Most weeks I get together with a couple of friends to play paper based role play games. We have been looking at the possibility of continuing this over the internet using a sweet little package called Fantasy Grounds
This provides a virtual table top to play on. Check out the demo, the dice are so cool! We will need to use some voice messenger package to be able to talk together, but this should enable us to carry on playing in some form or other. We are looking at the possibility of inviting other players into the group to extend it beyond just the three of us.
At the moment Kevin is working up a game based on the D20 Darwin’s World and a campaign called Metropolis Rho, a particularly violent apocalyptic vision of the future.
To support this Kevin has also been looking at a particularly snazzy map drawing package called Dundjinni. Check out some of the pretty pictures at the gallery.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Kombi Heaven…
Part of my recent obsession with the old Volkswagen Kombi van led me to peruse various auctions sites and last week I found a 1974 camper van on a New Zealand site. Knowing that we were going to be spending nearly six months there I had been looking a car prices when I found this old ‘bay-window’ Kombi, and since the price was much cheaper than in the UK, I asked my family what they thought of it. My brother arranged with the owner to have a look at and thought it was fine so now we are the new proud owners. Sue wants a large sunflower decal on the side and I fancy a windsurfer in the back.
Can’t wait to bowl up to the beach in it and watch the sun go down.
Can’t wait to bowl up to the beach in it and watch the sun go down.
A weekend of culture…
Henry IV Part 1…
We visited the National Theatre recently with a few friends to see Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1. The theatre sits on the south bank of the Thames at Waterloo in London next to the National Film Theatre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Harward Gallery and the Royal Festival Hall. From the outside this group of buildings evoke mixed feelings regarding their rough concrete architecture, but inside each has wonderful performance spaces that bring out the best in any performance.
Henry IV Part 1 and Part 2 are a little more challenging than many of the better know of Shakespeare’s work, but quality of the performance more than made up for the occasional lack of comprehension in the words. All of the cast was fabulous but, to single out a few, Falstaff: Michael Gambon, Hotspur: David Harewood, and Prince Hal: Matthew Macfadyen were outstanding. We are all looking forward to Part 2 which we will see soon.
Romeo and Juliet…
The next day we drove up to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Tring where we were due to watch an outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet at the nearby Pendley Manor. As we drove up the heavens opened up and the rain continuing on and off as we ate dinner. Chancing things and taking some wet weather protection we ventured out. Apart from a few spots here and there the rain held off until the crucial moment where Romeo sees Juliet in the tomb, then the two prone figures were lashed with a quick downpour and soaked to the skin before umbrella carrying attendants could rescue them. After a short interlude where the performers and those of us in the audience sort cover, the performance continued and concluded to a rapturous applause. We have seen this company before and they are extremely proficient for an amateur group.
Sunday Lunch…
We stayed over at my Aunt and Uncle’s after the play and met up with several of their friends; work colleagues of my Uncle when they all worked together in architecture and interior design. We had hoped that both Jack and Sue could come along, but unfortunately Sue was ill. We managed to quiz Jack though about some of the things to consider when working with glass and kilns. Together they are Devilish Designs.
Also there was another couple who had also worked together in the interior design industry. John though had a claim to fame that predated this. He was the bass player in a Brit Pop/Rock band in the 60’s called the West Coast Consortium, and they even had a record at number 22 in the charts.
We visited the National Theatre recently with a few friends to see Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1. The theatre sits on the south bank of the Thames at Waterloo in London next to the National Film Theatre, the Queen Elizabeth Hall, Harward Gallery and the Royal Festival Hall. From the outside this group of buildings evoke mixed feelings regarding their rough concrete architecture, but inside each has wonderful performance spaces that bring out the best in any performance.
Henry IV Part 1 and Part 2 are a little more challenging than many of the better know of Shakespeare’s work, but quality of the performance more than made up for the occasional lack of comprehension in the words. All of the cast was fabulous but, to single out a few, Falstaff: Michael Gambon, Hotspur: David Harewood, and Prince Hal: Matthew Macfadyen were outstanding. We are all looking forward to Part 2 which we will see soon.
Romeo and Juliet…
The next day we drove up to visit my Aunt and Uncle in Tring where we were due to watch an outdoor performance of Romeo and Juliet at the nearby Pendley Manor. As we drove up the heavens opened up and the rain continuing on and off as we ate dinner. Chancing things and taking some wet weather protection we ventured out. Apart from a few spots here and there the rain held off until the crucial moment where Romeo sees Juliet in the tomb, then the two prone figures were lashed with a quick downpour and soaked to the skin before umbrella carrying attendants could rescue them. After a short interlude where the performers and those of us in the audience sort cover, the performance continued and concluded to a rapturous applause. We have seen this company before and they are extremely proficient for an amateur group.
