it.
Seventh Tree by Goldfrapp
This is the third album we have of them and although it is good it is not quite as good as their first (Felt Mountain). They have made an effort to try new things each time they record, which is a problem if you find one of them that you like.
Thirst for Romance by Cherry Ghost – They have some very good tunes packed into this album. I particularly like the tracks, Mathematics, 4am and People Help The People.
An English country garden…
Late spring/early summer is usually a good time to start exploring the English countryside and the gardens therein and it helps us get over the long dark winter just past.
When we moved to our new house we joined a couple of clubs to meet people and get involved with the local community. One of these was the garden club and it was through them we went out to visit the Ramster Gardens . This is a large and rambling informal garden of trees and exotic flowing bushes, specialising in Azaleas and Rhododendrons. It was a very pleasant garden and a lovely day to be out wandering about.
We have been spending a lot of time with my Aunt and Uncle and we have indulged our combined interest in gardens by visiting several private gardens in the National Gardens Scheme, including:
Bledlow Manor owned by Lord and Lady Carrington and a grand and graceful garden peppered with many interesting sculptures. The aging Lord himself was on hand to great people and talk to them and as an ex-politician he had a diplomatic and engaging manner about him.
On a separate occasion we went to the Old Thatch where Enid Blyton once stayed and possibly wrote some of her famous stories. This was a delightful garden that had many elements of a traditional Cottage Garden with some more modern interpretations that fitted together with the lovely old thatched cottage.
A visit to Cublington allowed us to visit two very different gardens, one was a smaller garden behind a modern detached house that was immaculately groomed and stylishly arranged, the other was a larger more rambling affair around an old vicarage.
Later on we visited an old favourite country garden of ours, Sissinghurst, with Sue’s Mum, Auntie Vera and Sarah. We had not been here for quite some time and the gardens was as spectacular as we remembered with individual ‘rooms’ cutting the large area into more manageably sizes and creating intimate views around each corner. After strolling around the grounds we were treated to a lovely meal at Vera and Sarah’s place rounding off a lovely day.
When we moved to our new house we joined a couple of clubs to meet people and get involved with the local community. One of these was the garden club and it was through them we went out to visit the Ramster Gardens . This is a large and rambling informal garden of trees and exotic flowing bushes, specialising in Azaleas and Rhododendrons. It was a very pleasant garden and a lovely day to be out wandering about.
We have been spending a lot of time with my Aunt and Uncle and we have indulged our combined interest in gardens by visiting several private gardens in the National Gardens Scheme, including:
Bledlow Manor owned by Lord and Lady Carrington and a grand and graceful garden peppered with many interesting sculptures. The aging Lord himself was on hand to great people and talk to them and as an ex-politician he had a diplomatic and engaging manner about him.
On a separate occasion we went to the Old Thatch where Enid Blyton once stayed and possibly wrote some of her famous stories. This was a delightful garden that had many elements of a traditional Cottage Garden with some more modern interpretations that fitted together with the lovely old thatched cottage.
A visit to Cublington allowed us to visit two very different gardens, one was a smaller garden behind a modern detached house that was immaculately groomed and stylishly arranged, the other was a larger more rambling affair around an old vicarage.
Later on we visited an old favourite country garden of ours, Sissinghurst, with Sue’s Mum, Auntie Vera and Sarah. We had not been here for quite some time and the gardens was as spectacular as we remembered with individual ‘rooms’ cutting the large area into more manageably sizes and creating intimate views around each corner. After strolling around the grounds we were treated to a lovely meal at Vera and Sarah’s place rounding off a lovely day.
Thursday, April 24, 2008
The birds and the bees…
To try and get to know people in our village we made the decision to join in many of the local groups and as we had an interest in growing plants we joined the Gardener’s Club. This week we went to an organised talk on the subject of the Pollination of Flowers. We were not expecting too much but the talk was actually very well presented by a retired ex-bio-chemist who was also a very accomplished photographer. A well organised and informative talk was supported by some interesting detailed slides, though the presenter’s evolutionary, anti-creationist, attitude may have rankled with some of the church-goers in the audience. He also had a very strong opinion against the proliferation of GM technology and in particularly the way Monsanto influences American policy to the detriment of the natural order.
Again we found ourselves to be the youngest, in some cases by far, of the people there, the majority of which were long retired. Not that they were not interesting and welcoming people, it is just that we could do with meeting some more people our own age in the village.
Again we found ourselves to be the youngest, in some cases by far, of the people there, the majority of which were long retired. Not that they were not interesting and welcoming people, it is just that we could do with meeting some more people our own age in the village.
Singing for your supper…
We went out to the Croydon branch of a small restaurant chain called Little Bay for the birthday of a friend. We were in a party of five adults and three children who had all, apart from the two of us, been to this venue before.
The outside of the place was slightly unusual in that the façade looked like a ski chalet, and once inside we saw a photograph on the wall of how it used to be when it was called the Swiss Cottage. But that was before it had been taken over and the inside completely remodelled into some wild fantasy piece. The front half of the restaurant was conventionally laid out and was decorated in gaudy colours with bold designs and unusual lighting, but it was the back half of the restaurant that took our breath away. We descended down a short flight of stairs into someone’s magical interpretation of an Italian Opera house, small intimate tables in the middle of the room under grand chandeliers and surrounded by irregular booths over which were suspended theatre-like boxes with more tables and seating in them. We were shown up a steep set of stairs inlayed with lights in the shape of stars and the like to a large veranda booth where we sat around a kidney shaped table that had images of maps and other ancient looking documents plastered over it. Apparently the theme is enhanced a couple of days a week by performers wandering around singing various operatic tunes to the diners, sometimes climbing up the side of the booths or lying across the tables to serenade you. The artistic imagery around this part of the dining area was very theatrical and this was extended to the toilets where the pictures became more erotic in nature (the children had a separate loo that was decorated with more appropriate Disney characters).
Another departure from the norm for this restaurant chain is the very low prices of the food, which was as cheap as a café but with the variety of dishes that were as good as many bigger restaurants. Apparently the prices are even lower at lunch times and although I have read reports where some customers have been disappointed in other branches with the service and food, I can honestly say that we all found it quite enjoyable, and at £130 for food and drinks for the eight of us it was very reasonably priced.
The outside of the place was slightly unusual in that the façade looked like a ski chalet, and once inside we saw a photograph on the wall of how it used to be when it was called the Swiss Cottage. But that was before it had been taken over and the inside completely remodelled into some wild fantasy piece. The front half of the restaurant was conventionally laid out and was decorated in gaudy colours with bold designs and unusual lighting, but it was the back half of the restaurant that took our breath away. We descended down a short flight of stairs into someone’s magical interpretation of an Italian Opera house, small intimate tables in the middle of the room under grand chandeliers and surrounded by irregular booths over which were suspended theatre-like boxes with more tables and seating in them. We were shown up a steep set of stairs inlayed with lights in the shape of stars and the like to a large veranda booth where we sat around a kidney shaped table that had images of maps and other ancient looking documents plastered over it. Apparently the theme is enhanced a couple of days a week by performers wandering around singing various operatic tunes to the diners, sometimes climbing up the side of the booths or lying across the tables to serenade you. The artistic imagery around this part of the dining area was very theatrical and this was extended to the toilets where the pictures became more erotic in nature (the children had a separate loo that was decorated with more appropriate Disney characters).
Another departure from the norm for this restaurant chain is the very low prices of the food, which was as cheap as a café but with the variety of dishes that were as good as many bigger restaurants. Apparently the prices are even lower at lunch times and although I have read reports where some customers have been disappointed in other branches with the service and food, I can honestly say that we all found it quite enjoyable, and at £130 for food and drinks for the eight of us it was very reasonably priced.
Friday, April 04, 2008
A mixed bag…
We have had a mixed time of things recently from the lows of a family funeral to highs of parties with friends and family. We have been trying to get out and about in the countryside when we can but the weather has not been on our side as it has been quite cold and wet. The local Westcott History Group has a Good Friday walk and this year it was up to one of the sources of the nearby brook. Luckily the weather was in our favour and we had a good time with almost as many dogs on the walk as people.
The other walk we had during Easter was into Dorking to try out a couple of hostelries ending up at the Star Inn where we were so enamoured with the atmosphere we stayed for longer than perhaps we should have. When we entered there was no other patrons in and the bar maid was playing violin, but the quirky artwork on the walls and the Darlek at the end of the bar intrigued us so we encouraged her to play on as we looked about and had a drink. Other people started to trickle in and soon we found ourselves in conversation with total strangers and have a great time. The walk home was a bit of a blur and our wallets were considerably lighter but we didn’t care.
We attended the AGM of the local gardening group that we had joined so that we could meet more people in the village, though many people there also belong to the other local groups as well. It was a cheese and wine evening in the village club and we met a few new people and found out more about the village in bloom competition that will be happening. We have started to work on our front garden and I have trays of flower seedlings in the potting shed next tor the vegetables in preparation as it is possible the judges will be passing in front of our house in their route around the village.
We had a couple of people in to quote for fixing and improving our original sash windows (some of which are jammed shut or have broken cords), but the prices were more than we hoped for and it looks like it will have to be a DIY job with the possible help of a friends and family. We also think the fridge/freezer is on the way out and these built in units are quite expensive to replace.
I am still practicing the guitar, though not as much as I should as I get frustrated with the slow progress. I have also submitted my story to another publisher, though by the lack of response I guess it will be to the same end.
Now that the clocks have changed here to Summer Time we are looking forward and our hearts are lifted with the prospects to come.
The other walk we had during Easter was into Dorking to try out a couple of hostelries ending up at the Star Inn where we were so enamoured with the atmosphere we stayed for longer than perhaps we should have. When we entered there was no other patrons in and the bar maid was playing violin, but the quirky artwork on the walls and the Darlek at the end of the bar intrigued us so we encouraged her to play on as we looked about and had a drink. Other people started to trickle in and soon we found ourselves in conversation with total strangers and have a great time. The walk home was a bit of a blur and our wallets were considerably lighter but we didn’t care.
We attended the AGM of the local gardening group that we had joined so that we could meet more people in the village, though many people there also belong to the other local groups as well. It was a cheese and wine evening in the village club and we met a few new people and found out more about the village in bloom competition that will be happening. We have started to work on our front garden and I have trays of flower seedlings in the potting shed next tor the vegetables in preparation as it is possible the judges will be passing in front of our house in their route around the village.
We had a couple of people in to quote for fixing and improving our original sash windows (some of which are jammed shut or have broken cords), but the prices were more than we hoped for and it looks like it will have to be a DIY job with the possible help of a friends and family. We also think the fridge/freezer is on the way out and these built in units are quite expensive to replace.
I am still practicing the guitar, though not as much as I should as I get frustrated with the slow progress. I have also submitted my story to another publisher, though by the lack of response I guess it will be to the same end.
Now that the clocks have changed here to Summer Time we are looking forward and our hearts are lifted with the prospects to come.
Dancing boy…
Billy Elliott the musical
We were invited out to the theatre with many of Sue’s family in essence to celebrate an Aunt’s birthday, but in reality it is usual for them to get together in this way once or twice a year, often at her Uncle’s expense.
Not everybody had seen the movie and so were unsure what to expect, some of the guys were not looking forward to an evening of ballet. But the storyline of the miner’s strikes and of the tough life in a struggling northern town ensured that the show was edgy enough to counter any other sentimental elements. Overall the acting and dialog were great and the choreography was quite spectacular though one or two numbers were perhaps overlong and one or two songs were a little saccharine for everyone’s taste. There were quite a lot of expletives throughout the dialog but it was used to good comic and dramatic effect and helped emphasise the setting and mood that it could easily be overlooked, even welcomed.
Travelling into and out of town is the biggest drawback to the night and is probably the main reason (along with the big city prices) that we don’t do this more often. There are so many good shows on all the time and it is such a shame we don’t get to see more of them.
We were invited out to the theatre with many of Sue’s family in essence to celebrate an Aunt’s birthday, but in reality it is usual for them to get together in this way once or twice a year, often at her Uncle’s expense.
Not everybody had seen the movie and so were unsure what to expect, some of the guys were not looking forward to an evening of ballet. But the storyline of the miner’s strikes and of the tough life in a struggling northern town ensured that the show was edgy enough to counter any other sentimental elements. Overall the acting and dialog were great and the choreography was quite spectacular though one or two numbers were perhaps overlong and one or two songs were a little saccharine for everyone’s taste. There were quite a lot of expletives throughout the dialog but it was used to good comic and dramatic effect and helped emphasise the setting and mood that it could easily be overlooked, even welcomed.
Travelling into and out of town is the biggest drawback to the night and is probably the main reason (along with the big city prices) that we don’t do this more often. There are so many good shows on all the time and it is such a shame we don’t get to see more of them.
More of wot I have seen…
We had to visit our local library to renew our cards which would have expired as we hadn’t been since we moved to the area. While we were there the library was running an offer designed to attract people back and they were offering free DVD hire when you took out a book. So we pick the following films up.
Nacho Libre
This is a light and fun movie with the usual Jack Black slightly edgy comedy styling. Set in the unfamiliar world of a Latin American monastery it revolves around the cultural obsession with wrestling while introducing elements of forbidden love, trust and honesty and goodliness. Good for a laugh.