Sunday Lunch…
We stayed over at my Aunt and Uncle’s after the play and met up with several of their friends; work colleagues of my Uncle when they all worked together in architecture and interior design. We had hoped that both Jack and Sue could come along, but unfortunately Sue was ill. We managed to quiz Jack though about some of the things to consider when working with glass and kilns. Together they are Devilish Designs.
Also there was another couple who had also worked together in the interior design industry. John though had a claim to fame that predated this. He was the bass player in a Brit Pop/Rock band in the 60’s called the West Coast Consortium, and they even had a record at number 22 in the charts.
Sunny Side Up…
We are less than a couple months away from starting one of the biggest adventures in our lives. We are about to become truly migratory, following the sun south to give us permanent summer for as long as we can sustain it. Everything is coming together now as we finalise that last details, most importantly finding someone to look after the house (and help with the mortgage). Boxes are being packed to be stored or shipped on ahead, travel arrangements are almost complete and tickets are ready for collection. Just a few more details to sort out and we will be ready (physically if not emotionally).
After a short visit to Malaysia and Singapore we will be down under mid October and looking to spend quality time with family and friends (taking advantage of their generous natures).
Now all we have to do is find some way of sustaining this for as long as we want too by discovering some well hidden talent of making something out of nothing.
Exciting and scary in equal measures; fingers crossed and stomach knotted.
After a short visit to Malaysia and Singapore we will be down under mid October and looking to spend quality time with family and friends (taking advantage of their generous natures).
Now all we have to do is find some way of sustaining this for as long as we want too by discovering some well hidden talent of making something out of nothing.
Exciting and scary in equal measures; fingers crossed and stomach knotted.
Summer Garden…
Now is the time of year where we are reaping what we sowed. We do not need to buy many vegetables at the moment and again Sue is having to be inventive with the seasonal abundance.
We have had a greater success with our berries since we covered the bushes on a net cage to stop the birds enjoying them before we could. We are also expectantly excited at the prospect of the melons swelling in our green house along side the chillies and peppers (again, though, the aubergines are looking disappointing).
We have just started harvesting our butternut squash and they are huge (several times larger than what we have seen in the shops).
Most of what we have decided to grow this year has been summer crops and only a few plants will be in the ground over the winter; leeks and over-wintering Japanese onions.
We will have to be quite determined to eat it all the harvest up before we leave for sunnier climes. Either that or we will have to give it all away.
With our looming extended visit to the southern hemisphere we are looking forward to starting with a whole new batch of crops as soon as we arrive.
We have had a greater success with our berries since we covered the bushes on a net cage to stop the birds enjoying them before we could. We are also expectantly excited at the prospect of the melons swelling in our green house along side the chillies and peppers (again, though, the aubergines are looking disappointing).
We have just started harvesting our butternut squash and they are huge (several times larger than what we have seen in the shops).
Most of what we have decided to grow this year has been summer crops and only a few plants will be in the ground over the winter; leeks and over-wintering Japanese onions.
We will have to be quite determined to eat it all the harvest up before we leave for sunnier climes. Either that or we will have to give it all away.
With our looming extended visit to the southern hemisphere we are looking forward to starting with a whole new batch of crops as soon as we arrive.
Cousins United…
One of Sue’s Aunts decided to have a garden party inviting her sisters and their families to her cottage in the countryside. A lovely afternoon was had with many members of the extended family that we would not ordinarily get to see very often. As is usual the passage of time was marked by how much the children had grown up. Jamie joined us and happily played with the more boisterous younger relatives.
Everybody managed to catch up with the each other over a tasty buffet and a few cold drinks before we had to leave; promising not to leave it so long next time.
Everybody managed to catch up with the each other over a tasty buffet and a few cold drinks before we had to leave; promising not to leave it so long next time.
Festival Virgins…
At the end of July we went to our first festival with our neighbours Deb, Dave and son Tom. Apart from Debs we were new to the whole thing and naturally apprehensive. Womad Rivermead 2005 was probably the best introduction to festivals that we could have hoped for. We all have an appreciation of a variety of music and although many of the acts were unknown to us, many of the cultural styles were not.
We had decided to camp the weekend, which might not have been so wise considering Deb is heavily pregnant with their second child, and Tom is only two and a half years old. We also managed to find the only party-animal-stoners in the park to pitch our tents next to (though they were amenable to gentle diplomacy which improved our second nights sleep somewhat).
We found the mix and variety of music echoed by the audience as there were as many colourful sights off stage as on; original hippies, alternative lifestylers, extended families, old heads, greenies, stoners and many more.
The large numbers of 'right on' people in the audience meant that the traders had to cater for them, resulting in a superb range of food stalls and an interesting diversity of clothing, jewellery, arts and craft stalls throughout the site. There were several stages and performance spaces on the site, so no matter what your tastes your challenge was trying to find time to see all that you wanted to.