300
300 is a movie based on a comic reworking a tale of Spartan heroism against unbelievable odds. The imagery captures the comic feel perfectly and adds to the mythic scale of the dramatic action that wouldn’t have worked in a ‘realistic’ way. Naturally it is a bit of a boys-own type of film and won’t appeal to everybody, but for those who can remember flipping through graphic novels or still do it will probably be just up your street.
Nacho Libre
This is a light and fun movie with the usual Jack Black slightly edgy comedy styling. Set in the unfamiliar world of a Latin American monastery it revolves around the cultural obsession with wrestling while introducing elements of forbidden love, trust and honesty and goodliness. Good for a laugh.
300
300 is a movie based on a comic reworking a tale of Spartan heroism against unbelievable odds. The imagery captures the comic feel perfectly and adds to the mythic scale of the dramatic action that wouldn’t have worked in a ‘realistic’ way. Naturally it is a bit of a boys-own type of film and won’t appeal to everybody, but for those who can remember flipping through graphic novels or still do it will probably be just up your street.
Monday, March 10, 2008
Savage Worlds...
Savage Worlds
http://www.peginc.com/
http://savagepedia.wikispaces.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savage_Worlds
We have been playing a new RPG mechanics that is described as being fast and furious and that has several game variants. We have tried the standard Savage Worlds and also have a couple of different campaigns running:
Rippers – Set in an alternative Victorian world where the stories are true and Frankenstein, Van Hellsing, Jeckle and Hyde, Dracula are not just fictional and an organisation called the Rippers exists to capture the beasts that threaten society. My character is a slightly dark academic called Professor Modecai Grey.
Necessary Evil – This is and anti-superhero game where vicious aliens have conquered an alternative earth and have wiped out all of the superheroes leaving the population at their mercy. In this game you play super-villains that band together to defeat the aliens and take back the earth for their own ends. I play a super powered thief called PolterHeist who can turn invisible and intangible.
http://www.peginc.com/
http://savagepedia.wikispaces.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Savage_Worlds
We have been playing a new RPG mechanics that is described as being fast and furious and that has several game variants. We have tried the standard Savage Worlds and also have a couple of different campaigns running:
Rippers – Set in an alternative Victorian world where the stories are true and Frankenstein, Van Hellsing, Jeckle and Hyde, Dracula are not just fictional and an organisation called the Rippers exists to capture the beasts that threaten society. My character is a slightly dark academic called Professor Modecai Grey.
Necessary Evil – This is and anti-superhero game where vicious aliens have conquered an alternative earth and have wiped out all of the superheroes leaving the population at their mercy. In this game you play super-villains that band together to defeat the aliens and take back the earth for their own ends. I play a super powered thief called PolterHeist who can turn invisible and intangible.
More of wot I have heard…
Seasick Steve – Dog House Music
Heard first on the Jules Holland late night music show, this artist is both visually and musically surprising. Looking like a time weary hobo and playing a guitar that looks like it came from a busker Seasick Steve manages to bring his version of southern USA blues to life in an amazing way.
Various Artists - The Imagined Village
We saw this folk super-group at last years WOMAD festival where they were performing their updated retelling of traditional tales in a very entertaining and moving way.
Ian Dury – New Boots and Panties
I heard this album again recently at a friends house and was reminded of just how good it was with the poetic lyrics of Dury and the driving rhythms of the Blockheads I just had to go out and get a copy.
Seth Lakeman – Freedom Fields
Another artist we saw at WOMAD he has been leading the charge for the new breed of musicians that are bring the traditions of folk singing up to date and to a new audience.
Bram Taylor –Song Singer
This was freebee album that we picked up when we were at our local folk club recently and is not someone I had heard of before.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
Not a pairing that many people would have thought of but they manage to make some wonderful music together and I find personally that where I wouldn’t buy their solo stuff as a duo they are so much better.
The Fratellis - Costello Music
Good party music with more than a few catchy songs in it this album is lively and entertaining.
Feist – Let it Die
Moody and eccentric this artist has some beautiful gems in this quirky album.
Heard first on the Jules Holland late night music show, this artist is both visually and musically surprising. Looking like a time weary hobo and playing a guitar that looks like it came from a busker Seasick Steve manages to bring his version of southern USA blues to life in an amazing way.
Various Artists - The Imagined Village
We saw this folk super-group at last years WOMAD festival where they were performing their updated retelling of traditional tales in a very entertaining and moving way.
Ian Dury – New Boots and Panties
I heard this album again recently at a friends house and was reminded of just how good it was with the poetic lyrics of Dury and the driving rhythms of the Blockheads I just had to go out and get a copy.
Seth Lakeman – Freedom Fields
Another artist we saw at WOMAD he has been leading the charge for the new breed of musicians that are bring the traditions of folk singing up to date and to a new audience.
Bram Taylor –Song Singer
This was freebee album that we picked up when we were at our local folk club recently and is not someone I had heard of before.
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss - Raising Sand
Not a pairing that many people would have thought of but they manage to make some wonderful music together and I find personally that where I wouldn’t buy their solo stuff as a duo they are so much better.
The Fratellis - Costello Music
Good party music with more than a few catchy songs in it this album is lively and entertaining.
Feist – Let it Die
Moody and eccentric this artist has some beautiful gems in this quirky album.
More of wot I have seen…
Since we have got a new PVR we have been recording various TV programs instead of watching them live. We are currently into a few shows such as:
Shameless
This is a wonderful tragic comedy about no-hope families living in a dead-end council estate world as they struggle with life. Superbly scripted and acted the often poignant storylines that tug at the heart even as you laugh out loud.
Jericho
This is a bit of a sleeper series that I caught by accident and am now hooked on. A small-town America backwater is spared from nuclear apocalypse and must now struggle to come to terms with what happened as it struggles for survival. Refugees, villains, heroes and mystery and intrigue all drift towards the town with dramatic results.
Torchwood
More adult than it’s parent show Dr Who and with more than a hint of cheese this show is not every bodies cup of tea, but I think it is a nice turn in escapism with a slightly risqué edge.
30 Rock
A good sit-com from the US set in a film studio located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It has a sharp and bouncy script with wonderfully quirky characters that rattle along from gag to gag.
The Last Enemy
A gritty and dark mystery that plays on the fears of many a British citizen in this current climate of terror where it sometime feels like it is hard to identify the good guys from the bad and everybody is out to get you.
Dexter
An odd-ball show that makes you think about your own perceptions between right and wrong as you find yourself becoming sympathetic with the serial killer title character.
Ashes to Ashes
Having missed the boat with the previous Life on Mars show we were intrigued at the hype surrounding this latest incarnation and found that we were not disappointed. Nostalgic and ironic the show is lively and entertaining with some great over-the-top acting that suits it perfectly.
Lark Rise to Candleford
You know you are getting to an age when you enjoy a costume drama where nothing much happens. Great costumes, sets and delightful acting make this show a pleasant breath of fresh country air.
and now for something completely different...
The Palace
What were they think of as they made this series? In a bizarre alternative world where the British monarchy is full of corny stereotypes this so-called drama is a bit of a train-wreck and as such we found it morbidly fascinating viewing. I just can’t believe they were being serious.
Shameless
This is a wonderful tragic comedy about no-hope families living in a dead-end council estate world as they struggle with life. Superbly scripted and acted the often poignant storylines that tug at the heart even as you laugh out loud.
Jericho
This is a bit of a sleeper series that I caught by accident and am now hooked on. A small-town America backwater is spared from nuclear apocalypse and must now struggle to come to terms with what happened as it struggles for survival. Refugees, villains, heroes and mystery and intrigue all drift towards the town with dramatic results.
Torchwood
More adult than it’s parent show Dr Who and with more than a hint of cheese this show is not every bodies cup of tea, but I think it is a nice turn in escapism with a slightly risqué edge.
30 Rock
A good sit-com from the US set in a film studio located at 30 Rockefeller Plaza. It has a sharp and bouncy script with wonderfully quirky characters that rattle along from gag to gag.
The Last Enemy
A gritty and dark mystery that plays on the fears of many a British citizen in this current climate of terror where it sometime feels like it is hard to identify the good guys from the bad and everybody is out to get you.
Dexter
An odd-ball show that makes you think about your own perceptions between right and wrong as you find yourself becoming sympathetic with the serial killer title character.
Ashes to Ashes
Having missed the boat with the previous Life on Mars show we were intrigued at the hype surrounding this latest incarnation and found that we were not disappointed. Nostalgic and ironic the show is lively and entertaining with some great over-the-top acting that suits it perfectly.
Lark Rise to Candleford
You know you are getting to an age when you enjoy a costume drama where nothing much happens. Great costumes, sets and delightful acting make this show a pleasant breath of fresh country air.
and now for something completely different...
The Palace
What were they think of as they made this series? In a bizarre alternative world where the British monarchy is full of corny stereotypes this so-called drama is a bit of a train-wreck and as such we found it morbidly fascinating viewing. I just can’t believe they were being serious.
Friday, February 22, 2008
First hints of spring...
Here in the northern hemisphere we are starting to see the evidence that winter is on its way out as the days are getting longer and the spring bulbs are pushing their way through the cold ground. We now arrive and leave work in the light, though there is not much in it yet and it will be a while before we have the long hot days of summer. The snowdrops are out and in several place the crocus and early daffodils and tulips are too as trees start to show blossom and the bright green buds of new growth. When the difference between winter and summer is more marked it is a welcome sight to see these first hints of spring all full of new hope.
Working on the garden...
We have started to work on the front garden now by removing the turf and hard landscaping a path and beds ready for when we plant out. We are planning on having and English country garden and have already planted a couple of roses. Though we have also planted a rhododendron and have an olive tree and a couple of bamboos in pots we hope that most of the plants we will grow from seed in our new potting shed will be the more traditional type. We have a space set aside in front of the bay-window for a bench so that when the evening sun of summer reaches around we will be able to relax there with a glass of wine and admire our achievements.
A Valentines Ceilidh...
We have become regular attendees at the local Dorking Folk Club and as there are not many going to the sessions we almost feel compelled to go to help keep the club open. The programme alternates each week between guest acts, which are generally very good, and singer’s nights, where anyone can have a go.
Each year near Valentine’s Day the club has a ceilidh or ‘barn dance’ where participation in various traditional dances is encouraged. We went along with a couple of friends and had a very good time without a Gay Gordon or do-see-doe in sight. Even though we were some of the youngest there we found it difficult and exhausting trying to keep up with the older folk.
Each year near Valentine’s Day the club has a ceilidh or ‘barn dance’ where participation in various traditional dances is encouraged. We went along with a couple of friends and had a very good time without a Gay Gordon or do-see-doe in sight. Even though we were some of the youngest there we found it difficult and exhausting trying to keep up with the older folk.
Graffiti and confetti...
As has become a habit for us we went away this February for a long weekend break at my birthday. We have never been to Portugal before and so we based our destination on where BA flies to so that I could use up my air-miles. The biggest mistake I made was to try to maximise our time there without fully considering the implications of getting to the airport so early and not returning until so late.
The weather was very nice in the 20’s each day without a cloud in the sky. But even the bright light and comfortable temperatures could disguise the grey and decayed feel of the city. We had chosen a cheep hotel in the ‘bohemian’ part of town but we were not prepared for the level of graffiti that covered everything. It seems that there is a tradition of painting slogans and pasting posters on all surfaces to advertise or politicise something or another. The streets were other wise generally clean with the only litter being confetti – either they have many weddings or we had just missed some sort of festival.
There are some very nice historical monuments and the old electric tram was an enjoyable and more sedate way of travelling between them. We were lucky enough to catch the equivalent of the changing of the guard at Belem when we went to visit the lovely monastery and ornate tower.
We had hoped for some good food and drink while we were there, but that too just missed the mark as it was a little more expensive than we expected and a little less exciting. Nevertheless it was still a nice and very welcomed break after the long dark winter and we came back refreshed and read to go.
The weather was very nice in the 20’s each day without a cloud in the sky. But even the bright light and comfortable temperatures could disguise the grey and decayed feel of the city. We had chosen a cheep hotel in the ‘bohemian’ part of town but we were not prepared for the level of graffiti that covered everything. It seems that there is a tradition of painting slogans and pasting posters on all surfaces to advertise or politicise something or another. The streets were other wise generally clean with the only litter being confetti – either they have many weddings or we had just missed some sort of festival.
There are some very nice historical monuments and the old electric tram was an enjoyable and more sedate way of travelling between them. We were lucky enough to catch the equivalent of the changing of the guard at Belem when we went to visit the lovely monastery and ornate tower.
We had hoped for some good food and drink while we were there, but that too just missed the mark as it was a little more expensive than we expected and a little less exciting. Nevertheless it was still a nice and very welcomed break after the long dark winter and we came back refreshed and read to go.
More of wot I have read…
A hat full of sky by Terry Pratchett
Although this series of books is aimed at the teen market I am such a fan of this author that I tend to get everything he has published. I enjoy his sense of humour and writing style and I feel comfortable with his world and characters. If you have any youngsters who are into fantasy literature you could do worse than buy this for them.
‘Something is coming after Tiffany...
Tiffany Aching is ready to begin her apprenticeship in magic. She expects spells and magic -- not chores and ill-tempered nanny goats! Surely there must be more to witchcraft than this!
What Tiffany doesn't know is that an insidious, disembodied creature is pursuing her. This time, neither Mistress Weatherwax (the greatest witch in the world) nor the fierce, six-inch-high Wee Free Men can protect her. In the end, it will take all of Tiffany's inner strength to save herself ... if it can be done at all.’
Exclusion Zone by John Nichol
I think we got this book from either a jumble sale or from a charity shop as it would not normally be a subject of choice. The author is one of the many ex-military types who have since retired from the services and have become very successful writers. He has the dubious reputation as one of the pilots that was shot down and paraded on Iraqi TV.
The story is what it is, a boys-own action story of daring do in the skies, and although some of it still has some Biggles elements it does have a good pace and the fight sequences have a good degree of tension and drama.
‘The Falklands, 1999 – a vital strategic stronghold in the South Atlantic, and a prize gem in the oil-rich Antarctic. For RAF pilot Sean Riever it is a place of ghosts. For Jane Clark, the only female in the squadron, a place of tough decisions.
An air of menace hangs over the desolate, battle-scarred landscape; present dangers and past mysteries lurk in the shadows on the skyline. And Sean’s compulsion to live up to a legendary hero leads him towards a woman whose loneliness matches his own.
Then a Royal Navy nuclear submarine disappears, and Argentine jet fighters penetrate the Exclusion Zone. As Sean and his companions stave off wave after wave of enemy attacks, their fight to protect the islands becomes an epic battle for survival – in which victory can only be achieved at a terrible price…’
I am Legend by Richard Matheson
Although I have not seen any of the various cinematic adaptations of this story, one can’t fail to be aware of the Will Smith extravaganza that is its latest incarnation. The original book is more of a short-story and consequently is rather thin on detail and as is often the case with older sci-fi it is quite dated. As there is only one main character it is quite problematic that he is not very likable, but I guess that is deliberate to support the stories ultimate conclusions.
‘Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth… …but he is not alone. Every other man, Woman, and child on Earth has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville’s blood.
By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilisation. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn.
How long can one man survive in a world of vampires?’
The Storm by Boris Starling
Another author I was previously unaware of though he has had success with his Messiah story that in turn spawned the TV series, which also passed me by. I am not a great fan of the crime genre so it was up against it from the start. The writing was very cinematic and it would probably do well on the small screen, but as a novel it lacked some subtly and was a little too contrived and extreme for my tastes.
‘Elemental rage, bloody Greek myth, man's greed and capacity for cruelty, the insane imaginings of a killer, all intermingle in this stunning new thriller from the bestselling author of Messiah to create a novel of stunning ferocity.
A storm-tossed crossing on the North Sea; a catastrophic ferry accident; hundreds dead. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Beauchamp is one of the survivors but her ferocious fight to stay alive brings with it a high cost: a burden of guilt that she should live while some of her friends died; a terror of water; a frozen inner core that never seems to melt. When the body of a young female journalist is found in Aberdeen soon after the disaster, Kate insists on conducting the investigation -- partly to exorcize her own demons, partly because she feels a strange affinity with the victim. The killing is peculiarly brutal and the murderer has left a unique calling card: attached to the woman's neck is a poisonous snake.
Into this emotional cauldron steps the last man on earth Kate wants to see -- her estranged father, Frank, in Aberdeen to conduct the marine inquiry into the sinking. Was the disaster the result of a bomb, as claimed by the ferry-line's chairman, or is he trying to hide something? In a sweltering heatwave, Kate and Frank conduct their highly pressured investigations. But for both of them, danger is approaching fast -- a vortex of violence which will sweep them up and endanger their very lives’.
Traveller by Ron McLarty
I picked this book up in an airport after I had finished my holiday book and needed something for the journey home. I found myself getting sucked into this book and enjoyed the characterisations and general feel of the story very much. Apparently this author is an actor in America, though I can’t place him, and he has done a few books with mixed critical acclaim. I would recommend it for a quick read if you have nothing else on the go.
‘When Jono Riley receives a letter that a childhood friend, Marie, has died, the 50-something third-rate actor and bartender leaves New York to visit his hometown of Providence, R.I. His search for answers surrounding her death leads Riley on a long and winding trip through old memories to discover the person responsible.
Narrator-turned-author McLarty delivers a sophomore novel that is more than just a simple mystery. The suspense doesn't drive the story but rather Riley's recounting of his adolescent years from the death of his father to his return from Vietnam. These nostalgic flashbacks of street life in Providence in the 1960s capture certain universal aspects that all listeners can appreciate. McLarty voices this first-person story with all the adeptness one would expect from an experienced narrator and author. His vocal characterizations provide added presence to many of his colorful characters and he delivers exposition with great attention to detail. He shines best with emotional displays from Jono and the other characters.’
Although this series of books is aimed at the teen market I am such a fan of this author that I tend to get everything he has published. I enjoy his sense of humour and writing style and I feel comfortable with his world and characters. If you have any youngsters who are into fantasy literature you could do worse than buy this for them.
‘Something is coming after Tiffany...
Tiffany Aching is ready to begin her apprenticeship in magic. She expects spells and magic -- not chores and ill-tempered nanny goats! Surely there must be more to witchcraft than this!
What Tiffany doesn't know is that an insidious, disembodied creature is pursuing her. This time, neither Mistress Weatherwax (the greatest witch in the world) nor the fierce, six-inch-high Wee Free Men can protect her. In the end, it will take all of Tiffany's inner strength to save herself ... if it can be done at all.’
Exclusion Zone by John Nichol
I think we got this book from either a jumble sale or from a charity shop as it would not normally be a subject of choice. The author is one of the many ex-military types who have since retired from the services and have become very successful writers. He has the dubious reputation as one of the pilots that was shot down and paraded on Iraqi TV.
The story is what it is, a boys-own action story of daring do in the skies, and although some of it still has some Biggles elements it does have a good pace and the fight sequences have a good degree of tension and drama.
‘The Falklands, 1999 – a vital strategic stronghold in the South Atlantic, and a prize gem in the oil-rich Antarctic. For RAF pilot Sean Riever it is a place of ghosts. For Jane Clark, the only female in the squadron, a place of tough decisions.
An air of menace hangs over the desolate, battle-scarred landscape; present dangers and past mysteries lurk in the shadows on the skyline. And Sean’s compulsion to live up to a legendary hero leads him towards a woman whose loneliness matches his own.
Then a Royal Navy nuclear submarine disappears, and Argentine jet fighters penetrate the Exclusion Zone. As Sean and his companions stave off wave after wave of enemy attacks, their fight to protect the islands becomes an epic battle for survival – in which victory can only be achieved at a terrible price…’
I am Legend by Richard Matheson
Although I have not seen any of the various cinematic adaptations of this story, one can’t fail to be aware of the Will Smith extravaganza that is its latest incarnation. The original book is more of a short-story and consequently is rather thin on detail and as is often the case with older sci-fi it is quite dated. As there is only one main character it is quite problematic that he is not very likable, but I guess that is deliberate to support the stories ultimate conclusions.
‘Robert Neville is the last living man on Earth… …but he is not alone. Every other man, Woman, and child on Earth has become a vampire, and they are all hungry for Neville’s blood.
By day, he is the hunter, stalking the sleeping undead through the abandoned ruins of civilisation. By night, he barricades himself in his home and prays for the dawn.
How long can one man survive in a world of vampires?’
The Storm by Boris Starling
Another author I was previously unaware of though he has had success with his Messiah story that in turn spawned the TV series, which also passed me by. I am not a great fan of the crime genre so it was up against it from the start. The writing was very cinematic and it would probably do well on the small screen, but as a novel it lacked some subtly and was a little too contrived and extreme for my tastes.
‘Elemental rage, bloody Greek myth, man's greed and capacity for cruelty, the insane imaginings of a killer, all intermingle in this stunning new thriller from the bestselling author of Messiah to create a novel of stunning ferocity.
A storm-tossed crossing on the North Sea; a catastrophic ferry accident; hundreds dead. Detective Chief Inspector Kate Beauchamp is one of the survivors but her ferocious fight to stay alive brings with it a high cost: a burden of guilt that she should live while some of her friends died; a terror of water; a frozen inner core that never seems to melt. When the body of a young female journalist is found in Aberdeen soon after the disaster, Kate insists on conducting the investigation -- partly to exorcize her own demons, partly because she feels a strange affinity with the victim. The killing is peculiarly brutal and the murderer has left a unique calling card: attached to the woman's neck is a poisonous snake.
Into this emotional cauldron steps the last man on earth Kate wants to see -- her estranged father, Frank, in Aberdeen to conduct the marine inquiry into the sinking. Was the disaster the result of a bomb, as claimed by the ferry-line's chairman, or is he trying to hide something? In a sweltering heatwave, Kate and Frank conduct their highly pressured investigations. But for both of them, danger is approaching fast -- a vortex of violence which will sweep them up and endanger their very lives’.
Traveller by Ron McLarty
I picked this book up in an airport after I had finished my holiday book and needed something for the journey home. I found myself getting sucked into this book and enjoyed the characterisations and general feel of the story very much. Apparently this author is an actor in America, though I can’t place him, and he has done a few books with mixed critical acclaim. I would recommend it for a quick read if you have nothing else on the go.
‘When Jono Riley receives a letter that a childhood friend, Marie, has died, the 50-something third-rate actor and bartender leaves New York to visit his hometown of Providence, R.I. His search for answers surrounding her death leads Riley on a long and winding trip through old memories to discover the person responsible.
Narrator-turned-author McLarty delivers a sophomore novel that is more than just a simple mystery. The suspense doesn't drive the story but rather Riley's recounting of his adolescent years from the death of his father to his return from Vietnam. These nostalgic flashbacks of street life in Providence in the 1960s capture certain universal aspects that all listeners can appreciate. McLarty voices this first-person story with all the adeptness one would expect from an experienced narrator and author. His vocal characterizations provide added presence to many of his colorful characters and he delivers exposition with great attention to detail. He shines best with emotional displays from Jono and the other characters.’
Thursday, January 10, 2008
New Year Resolutions 2008…
The plan is that if I write my New Year resolutions down then perhaps I will do something about them.
Learn Guitar: I bought an acoustic guitar nearly two years ago and had planned to take lessons, but that never happened, so this year I want to rectify this and would like to be able to play at least one song by Christmas.
Continue Writing: I was discouraged by the rejection letters I received for my first story I submitted when we were in NZ. This year I want to re-work that children’s novel and have it submitted to different publishers here in the UK by Christmas and I also hope to start developing other ideas.
Do more Artwork: I would like to spend more time painting and drawing and I hope to have a picture done that is suitable for display in our lounge by the end of the year.
Exercise and Diet: We have been on a new diet for a couple of months now and it seems to be going quite well, so we want to continue with this and add more exercise to our daily life. I will try to have a walk each day, and get out into the countryside and out on the allotment more often as the weather improves.
The Garden: Now that we have a new shed and the space and equipment to grow our own plants I hope to develop the front garden by digging up the lawn, replacing it with a hard path between beds of home-grown English country garden flowers and installing a bench for us to sit and admire the view. This needs to be done by summertime along with developing the vegetable plot at the back of the rear garden and continuing with the development of the allotment.
Looking at these objectives now makes me worried about where I am going to get the all time as we already seem to be busy with other things. I guess it will mean I will also need to be more efficient with my time and try to avoid ‘wasting’ it with less productive activities such as watching TV.
I will let you know of my progress (or lack thereof) during the year.
Learn Guitar: I bought an acoustic guitar nearly two years ago and had planned to take lessons, but that never happened, so this year I want to rectify this and would like to be able to play at least one song by Christmas.
Continue Writing: I was discouraged by the rejection letters I received for my first story I submitted when we were in NZ. This year I want to re-work that children’s novel and have it submitted to different publishers here in the UK by Christmas and I also hope to start developing other ideas.
Do more Artwork: I would like to spend more time painting and drawing and I hope to have a picture done that is suitable for display in our lounge by the end of the year.
Exercise and Diet: We have been on a new diet for a couple of months now and it seems to be going quite well, so we want to continue with this and add more exercise to our daily life. I will try to have a walk each day, and get out into the countryside and out on the allotment more often as the weather improves.
The Garden: Now that we have a new shed and the space and equipment to grow our own plants I hope to develop the front garden by digging up the lawn, replacing it with a hard path between beds of home-grown English country garden flowers and installing a bench for us to sit and admire the view. This needs to be done by summertime along with developing the vegetable plot at the back of the rear garden and continuing with the development of the allotment.
Looking at these objectives now makes me worried about where I am going to get the all time as we already seem to be busy with other things. I guess it will mean I will also need to be more efficient with my time and try to avoid ‘wasting’ it with less productive activities such as watching TV.
I will let you know of my progress (or lack thereof) during the year.