As with most large informal camping sites the major concern was the ‘facilities’ and after a while they were dire (I have never seen cheering and applause for the arrival of sewage truck before). Luckily the site was adjacent to a leisure centre which meant for a small fee you could use the pool, showers and bathrooms there.
Overall we were very impressed with the event, and we are already thinking about planning a return visit next year. We are also hoping that they will announce another New Zealand Womad as we would be keen to visit that too.
We had decided to camp the weekend, which might not have been so wise considering Deb is heavily pregnant with their second child, and Tom is only two and a half years old. We also managed to find the only party-animal-stoners in the park to pitch our tents next to (though they were amenable to gentle diplomacy which improved our second nights sleep somewhat).
We found the mix and variety of music echoed by the audience as there were as many colourful sights off stage as on; original hippies, alternative lifestylers, extended families, old heads, greenies, stoners and many more.
The large numbers of 'right on' people in the audience meant that the traders had to cater for them, resulting in a superb range of food stalls and an interesting diversity of clothing, jewellery, arts and craft stalls throughout the site. There were several stages and performance spaces on the site, so no matter what your tastes your challenge was trying to find time to see all that you wanted to.
As with most large informal camping sites the major concern was the ‘facilities’ and after a while they were dire (I have never seen cheering and applause for the arrival of sewage truck before). Luckily the site was adjacent to a leisure centre which meant for a small fee you could use the pool, showers and bathrooms there.
Overall we were very impressed with the event, and we are already thinking about planning a return visit next year. We are also hoping that they will announce another New Zealand Womad as we would be keen to visit that too.
More of wot I have read…
The Gallows Thief by Bernard Cornwell
I have not read many of his books and I have totally missed the Sharpe phenomenon on the small screen, but I am aware of the author’s attention to detail and passion for this period in British history. It is an enjoyable read – some might even call it a ‘ripping yarn’ - although some of the characters do tend towards being cartoon like and the subject is presented in a ‘boys-own’ sort of way.
‘Gallows Thief is a detective story, set in Regency London, a time when there were no detectives as such. There was a very busy gallows, however. This was a period when the English and Welsh gallows were at their busiest and, very occasionally, the government appointed an 'Investigator' to look into a conviction. That Investigator is the hero and detective, a man who was an army officer, but who, since the battle of Waterloo (it had to get in somehow) has fallen on hard times.’
Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation. And this is one of his best. Rider Sandman is a typical Cornwell hero, rather like his best known central character from the Sharpe series, Richard Sharpe. Sandman is poor but honest, a decent man in desperate times. The story opens with a stomach-churning series of public hangings in 1817, and then switches to Sandman being offered money to investigate a murder and the chance to save a convicted murderer from the gallows. The authorities are convinced that Charles Corday, a portrait painter, murdered a countess whose portrait he was painting. But before stringing up Corday, the Home Secretary is forced, by the intervention of the Queen, to hire an investigator to confirm the painter's guilt. Sandman is an early 19th century Philip Marlowe, a Georgian private detective, moving effortlessly from aristocratic circles to the slums and jails of London. Cornwell at his best is utterly compelling. And this is Cornwell at his best.
Gavin Esler - Daily Mail
I have not read many of his books and I have totally missed the Sharpe phenomenon on the small screen, but I am aware of the author’s attention to detail and passion for this period in British history. It is an enjoyable read – some might even call it a ‘ripping yarn’ - although some of the characters do tend towards being cartoon like and the subject is presented in a ‘boys-own’ sort of way.
‘Gallows Thief is a detective story, set in Regency London, a time when there were no detectives as such. There was a very busy gallows, however. This was a period when the English and Welsh gallows were at their busiest and, very occasionally, the government appointed an 'Investigator' to look into a conviction. That Investigator is the hero and detective, a man who was an army officer, but who, since the battle of Waterloo (it had to get in somehow) has fallen on hard times.’
Bernard Cornwell is a literary miracle. Year after year, hail, rain, snow, war and political upheavals fail to prevent him from producing the most entertaining and readable historical novels of his generation. And this is one of his best. Rider Sandman is a typical Cornwell hero, rather like his best known central character from the Sharpe series, Richard Sharpe. Sandman is poor but honest, a decent man in desperate times. The story opens with a stomach-churning series of public hangings in 1817, and then switches to Sandman being offered money to investigate a murder and the chance to save a convicted murderer from the gallows. The authorities are convinced that Charles Corday, a portrait painter, murdered a countess whose portrait he was painting. But before stringing up Corday, the Home Secretary is forced, by the intervention of the Queen, to hire an investigator to confirm the painter's guilt. Sandman is an early 19th century Philip Marlowe, a Georgian private detective, moving effortlessly from aristocratic circles to the slums and jails of London. Cornwell at his best is utterly compelling. And this is Cornwell at his best.