Wednesday, January 09, 2008
Xmas and New Year…
We had a busy festive break focused on family and friends where we visited my Aunt and Uncle across Christmas and then hosted Sue’s family and our friends at our home. Jamie came down and spent a few days with us and also jetted off to Spain for a visit. We did manage to have a couple of days just to ourselves to relax and recover and to walk in the countryside but as usual it went all too quickly and we are now back into the work groove again, looking forward to our next break.
More of wot I have read…
Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall-Smith
This was an interesting book mostly for the author’s ability to portray the characters voice in such a convincing way. I felt that I had been exposed to a culture and world that I knew little of in such a way that I believe I have now learned something about it and can better appreciate it. It is a short and gentle read that is sweet and witty that makes me want to read the rest of the books in the series. I first became aware of the author several years ago from his Scotland Road stories which are also quirky and interesting.
‘In this instalment of the charmingly entertaining adventures of Botswana’s premier female detective, it’s going to take all Precious Ramotswe’s intuition and eminent sensibility to crack her toughest case yet: the decade-old disappearance of an American on the edge of the Kalahari.
What’s more, she must attend to concerns closer to home: the promotion of her secretary Mma Makutsi to the dizzy heights of Assistant Detective; her impending marriage to the wonderful Mr J. L. B. Matekoni; the trouble caused by his unscrupulous maid; and the unexpected arrival of not one but two additions to the Matekoni family.’
Exit Music by Ian Rankin
This is the first book by this author that I have read as it was given to me by a colleague at work and would not necessarily have been my choice of reading material. It is also the last of the Rebus series which has been going for some time spawning a TV series which I have also managed to miss. As it was I found myself being drawn into the story and enjoying the detailed and lovingly portrayed description of the city as the engaging characters moved around it.
‘It's late autumn in Edinburgh and late autumn in the career of Detective Inspector John Rebus. As he tries to tie up some loose ends before retirement, a murder case intrudes. A dissident Russian poet has been found dead in what looks like a mugging gone wrong. By apparent coincidence a high-level delegation of Russian businessmen is in town, keen to bring business to Scotland. The politicians and bankers who run Edinburgh are determined that the case should be closed quickly and clinically.
But the further they dig, the more Rebus and his colleague DS Siobhan Clarke become convinced that they are dealing with something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Meantime, a brutal and premeditated assault on local gangster 'Big Ger' Cafferty sees Rebus in the frame. Has the Inspector taken a step too far in tying up those loose ends? Only a few days shy of the end to his long, inglorious career, will Rebus even make it that far?’
This was an interesting book mostly for the author’s ability to portray the characters voice in such a convincing way. I felt that I had been exposed to a culture and world that I knew little of in such a way that I believe I have now learned something about it and can better appreciate it. It is a short and gentle read that is sweet and witty that makes me want to read the rest of the books in the series. I first became aware of the author several years ago from his Scotland Road stories which are also quirky and interesting.
‘In this instalment of the charmingly entertaining adventures of Botswana’s premier female detective, it’s going to take all Precious Ramotswe’s intuition and eminent sensibility to crack her toughest case yet: the decade-old disappearance of an American on the edge of the Kalahari.
What’s more, she must attend to concerns closer to home: the promotion of her secretary Mma Makutsi to the dizzy heights of Assistant Detective; her impending marriage to the wonderful Mr J. L. B. Matekoni; the trouble caused by his unscrupulous maid; and the unexpected arrival of not one but two additions to the Matekoni family.’
Exit Music by Ian Rankin
This is the first book by this author that I have read as it was given to me by a colleague at work and would not necessarily have been my choice of reading material. It is also the last of the Rebus series which has been going for some time spawning a TV series which I have also managed to miss. As it was I found myself being drawn into the story and enjoying the detailed and lovingly portrayed description of the city as the engaging characters moved around it.
‘It's late autumn in Edinburgh and late autumn in the career of Detective Inspector John Rebus. As he tries to tie up some loose ends before retirement, a murder case intrudes. A dissident Russian poet has been found dead in what looks like a mugging gone wrong. By apparent coincidence a high-level delegation of Russian businessmen is in town, keen to bring business to Scotland. The politicians and bankers who run Edinburgh are determined that the case should be closed quickly and clinically.
But the further they dig, the more Rebus and his colleague DS Siobhan Clarke become convinced that they are dealing with something more than a random attack - especially after a particularly nasty second killing. Meantime, a brutal and premeditated assault on local gangster 'Big Ger' Cafferty sees Rebus in the frame. Has the Inspector taken a step too far in tying up those loose ends? Only a few days shy of the end to his long, inglorious career, will Rebus even make it that far?’
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
A ruby with the lads…
Following my work’s do I had another outing. This time it was with a dozen guys from down the street. One of our neighbours arranged the gathering where we met at one of our locals for a quick drink before going on to the village curry house for a slap-up meal, some more drinks and a chance to meet and find out more about the other people in the street. It was a brilliant idea and we are all very keen to do this again and to expand it to a family get together with wives and kids too.
Mistletoe and wine…
We were a bit hesitant about going along to my company’s Christmas party as we had missed the one last year, the first after I joined the company, but we were pleasantly surprised. The food was very good for mass-catering and we were at a table of people that we knew from previous jobs for quite some time. It didn’t take much encouragement for Sue to get out onto the dance floor but it was much harder to convince her to take a break. The wine was not so great and on the expensive side and the room was just fine, but the cooked breakfast was an absolute necessity the following morning. The do was in a hotel near work and we had decided to stay over as it is a good distance from home and it would either be an expensive taxi ride or a boring and sober evening.
Shop till you drop…
Recently we took a day off work and went into our nearest large town to try and do all of our Christmas shopping in one hit. The day was pretty much a success with us getting near enough 90% of our presents sorted out. Just about everything else was bought via the internet. We have almost wrapped them all, have sent the overseas package to my family, written and posted most of the cards and have the decorations up around home. So we are nearly ready for the festive season.
More of wot I have read…
Stark by Ben Elton
In Ben Elton’s first novel the author lays out his stall for environmentalism from the stand point of a comfortably off middle class professional in the UK. As such many elements of the story have resonances with a reader of a similar background. I have read several of his books and find them entertaining and clever (apart from the tendency for the occasional ‘farty’ reference) and this was no exception.
“Stark has more money than God and the social conscience of a dog on a croquet lawn. What's more, they know the Earth is dying. Deep in Western Australia where the Aboriginals used to milk the trees, a planet-sized plot takes shape. Some green freaks pick up the scent. A Pommie Poseur, a brain-fried Vietnam Vet, Aboriginals who lost their land... …not much against a conspiracy that controls society. But EcoAction isn't in society; it just lives in the same place, along with the cockroaches. If you're facing the richest and most disgusting conspiracy in history, you have to do more than stick up two fingers and say 'peace'.”
In Ben Elton’s first novel the author lays out his stall for environmentalism from the stand point of a comfortably off middle class professional in the UK. As such many elements of the story have resonances with a reader of a similar background. I have read several of his books and find them entertaining and clever (apart from the tendency for the occasional ‘farty’ reference) and this was no exception.
“Stark has more money than God and the social conscience of a dog on a croquet lawn. What's more, they know the Earth is dying. Deep in Western Australia where the Aboriginals used to milk the trees, a planet-sized plot takes shape. Some green freaks pick up the scent. A Pommie Poseur, a brain-fried Vietnam Vet, Aboriginals who lost their land... …not much against a conspiracy that controls society. But EcoAction isn't in society; it just lives in the same place, along with the cockroaches. If you're facing the richest and most disgusting conspiracy in history, you have to do more than stick up two fingers and say 'peace'.”
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
An emotional time…
We visited my Aunt and Uncle on the weekend for my Uncle’s 60th birthday which nearly didn’t happen. They recently received some very bad news about my Aunt’s illness and my Uncle couldn’t face having a celebration under the circumstances, but my Aunt insisted with her usual stoic manner and we gathered with friends at an Italian restaurant where we all enjoyed ourselves in each others company. The indoor firework on the birthday cake nearly removed eyebrows with its display and ended the evening on a bang.
A man and his shed…
We have just taken receipt of a new shed at home. The old one had been there fore at least 20 years and although well built was suffering rot and borer damage. Also we wanted something that was more suitable to our growing of plants, so we went for a ‘potting’ shed, which includes a large glass window with a bench under it for starting seedlings earlier and for growing tender plants under glass.
First of all I had to take down the old shed and make sure there was a solid base underneath for the new one to be built upon (the delivery included assembly). It soon became clear why the old shed was still standing after such a long time as it took ages to pull it down, break it up and dispose of it (the concrete-asbestos roof had to be taken to a special dump to deal with).
The building had been built on concrete pillars straight on the ground so I needed to lay a base. It just so happened that we had a front path of plain slabs that we didn’t like so I took these up and cleaned the old concrete off them and laid a new path. Then with the old slabs and a couple of additional ones I laid the base for the new shed. Not something I had done before and apart from a couple of broken slabs and a slight dip at one corner, it was not too bad.
We had a couple of delays to the expected delivery date and had to rearrange work and holidays to accommodate them but eventually it came and the two guys had it up in less than an hour in the rain. We then spent another couple of hours filling it back up with the soaking wet stuff that had been sitting out on the deck for weeks. We will need to sort it out better, but for now it is undercover.
First of all I had to take down the old shed and make sure there was a solid base underneath for the new one to be built upon (the delivery included assembly). It soon became clear why the old shed was still standing after such a long time as it took ages to pull it down, break it up and dispose of it (the concrete-asbestos roof had to be taken to a special dump to deal with).
The building had been built on concrete pillars straight on the ground so I needed to lay a base. It just so happened that we had a front path of plain slabs that we didn’t like so I took these up and cleaned the old concrete off them and laid a new path. Then with the old slabs and a couple of additional ones I laid the base for the new shed. Not something I had done before and apart from a couple of broken slabs and a slight dip at one corner, it was not too bad.
We had a couple of delays to the expected delivery date and had to rearrange work and holidays to accommodate them but eventually it came and the two guys had it up in less than an hour in the rain. We then spent another couple of hours filling it back up with the soaking wet stuff that had been sitting out on the deck for weeks. We will need to sort it out better, but for now it is undercover.
More of wot I have heard…
Yo La Tengo – I am not afraid of you and I will beat your ass
This was an impulse buy for me as I needed to add something to my Amazon order to get free delivery (good sales tactic by them). I had heard several of their tracks before and I found this Indie-rock styled band interesting .Admittedly it is not to every bodies taste, and I don’t think it will get ‘high rotation’ at our home.
The band has been around for about twenty years but they have never really made it in the mainstream media (not that I hold that against them – most of the bands I like are not part of the mainstream pap).
When it comes to music, don’t be afraid to try something new.
Various Artists – Songs of America
I heard of this album on a late night BBC Radio 2 program by Stuart Maconie and thought it would be an interesting collection of songs. It is probably more for someone who wants to see the progress of American folk and is an intriguing documentary of the genre than for an evening of easy listening but there are some wonderful re-interpretations of classic standards in this collection and I am glad I bought it even if the motivation for creating it does appear to be a bit on the ‘worthy’ side.
Song Of America is a 50-song, 3-disc album that traces the history of the United States through its folk and popular musical traditions. The idea was the brainchild of President's Clinton's former Attorney General Janet Reno, whose premise was that music can be used as a great tool to teach the ideals and mores of the American peoples. Enlisting her nephew, producer Ed Pettersen and teaming up with David Macias of 31 Tigers (who won a Grammy for Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs Of Stephen Foster), this set has been nine years in the making. The result is an incredible musical journey.
Disc 1 extends from the famous date of 1492 up to 1860, a broad sweep including John Wesley Harding's version of 'God Save The King' through to Beth Nielsen Chapman's spine tingling negro spiritual 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child.'
Disc 2 from 1861 to 1945 sees songs from the Civil War in the anti-war song 'Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye' (Janis Ian) through to the Depression and then to war again, this time on foreign soil with the lament of 'Over There' (Jen Chapin).
Disc 3 brings us up to date from post war optimism, with the science will save us 'The Great Atomic Power' (Elizabeth Cook & Grascals), the civil rights protest inspired pride of 'Say It Loud' (The Dynamites), the affirmation of 'I Am Woman' (Martha Wainwright), and ends with John Mellancamp singing 'This Land Is Your Land'.
This seemingly impossible project has turned out to be not just about fantastic musicians and songs, it’s a living representation of the story of the most powerful nation on earth. And its relevance to today? This is answered with a final word from Janet Reno, who notes in her introduction: "It is important to know history to understand the importance our own actions have in shaping our future".
This was an impulse buy for me as I needed to add something to my Amazon order to get free delivery (good sales tactic by them). I had heard several of their tracks before and I found this Indie-rock styled band interesting .Admittedly it is not to every bodies taste, and I don’t think it will get ‘high rotation’ at our home.
The band has been around for about twenty years but they have never really made it in the mainstream media (not that I hold that against them – most of the bands I like are not part of the mainstream pap).
When it comes to music, don’t be afraid to try something new.
Various Artists – Songs of America
I heard of this album on a late night BBC Radio 2 program by Stuart Maconie and thought it would be an interesting collection of songs. It is probably more for someone who wants to see the progress of American folk and is an intriguing documentary of the genre than for an evening of easy listening but there are some wonderful re-interpretations of classic standards in this collection and I am glad I bought it even if the motivation for creating it does appear to be a bit on the ‘worthy’ side.
Song Of America is a 50-song, 3-disc album that traces the history of the United States through its folk and popular musical traditions. The idea was the brainchild of President's Clinton's former Attorney General Janet Reno, whose premise was that music can be used as a great tool to teach the ideals and mores of the American peoples. Enlisting her nephew, producer Ed Pettersen and teaming up with David Macias of 31 Tigers (who won a Grammy for Beautiful Dreamer: The Songs Of Stephen Foster), this set has been nine years in the making. The result is an incredible musical journey.
Disc 1 extends from the famous date of 1492 up to 1860, a broad sweep including John Wesley Harding's version of 'God Save The King' through to Beth Nielsen Chapman's spine tingling negro spiritual 'Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child.'
Disc 2 from 1861 to 1945 sees songs from the Civil War in the anti-war song 'Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye' (Janis Ian) through to the Depression and then to war again, this time on foreign soil with the lament of 'Over There' (Jen Chapin).
Disc 3 brings us up to date from post war optimism, with the science will save us 'The Great Atomic Power' (Elizabeth Cook & Grascals), the civil rights protest inspired pride of 'Say It Loud' (The Dynamites), the affirmation of 'I Am Woman' (Martha Wainwright), and ends with John Mellancamp singing 'This Land Is Your Land'.
This seemingly impossible project has turned out to be not just about fantastic musicians and songs, it’s a living representation of the story of the most powerful nation on earth. And its relevance to today? This is answered with a final word from Janet Reno, who notes in her introduction: "It is important to know history to understand the importance our own actions have in shaping our future".
Back and forth…
Travelling to and from Brussels with work
I have had a couple of week long trips to Brussels to attend the company’s New Hire Training (even though I have been employed for over 18 months). It was interesting and informative, but I am not one to enjoy trips away with work.
Up to Manchester
I also had a short trip up to Manchester to attend a course on Six Sigma – a collection of tools and methodologies design to improve efficiencies and quality in an organisation. The name takes itself from the sigma deviation on a standard distribution curve.
I have had a couple of week long trips to Brussels to attend the company’s New Hire Training (even though I have been employed for over 18 months). It was interesting and informative, but I am not one to enjoy trips away with work.
Up to Manchester
I also had a short trip up to Manchester to attend a course on Six Sigma – a collection of tools and methodologies design to improve efficiencies and quality in an organisation. The name takes itself from the sigma deviation on a standard distribution curve.
More of wot I have read…
Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett
What can I say, I am a fan of Terry Pratchett and even though this is part of his teen series, I still enjoyed reading it. It is a good book for the younger readers to introduce them to the weird and wonderful Discworld and some of its more well known inhabitants… …the witches.
“At 9, Tiffany Aching defeated the cruel Queen of Fairyland.
At 11, she battled an ancient body-stealing evil.
At 13, Tiffany faces a new challenge: a boy. And boys can be a bit of a problem when you're thirteen. . . .
But the Wintersmith isn't exactly a boy. He is Winter itself—snow, gales, icicles—all of it. When he has a crush on Tiffany, he may make her roses out of ice, but his nature is blizzards and avalanches. And he wants Tiffany to stay in his gleaming, frozen world. Forever.
Tiffany will need all her cunning to make it to Spring. She'll also need her friends, from junior witches to the legendary Granny Weatherwax. They—
Crivens! Tiffany will need the Wee Free Men too! She'll have the help of the bravest, toughest, smelliest pictsies ever to be banished from Fairyland—whether she wants it or not.
It's going to be a cold, cold season, because if Tiffany doesn't survive until Spring—
—Spring won't come.”
The Rama series by Arthur C Clarke
I found the middle two books in a charity shop and bought them on a whim. I found I had the last at home, but it had been so long that I couldn’t remember reading it. The first book I don’t think I have ever read. Arthur C Clarke’s books can be a bit difficult to read in that he does detail everything in a way that must be logical to him, but unfortunately I don’t get all of his gadgets or aliens and I find they can irritate and detract from the story. I guess though trying to explain alien life forms and advanced technology is always going to be a risk. I also have a difficulty with the possibility that we could have any common ground with another race, or even be able to recognise them should we come across one – humans are not my idea of a constitutes superior species. Nevertheless some leaps of faith are required if a story is to be told, and the overall idea is very interesting and explores some of these issues in a controlled environment.
1972 Rendezvous With Rama
In 2130, a new celestial body is discovered heading toward the Sun. Earthlings name this object 'Rama' -- a vast cylinder, about 31 miles long and 12 miles across, with a mass of at least ten trillion tons. The spaceship Endeavor, directed by Commander Bill Norton, lands on Rama and has three weeks to explore its hollow interior. Inside the vessel they discover a completely self-contained world -- a world that has been cruising through space for perhaps more than a million years.
1989 Rama II
Years ago, the enormous, enigmatic alien spacecraft called Rama sailed through our solar system as mind-boggling proof that life existed -- or had existed -- elsewhere in the universe. Now, at the dawn of the twenty-third century, another ship is discovered hurtling toward us. A crew of Earth's best and brightest minds is assembled to rendezvous with the massive vessel. They are armed with everything we know about Raman technology and culture. But nothing can prepare them for what they are about to encounter on board Rama II: cosmic secrets that are startling, sensational -- and perhaps even deadly.
1991 The Garden Of Rama
By the twenty-third century Earth has already had two encounters with massive, mysterious robotic spacecraft from beyond our solar system--the incontestable proof of an alien technology that far exceeds our own. Now three human cosmonauts are trapped aboard a labyrinthine Raman vessel, where it will take all of their physical and mental resources to survive. Only twelve years into their journey do these intrepid travelers learn their destination and face their ultimate challenge: a rendevous with a Raman base--and the unseen architects of their galactic home. The cosmonauts have given up family, friends, and possessions to live a new kind of life. But the answers that await them at the Raman Node will require an even greater sacrifice--if humanity is indeed ready to learn the awe-inspiring truth.
1993 Rama Revealed
After the appearance of a spaceship, Rama, a second craft arrives, destined to house a group of colonists. But, the colony has become a dictatorship. Nicole Wakefield, condemned to death, escapes to an island called New York, and is forced to flee to the corridors inhabited by octospiders.
What can I say, I am a fan of Terry Pratchett and even though this is part of his teen series, I still enjoyed reading it. It is a good book for the younger readers to introduce them to the weird and wonderful Discworld and some of its more well known inhabitants… …the witches.
“At 9, Tiffany Aching defeated the cruel Queen of Fairyland.
At 11, she battled an ancient body-stealing evil.
At 13, Tiffany faces a new challenge: a boy. And boys can be a bit of a problem when you're thirteen. . . .
But the Wintersmith isn't exactly a boy. He is Winter itself—snow, gales, icicles—all of it. When he has a crush on Tiffany, he may make her roses out of ice, but his nature is blizzards and avalanches. And he wants Tiffany to stay in his gleaming, frozen world. Forever.
Tiffany will need all her cunning to make it to Spring. She'll also need her friends, from junior witches to the legendary Granny Weatherwax. They—
Crivens! Tiffany will need the Wee Free Men too! She'll have the help of the bravest, toughest, smelliest pictsies ever to be banished from Fairyland—whether she wants it or not.
It's going to be a cold, cold season, because if Tiffany doesn't survive until Spring—
—Spring won't come.”
The Rama series by Arthur C Clarke
I found the middle two books in a charity shop and bought them on a whim. I found I had the last at home, but it had been so long that I couldn’t remember reading it. The first book I don’t think I have ever read. Arthur C Clarke’s books can be a bit difficult to read in that he does detail everything in a way that must be logical to him, but unfortunately I don’t get all of his gadgets or aliens and I find they can irritate and detract from the story. I guess though trying to explain alien life forms and advanced technology is always going to be a risk. I also have a difficulty with the possibility that we could have any common ground with another race, or even be able to recognise them should we come across one – humans are not my idea of a constitutes superior species. Nevertheless some leaps of faith are required if a story is to be told, and the overall idea is very interesting and explores some of these issues in a controlled environment.
1972 Rendezvous With Rama
In 2130, a new celestial body is discovered heading toward the Sun. Earthlings name this object 'Rama' -- a vast cylinder, about 31 miles long and 12 miles across, with a mass of at least ten trillion tons. The spaceship Endeavor, directed by Commander Bill Norton, lands on Rama and has three weeks to explore its hollow interior. Inside the vessel they discover a completely self-contained world -- a world that has been cruising through space for perhaps more than a million years.
1989 Rama II
Years ago, the enormous, enigmatic alien spacecraft called Rama sailed through our solar system as mind-boggling proof that life existed -- or had existed -- elsewhere in the universe. Now, at the dawn of the twenty-third century, another ship is discovered hurtling toward us. A crew of Earth's best and brightest minds is assembled to rendezvous with the massive vessel. They are armed with everything we know about Raman technology and culture. But nothing can prepare them for what they are about to encounter on board Rama II: cosmic secrets that are startling, sensational -- and perhaps even deadly.
1991 The Garden Of Rama
By the twenty-third century Earth has already had two encounters with massive, mysterious robotic spacecraft from beyond our solar system--the incontestable proof of an alien technology that far exceeds our own. Now three human cosmonauts are trapped aboard a labyrinthine Raman vessel, where it will take all of their physical and mental resources to survive. Only twelve years into their journey do these intrepid travelers learn their destination and face their ultimate challenge: a rendevous with a Raman base--and the unseen architects of their galactic home. The cosmonauts have given up family, friends, and possessions to live a new kind of life. But the answers that await them at the Raman Node will require an even greater sacrifice--if humanity is indeed ready to learn the awe-inspiring truth.
1993 Rama Revealed
After the appearance of a spaceship, Rama, a second craft arrives, destined to house a group of colonists. But, the colony has become a dictatorship. Nicole Wakefield, condemned to death, escapes to an island called New York, and is forced to flee to the corridors inhabited by octospiders.
Thursday, October 04, 2007
The vision…
We have recently had BT Vision installed at home, which is a combined Freeview, Recorder and On Demand service from BT. We are an existing BT Broadband customer and as our contract term was coming to an end I think BT are rolling out their new services free to customers who sign up for another 18 months.
The Vision box itself is a hand device with two tuners (for recording two programmes or watching one while recording another) and a hard disc with 80 hours of capacity which also allows you to pause and rewind ‘live’ TV.
A dedicated BT Vision engineer had to come to our home to install the Wireless BT Hub (needed for the On Demand download service – and now giving us wireless broadband through the house) and the Vision box.
We have had it for about a week now and it is pretty good, freeing us up from any desire to be in front of the TV at a particular time to watch our favourite programmes. We are recording more stuff where we would just resign ourselves to missing before, so we might end up watching more or at least more of what we want too. Also I now have to modify my hand crafted TV unit as the new box is bigger than the old free view one it replaces.
More of wot I have read…
The Triumph of the Sun by Wilbur Smith
Another book picked up at a fair from an author I have read a few books of before. As it turns out this is a book which ties up two of his book series; the Ballantyne and Courtney series – although this did not seem too obvious or to detract from the narrative.
The book has a particular feel about it and the reactions of the major female and male characters can be uncomfortable to an enlightened man. I am not sure if this is the way the author actually feels or if it is his attempt to replicate the sensibilities of the time or if he is writing for a particular audience – I prefer to think it is the later, as the whole book has that ‘boys own’ feel about it.
The story has an unusual pace to it, which might be due to its position in the series and having to tie up loose threads, still it is an entertaining read for the adventurous chap.
‘From one of the world’s most celebrated and bestselling novelists comes an epic adventure in the spirit and tradition of Monsoon and Blue Horizon.
It is 1884, and in the Sudan, decades of brutal misgovernment by the ruling Egyptian Khedive in Cairo precipitates a bloody rebellion and Holy War. The charismatic new religious leader, the Mahdi or 'Expected One', has gathered his forces of Arab warlords in preparation for a siege on the city of Khartoum. The British are forced to intervene to protect their national interests and to attempt to rescue the hundreds of British subjects stranded in the city.
British trader and businessman Ryder Courtney is trapped in the capital city of Khartoum under the orders of the infamously iron-willed General Charles George Gordon. It is here that he meets skilled soldier and swordsman Captain Penrod Ballantyne of the 10th Hussars and the British Consul, David Benbrook, as well as Benbrook’s three beautiful daughters. Against the vivid and bloody backdrop of the Arabs’ fierce and merciless siege these three powerful men must fight to survive.’
Another book picked up at a fair from an author I have read a few books of before. As it turns out this is a book which ties up two of his book series; the Ballantyne and Courtney series – although this did not seem too obvious or to detract from the narrative.
The book has a particular feel about it and the reactions of the major female and male characters can be uncomfortable to an enlightened man. I am not sure if this is the way the author actually feels or if it is his attempt to replicate the sensibilities of the time or if he is writing for a particular audience – I prefer to think it is the later, as the whole book has that ‘boys own’ feel about it.
The story has an unusual pace to it, which might be due to its position in the series and having to tie up loose threads, still it is an entertaining read for the adventurous chap.
‘From one of the world’s most celebrated and bestselling novelists comes an epic adventure in the spirit and tradition of Monsoon and Blue Horizon.
It is 1884, and in the Sudan, decades of brutal misgovernment by the ruling Egyptian Khedive in Cairo precipitates a bloody rebellion and Holy War. The charismatic new religious leader, the Mahdi or 'Expected One', has gathered his forces of Arab warlords in preparation for a siege on the city of Khartoum. The British are forced to intervene to protect their national interests and to attempt to rescue the hundreds of British subjects stranded in the city.
British trader and businessman Ryder Courtney is trapped in the capital city of Khartoum under the orders of the infamously iron-willed General Charles George Gordon. It is here that he meets skilled soldier and swordsman Captain Penrod Ballantyne of the 10th Hussars and the British Consul, David Benbrook, as well as Benbrook’s three beautiful daughters. Against the vivid and bloody backdrop of the Arabs’ fierce and merciless siege these three powerful men must fight to survive.’
Friday, September 21, 2007
More of wot I have read…
Miss Garnet’s Angel by Sally Vickers
We have been picking up strange books at the local fairs and charity shops as they are so cheep and this book was one of those for me. I had a faint recollection about hearing of it before on the radio where they discussed its themes. The story of Tobias and the Angel Rafael stuck in my mind. It is definitely an odd little book that seems to wander aimlessly around at times, where the main character seems to be equally befuddled about what is going on too. Nevertheless it has many good points too and could be worth your time if you don’t mind something more esoteric than athletic.
‘When a friend dies, Julia Garnet goes to stay in Venice where a lifetime of caution is challenged. She encounters the paintings in the local church which tell the story of Tobias and the Angel. The ancient tale of Tobias, who travels to Media unaware he is accompanied by the Archangel Raphael, unfolds alongside Julia Garnet's contemporary journey. As she unravels the story's history, Julia's own life is thrown into question – for, like the shifting sea-light of Venice, nothing here is quite as it seems.’
Have the men had enough by Margaret Forster
When I had finished the Angel book I was hunting around for something else to read and so I picked my wife’s ‘second’ book. It was most definitely not some I would have chosen had there been any alternatives and it was a very different book to what I am used to. Concentrating on the difficulties of dealing with an elderly relative decent into senility it is an emotionally tough book that seems to be either written as a text for home-carers or for the more masochistic reader. Not something I would recommend unless you are particularly interested in the subject matter.
‘What do men run away from? Not war, not physical hardship, but the day-to-day emotional demands of impossible domestic situations. That's women's work. This is a story of female courage, where black comedy turns to disturbing pathos revolving around the rights of an indomitable woman’
We have been picking up strange books at the local fairs and charity shops as they are so cheep and this book was one of those for me. I had a faint recollection about hearing of it before on the radio where they discussed its themes. The story of Tobias and the Angel Rafael stuck in my mind. It is definitely an odd little book that seems to wander aimlessly around at times, where the main character seems to be equally befuddled about what is going on too. Nevertheless it has many good points too and could be worth your time if you don’t mind something more esoteric than athletic.
‘When a friend dies, Julia Garnet goes to stay in Venice where a lifetime of caution is challenged. She encounters the paintings in the local church which tell the story of Tobias and the Angel. The ancient tale of Tobias, who travels to Media unaware he is accompanied by the Archangel Raphael, unfolds alongside Julia Garnet's contemporary journey. As she unravels the story's history, Julia's own life is thrown into question – for, like the shifting sea-light of Venice, nothing here is quite as it seems.’
Have the men had enough by Margaret Forster
When I had finished the Angel book I was hunting around for something else to read and so I picked my wife’s ‘second’ book. It was most definitely not some I would have chosen had there been any alternatives and it was a very different book to what I am used to. Concentrating on the difficulties of dealing with an elderly relative decent into senility it is an emotionally tough book that seems to be either written as a text for home-carers or for the more masochistic reader. Not something I would recommend unless you are particularly interested in the subject matter.
‘What do men run away from? Not war, not physical hardship, but the day-to-day emotional demands of impossible domestic situations. That's women's work. This is a story of female courage, where black comedy turns to disturbing pathos revolving around the rights of an indomitable woman’
Trip to France…
We have just returned from a lovely trip to the Aveyron region of France with my Aunt and Uncle for a week. We stayed at a family run hotel that specialises in local cuisine and is situated on the river at the base of premonitory on which sits the wonderful town of Najac with it’s fortress dominating the view and the area around.
We travelled by budget airline to the quiet airport of Rodez (not a town high on our recommendations to visit), which has one flight a day, one gate, one conveyer system and several staff who seem to have many jobs, changing hats when they walk through a door.
This area is known for its rugged scenery of many valleys and gorges and of the Bastide towns. Rouergue Bastides were fortified towns built on a square often with a covered market in the middle surrounded be arcades and having straight roads leading off that could be easily defended in times of crisis. And this region of France seems to have had more than its share of crises with the English / French conflicts and the various wars of religion. It seems that there are more fortified towns, defensible chateaus and castles here than I have seen any where else in the country.
We travelled around a lot, perhaps too much, and visited many places of historical significance or architectural beauty, stopping several times on route to take in the views or to watch the wildlife. Some of the places we stopped at included:
- We went the Chateau Du Bosc where Toulouse-Lautrec spent many years with his family, where he tragically broke his legs and where he practiced his drawing. We were guided around the eccentric house be equally eccentric women and saw some of Henri’s early works including sketches he drew on the plaster walls. On a separate trip we also visited where he was born at Hotel Bosc in Albi.
- The Beaulieu Abbey suffered during the religious wars but it was been restored as a gallery where the impressively large and bare space sets of the artwork very well.
- The little town of Varen was intriguing as it could be missed when driving along the main road, and yet it had a wonderful unspoilt few streets of mediaeval houses.
- Precarious Penne was remarkable for displaying the lengths people would go to when building a castle, picking the highest and most inaccessible point to locate it.
- Beautiful Belcastle had been restored be an architect and had been modified somewhat to include modern spaces within the structure that could be rented out. It sat above one of the most picturesque villages in the region. It perhaps looked a too perfect and romantic village to be real and lacked some sense of life.
- Saint Antonin Noble Var was an interesting town that showed all the signs of being a busy place, but the old town had lovely quiet spaces where you could get a sense of what it would have looked like long ago. It also had a small steep street called rue Bombecul, or the street that makes you stick your backside out!
- Sauveterre De Rouergue was another beautiful but somewhat deserted town.
- Villefranche-de-Rouergue an the other hand is a big and bustling town/city, especially on market day when you get a sense of how these Bastides would have looked in thier heyday.
- The towering Saint Cecile Basilica was the highlight of Albi, another large town/city. Looking like a huge brick Air-craft carrier in the middle of town this building was built to impress and awe the populace, and seeing in all its majestic glory during a moving Sunday service it still makes a big impression these days. What was also fascinating was demonstrations of mediaeval workmanship in front of it as re-enactors made rope, scaffolding, hew logs, and scaled the walls to show the trades used in the buildings construction.
As is our want we over indulged, on the scenery, history, food and wine. We were almost glad to get back home for a rest.
Friday, September 07, 2007
If I were a carpenter…
Those of you who know me well will understand why DIY is not my thing. For someone who likes to think of himself as a creative person with a gentle and fine touch, writing stories and painting pictures, I am usually totally inept with larger tools like a hammer and a saw. So it is with a certain amount of self pride that I managed to put up a couple of shelves, build a unit to support the TV, and fashion some skirting board out of scraps of wood found in the shed without too much collateral damage (some saw marks on the patio table, slightly rustic finish to the woodwork, and some filler in the larger gaps).
To Hull and back…
Jamie made an unexpected visit to home for a couple of days and we caught up and fed him up before I somehow found myself driving him back to his new digs in Hull midweek, where I picked a few things that wouldn’t fit into his new room and brought them back, 11 hours later, to clutter up his room at home. The long drive did give us some quality time to talk about this and that. We had planned to visit him the following weekend but I wasn’t too busy at work and could take time off and now we have our weekend free to do a few chores and to follow the Westcott historical weekend tour around some local attractions.
More of wot I have read…
Timeline by Michael Crichton
I found this book quite a page turned and I think it was mainly due to the author’s ability to write fast paced action sequences. The detail and research that went into the story was obvious, though it did occasionally trip him up. There were definitely some ‘written for the movies’ type of setup noticeable in some scenes, but nevertheless I found the book a good read.
‘In an Arizona desert a man wanders in a daze, speaking words that make no sense. Within twenty-four hours he is dead, his body swiftly cremated by his only known associates. Halfway around the world archaeologists make a shocking discovery at a medieval site.
Suddenly they are swept off to the headquarters of a secretive multinational corporation that has developed an astounding technology. Now this group is about to get a chance not to study the past but to enter it. And with history opened to the present, the dead awakened to the living, these men and women will soon find themselves fighting for their very survival–six hundred years ago…’
Apparently there was also a movie made of the book, but it bombed and disappeared into obscurity.
I found this book quite a page turned and I think it was mainly due to the author’s ability to write fast paced action sequences. The detail and research that went into the story was obvious, though it did occasionally trip him up. There were definitely some ‘written for the movies’ type of setup noticeable in some scenes, but nevertheless I found the book a good read.
‘In an Arizona desert a man wanders in a daze, speaking words that make no sense. Within twenty-four hours he is dead, his body swiftly cremated by his only known associates. Halfway around the world archaeologists make a shocking discovery at a medieval site.
Suddenly they are swept off to the headquarters of a secretive multinational corporation that has developed an astounding technology. Now this group is about to get a chance not to study the past but to enter it. And with history opened to the present, the dead awakened to the living, these men and women will soon find themselves fighting for their very survival–six hundred years ago…’
Apparently there was also a movie made of the book, but it bombed and disappeared into obscurity.
Tuesday, September 04, 2007
Poor harvest…
The dark and damp English summer has prevented many of our crops from growing well. We know we would have some problems because we were late in getting some in the ground, but the adverse weather has just compounded the problem. We had to pick all of the tomatoes green and immature as they had started to get blight from the high humidity, so Sue spent a long time turning them into chutney. We have dug up all of our potatoes now and the small haul was further lessened by slug damage. Being out in the countryside brings new problems to gardening and although it is wonderful to see deer wandering around it is necessary to fence of the allotment to prevent them from eating everything you have grown. Nevertheless the conditions have meant that we didn’t have to spend much time watering and allowed us to do other things in the evenings and weekends. We have supplemented our harvest with foraged food for free and have managed to collect plenty of blackberries, some plums, a load of apples and even one mushroom (several others we picked up were discarded as being potentially dangerous).
Dupuytren’s Contracture…
Bent fingers are the noticeable effect of Dupuytren’s Contracture (so named after a French physician) which is sometimes referred to as the Viking disease. Several months ago I noticed a lump had appeared on the palm of my left hand. There was no pain other than a slight sensitivity when it was put under pressure. I tried not to think about it too much and hoped it would go away over time, but it didn’t, so when I had a check-up at my local doctor I asked him what it was. Apparently it is a rather common affliction, especially with people of northern European or Viking decent or with people who suffer from epilepsy, liver disease, diabetes and alcoholism and can be inherited. I had never heard of it before and didn’t know anyone in my family to suffer from it and I was pretty sure I didn’t suffer from any of the other diseases, so the doctor ran some additional blood tests and referred me to a specialist. The bloods came back fine showing I was otherwise healthy and the specialist was rather dismissive of the condition. He explained that what I saw was early signs and that it would be likely to progress slowly such that my little finger would become more bent as the growth in palm started to develop and limit the extension of the tendons. He said that they do not recommend and action until the fingers are bent to at least 30 degrees as the only relief was to break down the growth with surgery that runs the risk of damaging the tendons and nerves and doesn’t actually prevent it from reoccurring. It would seem that medical science is not totally sure what causes it and doesn’t have a cure. It least, for the moment, it is only in my left hand and is not causing my any real problem. I should get around to having those guitar lessons soon before it’s too late – I bought a guitar over a year ago and still haven’t done anything with it.
Thursday, August 30, 2007
More of wot I have read…
Catch 22 by Joseph Heller
This is an unusual book by design and it can be confusing and complicated in places, but that seems to be the author’s intention to reflect the absurdity of the war time situations that the characters find themselves in.
‘There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.
"That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed.
"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.’
This is an unusual book by design and it can be confusing and complicated in places, but that seems to be the author’s intention to reflect the absurdity of the war time situations that the characters find themselves in.
‘There was only one catch and that was Catch-22, which specified that a concern for one's safety in the face of dangers that were real and immediate was the process of a rational mind. Orr was crazy and could be grounded. All he had to do was ask; and as soon as he did, he would no longer be crazy and would have to fly more missions. Orr would be crazy to fly more missions and sane if he didn't, but if he was sane he had to fly them. If he flew them he was crazy and didn't have to; but if he didn't want to he was sane and had to. Yossarian was moved very deeply by the absolute simplicity of this clause of Catch-22 and let out a respectful whistle.
"That's some catch, that Catch-22," he observed.
"It's the best there is," Doc Daneeka agreed.’
Playing games…
Dark Matter D20 RPG
This RPG is set in a modern world where the supernatural and mysterious events are known to be real and hidden from the general public by complex lies and conspiracies. The players work for a shadowy organisation called the Hoffman Institute investigating the various bizarre events. We use the Fantasy Grounds virtual desktop and Skype to be able to play and communicate as if we were around a table.
StarWars - star ship battles
This a quick table top game that utilises the collectable Star Wars star ship miniatures, a playing surface showing a grid covered star field and some stat-cards and counters. Two players choose between the Imperial and Rebel forces and move their battle ships and fighters around the star field manoeuvring into positions to enable them to destroy the other’s ships. We also call this our ‘waiting for James to turn up game’.
BloodBowl
This is a fun game that should not be taken too seriously. Loosely based on Gridiron this table top game pits teams of various fantasy races (orcs, goblins, dwarves, elves etc) in mortal competition where the score line is often secondary to the death toll. Although strategy is an important attribute to the game a certain amount of randomness is guaranteed with the use of dice roles to decide outcomes of player’s actions. Teams have different abilities and specialities and so we have tried to pick several teams that have different characteristics to vary the game play.
Myth-Weaver PBEM (play-by-e-mail)
We have decided to start playing a variation of the old play-by-mail type of games utilizing modern technology and are going to use the Myth-Weaver site as a host. The scenario for this game is interesting as it will be a variation on the classic apocalypse setting; called Inherited Earth it depicts a modern world that has befallen the Rapture where the good have gone to heaven, the bad to hell and the ‘meek’ have inherited the earth, though for some reason fiends and angles still battle it out too.
This RPG is set in a modern world where the supernatural and mysterious events are known to be real and hidden from the general public by complex lies and conspiracies. The players work for a shadowy organisation called the Hoffman Institute investigating the various bizarre events. We use the Fantasy Grounds virtual desktop and Skype to be able to play and communicate as if we were around a table.
StarWars - star ship battles
This a quick table top game that utilises the collectable Star Wars star ship miniatures, a playing surface showing a grid covered star field and some stat-cards and counters. Two players choose between the Imperial and Rebel forces and move their battle ships and fighters around the star field manoeuvring into positions to enable them to destroy the other’s ships. We also call this our ‘waiting for James to turn up game’.
BloodBowl
This is a fun game that should not be taken too seriously. Loosely based on Gridiron this table top game pits teams of various fantasy races (orcs, goblins, dwarves, elves etc) in mortal competition where the score line is often secondary to the death toll. Although strategy is an important attribute to the game a certain amount of randomness is guaranteed with the use of dice roles to decide outcomes of player’s actions. Teams have different abilities and specialities and so we have tried to pick several teams that have different characteristics to vary the game play.
Myth-Weaver PBEM (play-by-e-mail)
We have decided to start playing a variation of the old play-by-mail type of games utilizing modern technology and are going to use the Myth-Weaver site as a host. The scenario for this game is interesting as it will be a variation on the classic apocalypse setting; called Inherited Earth it depicts a modern world that has befallen the Rapture where the good have gone to heaven, the bad to hell and the ‘meek’ have inherited the earth, though for some reason fiends and angles still battle it out too.
More of wot I have heard…
Amy Macdonald – This is the Life
It is nice to see more and more talented youngster who can actually play instruments and write a decent song. The new wave of singer songwriters are take influences from both new and old looking at current musicians and revisiting old standards. I think we are very lucky at the moment with the choice and quality of talent out there and Amy Macdonald is one of that group that is well worth investing in.
‘It's all Pete Doherty's fault. No, it's down to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Or do we finger Fran Healy of Travis? Nah, sod it, let's blame Ewan McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal. They're movie stars, proper ones. They're used to shouldering serious responsibility.
If it weren't for these artists, Amy Macdonald wouldn't be the teen-sensation singer-songwriter she is now. She'd still be kicking round Glasgow, an undergraduate at university, studying social sciences with an emphasis on geography. The highlight of her year would continue to be her annual pilgrimage to T In The Park, whereat she and her mates would party under canvas for 48 hours, forget their own names, and maybe see some bands. Amy Macdonald would still be a nobody, instead of a somebody out of whom great songs just flood. Amy was 12 when her world wobbled on its axis. She was on a family outing to Rothesay on Scotland's west coast. Her gran gave her some money to treat herself. Instead of buying a tenner's worth of ice-cream she bought a CD: The Man Who by Travis. It was the first album Amy ever owned. She was blown away: simple songs (Driftwood, Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, Writing To Reach You), sung brilliantly, roaring powerfully in her ears and in her head.
Inspired, adolescent Amy picked up one of the guitars her dad had lying round the house. He never played them; he'd never been in a band and had only 'mucked about' on the instrument with his pals when he was younger. And Amy just taught herself how to play the thing. There were no genetic influences, nor even lessons. Just a good ear and few chord patterns found on the internet. And a huge, burning, raging desire to write and play songs.’
Pink Martini – Hey Eugene!
We were first introduced to Pink Martini by a friend who had their first album, Sympathique, and we intrigued by the diverse sound. When I heard the title track of their latest album I was hooked. Every song is different and shows the depth of talent that forms this ensemble group as they perform songs with French, Arabic, Japanese lyrics, orchestral, hot club, tea dance style with influences to many to identify. This band is captivating and eclectic and well worth trying if you like your music with a bit of class.
‘“Pink Martini is like a romantic Hollywood musical of the 1940s or 50s – but with a global perspective which is modern,” says founder and artistic director Thomas M. Lauderdale. “We bring melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is new and beautiful.”
The Portland, Oregon-based ‘little orchestra’ was founded in 1994 by Lauderdale, a Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist, to play political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, the environment, affordable housing and public broadcasting. In the years following Pink Martini grew from four musicians to its current twelve, and has gone on to perform its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Canada and the United States.’
Richard Hawley – Lady’s Bridge
I have heard of this artist for sometime, lauded by music critics as one of the country’s best singer-songwriters for those in the know. Richard Hawley is an artist that does not manufacture songs but hand crafts instant classics that once heard seem to have always been there.
‘In an era where next big things, scenes and in-sounds flash by and even our favourite tunes are listened to on shuffle we need music that will stick around for a while, albums that we can go on listening to in one sitting until they wear out like previous generations had done with their Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and The Smiths records.
Something real. Something timeless. Something proper.
Just as he did with the Mercury nominated Coles Corner, Richard Hawley has risen once again to the challenge of quality in a cheap thrills economy. Recorded between January and June this year his new album Lady’s Bridge is filled with enough classics to last you a lifetime. Great music doesn’t need hype, it makes its own friends. And Lady’s Bridge will find plenty.’
It is nice to see more and more talented youngster who can actually play instruments and write a decent song. The new wave of singer songwriters are take influences from both new and old looking at current musicians and revisiting old standards. I think we are very lucky at the moment with the choice and quality of talent out there and Amy Macdonald is one of that group that is well worth investing in.
‘It's all Pete Doherty's fault. No, it's down to Red Hot Chili Peppers. Or do we finger Fran Healy of Travis? Nah, sod it, let's blame Ewan McGregor and Jake Gyllenhaal. They're movie stars, proper ones. They're used to shouldering serious responsibility.
If it weren't for these artists, Amy Macdonald wouldn't be the teen-sensation singer-songwriter she is now. She'd still be kicking round Glasgow, an undergraduate at university, studying social sciences with an emphasis on geography. The highlight of her year would continue to be her annual pilgrimage to T In The Park, whereat she and her mates would party under canvas for 48 hours, forget their own names, and maybe see some bands. Amy Macdonald would still be a nobody, instead of a somebody out of whom great songs just flood. Amy was 12 when her world wobbled on its axis. She was on a family outing to Rothesay on Scotland's west coast. Her gran gave her some money to treat herself. Instead of buying a tenner's worth of ice-cream she bought a CD: The Man Who by Travis. It was the first album Amy ever owned. She was blown away: simple songs (Driftwood, Why Does It Always Rain On Me?, Writing To Reach You), sung brilliantly, roaring powerfully in her ears and in her head.
Inspired, adolescent Amy picked up one of the guitars her dad had lying round the house. He never played them; he'd never been in a band and had only 'mucked about' on the instrument with his pals when he was younger. And Amy just taught herself how to play the thing. There were no genetic influences, nor even lessons. Just a good ear and few chord patterns found on the internet. And a huge, burning, raging desire to write and play songs.’
Pink Martini – Hey Eugene!
We were first introduced to Pink Martini by a friend who had their first album, Sympathique, and we intrigued by the diverse sound. When I heard the title track of their latest album I was hooked. Every song is different and shows the depth of talent that forms this ensemble group as they perform songs with French, Arabic, Japanese lyrics, orchestral, hot club, tea dance style with influences to many to identify. This band is captivating and eclectic and well worth trying if you like your music with a bit of class.
‘“Pink Martini is like a romantic Hollywood musical of the 1940s or 50s – but with a global perspective which is modern,” says founder and artistic director Thomas M. Lauderdale. “We bring melodies and rhythms from different parts of the world together to create something which is new and beautiful.”
The Portland, Oregon-based ‘little orchestra’ was founded in 1994 by Lauderdale, a Harvard graduate and classically trained pianist, to play political fundraisers for progressive causes such as civil rights, the environment, affordable housing and public broadcasting. In the years following Pink Martini grew from four musicians to its current twelve, and has gone on to perform its multilingual repertoire on concert stages and with symphony orchestras throughout Europe, Asia, Greece, Turkey, Lebanon, Canada and the United States.’
Richard Hawley – Lady’s Bridge
I have heard of this artist for sometime, lauded by music critics as one of the country’s best singer-songwriters for those in the know. Richard Hawley is an artist that does not manufacture songs but hand crafts instant classics that once heard seem to have always been there.
‘In an era where next big things, scenes and in-sounds flash by and even our favourite tunes are listened to on shuffle we need music that will stick around for a while, albums that we can go on listening to in one sitting until they wear out like previous generations had done with their Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and The Smiths records.
Something real. Something timeless. Something proper.
Just as he did with the Mercury nominated Coles Corner, Richard Hawley has risen once again to the challenge of quality in a cheap thrills economy. Recorded between January and June this year his new album Lady’s Bridge is filled with enough classics to last you a lifetime. Great music doesn’t need hype, it makes its own friends. And Lady’s Bridge will find plenty.’
More of wot I have watched…
The man who lost his head
This ‘made for TV movie’ just aired here in the UK, and it would appear at the same time in New Zealand as the NZ Herald review shows.
Not knowing what to expect as we aimlessly flicked channels on the weekend we were immediately attracted by the recognisable and beautiful scenery of New Zealand that shone out of our TV, though we were somewhat surprised to see Martin Clunes wandering through the countryside view.
This movie is not particularly challenging and the actors often play stereotypes, but for the UK audience the slightly exotic feel of the places, people and politics of a land on the other side of the world was refreshing when compared to our daily serving of reality/cooking/home-buying/soap shows. We thoroughly enjoyed the programme and felt uplifted by the sentimental and romantic storyline and would recommend it for light relief especially for old fashioned family viewing.
This ‘made for TV movie’ just aired here in the UK, and it would appear at the same time in New Zealand as the NZ Herald review shows.
Not knowing what to expect as we aimlessly flicked channels on the weekend we were immediately attracted by the recognisable and beautiful scenery of New Zealand that shone out of our TV, though we were somewhat surprised to see Martin Clunes wandering through the countryside view.
This movie is not particularly challenging and the actors often play stereotypes, but for the UK audience the slightly exotic feel of the places, people and politics of a land on the other side of the world was refreshing when compared to our daily serving of reality/cooking/home-buying/soap shows. We thoroughly enjoyed the programme and felt uplifted by the sentimental and romantic storyline and would recommend it for light relief especially for old fashioned family viewing.
Wednesday, August 08, 2007
Womad / Womud
This was our third Womad and the first time it has been at it’s new home in the Earl of Suffolk’s front lawn at Charlton Park in Wiltshire near Malmsbury. Unfortunately for everybody the rain came early (more than a month’s rain in 24hours) and turned the site into a mud bath. Still we understand it was not nearly as bad as Glastonbury, and considering the event population was a mere fraction of theirs, we were thankful. The worst of the weather came early on Thursday as we pitched tents and in the evening on Saturday, so it didn’t stop us getting out to the venue. Our party was boosted this year by three new recruits giving us a good, fun, group,
The mud did slow everybody down around the site and resulted in some stages being closed and some artists being stranded and the programme being changed, so we were not able to see all of the acts we would have wanted to. Nevertheless we did get to see a good few, including:
Blind Boys of Alabama and Solomon Burke – they have been around forever and are still going strong. These energetic performers had to be virtually restrained at times.
Dulsori – Korean drumming almost as a martial art, mad, frantic and full on workout.
Peter Gabriel – celebrating 25 years of Womad he was convinced to play this year.
Kronos Quartet – classical music as you have never heard it before.
Warsaw Village Band – folk music from Eastern Europe played with passion.
Ben Taylor – a very cool and mellow singer-songwriter.
Calexico – one of my favourite bands who play a Tex-Mex style.
Seth Lakeman – He is making British folk cool and is young and good looking at the same time.
The Imagined Village – A folk dream-team and the highlight for us at this year’s event.
Along with the music the site boasted a relaxation area (with many alternative therapies on offer), a cooking tent (with demonstrations of exotic fare), the Steam Powered Fairground, many worthy causes had stalls and of course the shop holders and food stalls. Again this year as previous the Pieminster food stall was voted our favourite (chicken Thai curry pie with mash and gravy being the most popular with our crowd). Naturally some drink was consumed too (rather more than any of us care to remember).
The weather and overindulgence combined with our middle aged frames took its toll and we decamped in the afternoon on Sunday rather than staying for another night, and we were glad to be home to a cleansing bath and comfortable bed.
One particular disappointment was not being able to get to see Te Matarae I Orehu, the Maori song and dance troupe. Paul managed to catch some of their act as we were at another tent and said they were brilliant. Young Tom spent much of the next day on the lookout for fearsome tattooed warriors with their tongues sticking out - like the picture in the programme (unfortunately to no avail).
There is a good chance that we will come back next year.
The mud did slow everybody down around the site and resulted in some stages being closed and some artists being stranded and the programme being changed, so we were not able to see all of the acts we would have wanted to. Nevertheless we did get to see a good few, including:
Blind Boys of Alabama and Solomon Burke – they have been around forever and are still going strong. These energetic performers had to be virtually restrained at times.
Dulsori – Korean drumming almost as a martial art, mad, frantic and full on workout.
Peter Gabriel – celebrating 25 years of Womad he was convinced to play this year.
Kronos Quartet – classical music as you have never heard it before.
Warsaw Village Band – folk music from Eastern Europe played with passion.
Ben Taylor – a very cool and mellow singer-songwriter.
Calexico – one of my favourite bands who play a Tex-Mex style.
Seth Lakeman – He is making British folk cool and is young and good looking at the same time.
The Imagined Village – A folk dream-team and the highlight for us at this year’s event.
Along with the music the site boasted a relaxation area (with many alternative therapies on offer), a cooking tent (with demonstrations of exotic fare), the Steam Powered Fairground, many worthy causes had stalls and of course the shop holders and food stalls. Again this year as previous the Pieminster food stall was voted our favourite (chicken Thai curry pie with mash and gravy being the most popular with our crowd). Naturally some drink was consumed too (rather more than any of us care to remember).
The weather and overindulgence combined with our middle aged frames took its toll and we decamped in the afternoon on Sunday rather than staying for another night, and we were glad to be home to a cleansing bath and comfortable bed.
One particular disappointment was not being able to get to see Te Matarae I Orehu, the Maori song and dance troupe. Paul managed to catch some of their act as we were at another tent and said they were brilliant. Young Tom spent much of the next day on the lookout for fearsome tattooed warriors with their tongues sticking out - like the picture in the programme (unfortunately to no avail).
There is a good chance that we will come back next year.
More of wot I have read…
The Judgement of Caesar by Steven Saylor
We picked this book up in the local Oxfam shop and didn’t realise that it is the last in the series of Roma Sub Rosa books. It is an entertaining read, especially if you enjoy historical drama and intrigue – it might be worth finding the first in this series and working from there – the book stands on its own, but it does make pointed references to previous stories.
‘In 48 B.C., Roman generals Caesar and Pompey have long engaged in a battle to rule the world. Now, as Pompey plots a reckless stand on the banks of the Nile, Gordianus the Finder-who has brought his wife Bethesda to the river seeking a cure for her in its sacred waters-finds himself suddenly at the heart of a series of treacherous and history-altering events.
While Caesar and Cleopatra embark on a legendary romance, Egypt remains ravaged by the brutal contest between the Queen and her brother King Ptolemy. Worst of all for Gordianus, his once-disowned son and Caesar's right-hand man, stands falsely accused of murder. Caesar's judgment will decide Meto's fate and it is up to Gordianus to somehow overcome colossal malevolent forces to reveal the carefully obscured truth and spare his son's life.’
We picked this book up in the local Oxfam shop and didn’t realise that it is the last in the series of Roma Sub Rosa books. It is an entertaining read, especially if you enjoy historical drama and intrigue – it might be worth finding the first in this series and working from there – the book stands on its own, but it does make pointed references to previous stories.
‘In 48 B.C., Roman generals Caesar and Pompey have long engaged in a battle to rule the world. Now, as Pompey plots a reckless stand on the banks of the Nile, Gordianus the Finder-who has brought his wife Bethesda to the river seeking a cure for her in its sacred waters-finds himself suddenly at the heart of a series of treacherous and history-altering events.
While Caesar and Cleopatra embark on a legendary romance, Egypt remains ravaged by the brutal contest between the Queen and her brother King Ptolemy. Worst of all for Gordianus, his once-disowned son and Caesar's right-hand man, stands falsely accused of murder. Caesar's judgment will decide Meto's fate and it is up to Gordianus to somehow overcome colossal malevolent forces to reveal the carefully obscured truth and spare his son's life.’
Friday, July 20, 2007
More of wot I have read…
Semi-Detached by Griff Rhys Jones
This is a sensitive and gently funny account of the early formative years of Griff Rhys Jones’s life up until the time he joined the BBC and became well known.
‘From birth through bell-bottoms to the BBC…
Semi-Detached is Griff Rhys Jones’s own account of his ordinary suburban childhood; of adolescent scraps and scrapes; of coming of age in the 1960s and 70s; of family and university life; and of times lost or at least fuzzy around the edges.
It’s a powerful, moving and above all touchingly funny memoir of how one of the nation’s most popular comics and personalities got from there to here…’
This is a sensitive and gently funny account of the early formative years of Griff Rhys Jones’s life up until the time he joined the BBC and became well known.
‘From birth through bell-bottoms to the BBC…
Semi-Detached is Griff Rhys Jones’s own account of his ordinary suburban childhood; of adolescent scraps and scrapes; of coming of age in the 1960s and 70s; of family and university life; and of times lost or at least fuzzy around the edges.
It’s a powerful, moving and above all touchingly funny memoir of how one of the nation’s most popular comics and personalities got from there to here…’
Monday, July 16, 2007
Beer by name and by nature…
This year Sue’s birthday coincided with the annual Albury Morris weekend adventure of traditional dance, music and of drink.
We drove down to Beer in Dorset with my Aunt and Uncle, stopping midway for a sandwich a pint and a then at the National Trust property of Lytes Cary Manor (misheard by me as Light Scary Manor) before arriving in time to meet up with the others for another drink before dinner (you can see a theme starting to emerge).
The village of Beer is quaint and retains much of the feel of the original fishing village, albeit sanitised and more affluent than when it relied on that trade. The proximity to the sea did mean that the restaurant we had our evening meal in had a great fish menu that was enjoyed by all. A local pub was selected for the ritual occupation as the massed Morris brought out their musical instruments and sang and drank into the night.
The weekend was superbly organised by Pete and included a tram ride between Seaton and Colyton down beside the bird spotter’s paradise of the Axe valley. We watched the Morris side dance and joined them in some cold refreshments at their allotted venues. A coach took the merry group on to Sidmouth where the dancing outside was put off by the increasingly inclement weather and the group again selected pubs at random to occupy. As alcohol levels increased the side became bolder and soon the regulars were in awe of the sight of several beery and unusually clad older men prancing around the bar alternatively waving hankies and bashing sticks together (having more members than is required for each dance means that the performers can alternate as they tire or require additional refreshment such that a constant barrage of concussive stick dances and percussive bells tied to the legs that accompanies the more musical concertinas, accordions and boron drives the landlord and any potential opposition into submission). Later it was back to Beer where we had some time to freshen up and relax before continuing on with the festivities. I came down to the dinner fashionable late blaming the headaches (I actually was watching the final Dr Who of the series – brilliant it has been too) where we ate some more, drank some more and, after the tables and chairs were pushed to side of the room, singing and traditional dancing ensued.
The following day we checked out and the group decamped arranging to meet at Lyme Regis where they danced on the Cobb as the sea spray plumed over the wall and then retired to a lovely pub at Axemouth for lunch and another dance before finally disbanding and dispersing quietly into the countryside from whence they came like the crack commando dance team they are.
We drove down to Beer in Dorset with my Aunt and Uncle, stopping midway for a sandwich a pint and a then at the National Trust property of Lytes Cary Manor (misheard by me as Light Scary Manor) before arriving in time to meet up with the others for another drink before dinner (you can see a theme starting to emerge).
The village of Beer is quaint and retains much of the feel of the original fishing village, albeit sanitised and more affluent than when it relied on that trade. The proximity to the sea did mean that the restaurant we had our evening meal in had a great fish menu that was enjoyed by all. A local pub was selected for the ritual occupation as the massed Morris brought out their musical instruments and sang and drank into the night.
The weekend was superbly organised by Pete and included a tram ride between Seaton and Colyton down beside the bird spotter’s paradise of the Axe valley. We watched the Morris side dance and joined them in some cold refreshments at their allotted venues. A coach took the merry group on to Sidmouth where the dancing outside was put off by the increasingly inclement weather and the group again selected pubs at random to occupy. As alcohol levels increased the side became bolder and soon the regulars were in awe of the sight of several beery and unusually clad older men prancing around the bar alternatively waving hankies and bashing sticks together (having more members than is required for each dance means that the performers can alternate as they tire or require additional refreshment such that a constant barrage of concussive stick dances and percussive bells tied to the legs that accompanies the more musical concertinas, accordions and boron drives the landlord and any potential opposition into submission). Later it was back to Beer where we had some time to freshen up and relax before continuing on with the festivities. I came down to the dinner fashionable late blaming the headaches (I actually was watching the final Dr Who of the series – brilliant it has been too) where we ate some more, drank some more and, after the tables and chairs were pushed to side of the room, singing and traditional dancing ensued.
The following day we checked out and the group decamped arranging to meet at Lyme Regis where they danced on the Cobb as the sea spray plumed over the wall and then retired to a lovely pub at Axemouth for lunch and another dance before finally disbanding and dispersing quietly into the countryside from whence they came like the crack commando dance team they are.
A vote for de-evolution…
We had a pretty good early spring this year, but that has since been overshadowed by a crappy summer so far. Floods have devastated parts of the country and everywhere else has become steadily waterlogged too. We are not too surprised with a certain amount of meteorological variability in this country, it being the stereotypical topic of choice here. It is expected that Wimbledon will be extended due to rain (why they don’t have a roof over central court is a mystery), that Glastonbury will be knee deep in mud and posh people will be paddling around the Hampton Court Flower Show, but we usually hope to see some sun in-between these events. Alas it is not to be this year and we, desperate for a chance to enjoy the great outdoors, look skyward for a little glimmer of light so that we can have a BBQ and use our new patio furniture. So it was that we took a chance and listened to tales that this weekend was going to be the hottest this year and made arrangements to cook over an open fire both Saturday and Sunday. We got away with it on Saturday when James and Nikala came over and we cooked Sue’s jerked pork and ate it outdoors and sat drinking and talking until nearly midnight. Sunday though was a different story and we pushed our luck by having a dozen people over (much too many to accommodate indoors) for the afternoon. Things started out promisingly as we had nibbles and drinks on the deck, but we noticed the sky darkening and occasional drops of rain as we started eating the prawn kebabs. Stoic British resolve was not enough and we had to repair to the house to consume the chicken kebabs as a thunderstorm passed overhead complete with dramatic lightning and tremendous thunder. Sue put the rack of ribs and sausages in the oven to cook and a short time later and a shout went out the sun had returned – so the brave and slightly damp folk returned to wipe down the furniture – determined to get back outside. By the time the food was cooked the sun had made a welcome appearance and we enjoyed the remainder of the afternoon as we steamed slightly under the sun’s rays. Unfortunately for us Sunday was St. Swithern’s day and tradition says that should it rain on this day then we are in for 40 days and 40 nights of more of the same. So I am considering de-evolution, as the concept of webbed feet and an ability to breathe under water sure could come in handy in the future. Still we don’t have a hose-pipe ban... ...at the moment.
More of wot I have heard…
Smoke of Home by Megson
We saw this duo live at the local folk club and we very impressed with their performance, so much so we bought the latest album. Megson are a talented young couple who manage to reinterpret traditional folk songs in a sympathetic, yet modern manner and also have written new and exciting contemporary folk that is more relevant to them and a modern audience. You are unlikely to hear much of them on the radio, apart from occasional specialist shows, but the do seem to be touring as much as they can at festivals and gigs throughout the UK and Europe. They are well worth checking out.
We saw this duo live at the local folk club and we very impressed with their performance, so much so we bought the latest album. Megson are a talented young couple who manage to reinterpret traditional folk songs in a sympathetic, yet modern manner and also have written new and exciting contemporary folk that is more relevant to them and a modern audience. You are unlikely to hear much of them on the radio, apart from occasional specialist shows, but the do seem to be touring as much as they can at festivals and gigs throughout the UK and Europe. They are well worth checking out.
Wot people say…
Some acquired names for company departments and activities…
The Jedi Council – The Employee Council
The Order Prevention Administration – Oracle Project Administration (the department the processes sales orders)
The Jedi Council – The Employee Council
The Order Prevention Administration – Oracle Project Administration (the department the processes sales orders)
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