Gavin Esler - Daily Mail
Monday, August 15, 2005
Slow to post…
I have not been very good at keeping this blog up to date recently. It is not because I have nothing to report, on the contrary, we have been very busy, to busy to post.
I hope to remedy this soon as we have lots to tell you all.
Bear with us.
I hope to remedy this soon as we have lots to tell you all.
Bear with us.
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Kombi mania…
I don’t know if it is just because we are in the middle of our summer, or if it is because I am experiencing a mid-life crisis, but everywhere I look I see classic Kombi vans.
I am regretting selling our old van that we used to have a while ago, as I have fond memories of taking an extended 6 week holiday through England, Scotland and Wales. It has become a tour that is commonly known in our family as the ABC tour (another bloody castle, another bloody church).
While we were in Cornwall recently I said something that nearly got me divorced. I saw an old immaculate split-screen Kombi and rashly stated that it was the ‘sexiest thing I have ever seen!’
After looking at various classified adverts it would seem that these VW are very desirable vehicles. A concourse condition camper from the 60’s could set you back £10,000 easily.
Almost every day I see a van trundling down the road or parked up and I crane my neck to see if it has a for sale sign anywhere on it; it doesn’t. I guess I will have to continue dreaming and buying the lottery tickets.
I am regretting selling our old van that we used to have a while ago, as I have fond memories of taking an extended 6 week holiday through England, Scotland and Wales. It has become a tour that is commonly known in our family as the ABC tour (another bloody castle, another bloody church).
While we were in Cornwall recently I said something that nearly got me divorced. I saw an old immaculate split-screen Kombi and rashly stated that it was the ‘sexiest thing I have ever seen!’
After looking at various classified adverts it would seem that these VW are very desirable vehicles. A concourse condition camper from the 60’s could set you back £10,000 easily.
Almost every day I see a van trundling down the road or parked up and I crane my neck to see if it has a for sale sign anywhere on it; it doesn’t. I guess I will have to continue dreaming and buying the lottery tickets.
More of wot I have read…
Darwin’s Children, by Greg Bear
If you can get past the techno-babble this story has a very interesting premise regarding evolution and belonging (or not belonging) to the future. Unfortunately this book often reads like some novelised biology theses and you may need to hold a PhD to get the most out of it. The author has obviously done a great deal of research on this subject and wants to ensure that you are aware that the theories are based on documented work by reputable individuals or organisations. With so much of the book dedicated to the science there is, in my opinion, not enough effort put into developing the characters to make them sympathetic to the reader. This book was hard work.
'In Greg Bear's stunning new thriller, nature is more of a bitch goddess than a kindly mother, and evolution is no longer just a theory -- it's an urgent and dangerous fact. In DARWIN'S CHILDREN, human society is about to get a complete makeover. A new kind of humanity is growing up. Some call them the Virus Children. They are special children, equipped with significant natural upgrades that allow them to communicate and socialize in ways we can hardly imagine, or resist. Charming, gentle, persuasive, beautiful...in them can be seen a future that may make all of human history until now seem clumsy and brutal. As products of an extraordinary evolutionary event called SHEVA that swept through the population like a contagious disease over a decade ago, they carry ancient viruses that could cause our extinction, viruses that may be triggered at any moment by stress, anger...or puberty. The new children are being methodically rounded up and sequestered in special schools where they are studied, measured and biopsied. Stella Nova, the daughter of Kaye Lang and Mitch Rafelson, is one of them. She is driven by instinct to be with her own kind, to establish a new kind of social order and discover her potential. Kaye and Mitch wish to protect her, but to do so, they must keep her isolated, stifled in a blanket of security that they all know must eventually be lifted. Despite their best efforts, Kaye, Mitch, and Stella are tracked by security forces that could break them apart as a family. The new children must be controlled, these forces believe; and the time may come when both species must either separate, or engage in outright war. In DARWIN'S CHILDREN, human society is about to get a complete makeover, and who will win is anyone's guess. For, as Kaye Lang discovers, silence is also a signal…'
If you can get past the techno-babble this story has a very interesting premise regarding evolution and belonging (or not belonging) to the future. Unfortunately this book often reads like some novelised biology theses and you may need to hold a PhD to get the most out of it. The author has obviously done a great deal of research on this subject and wants to ensure that you are aware that the theories are based on documented work by reputable individuals or organisations. With so much of the book dedicated to the science there is, in my opinion, not enough effort put into developing the characters to make them sympathetic to the reader. This book was hard work.
'In Greg Bear's stunning new thriller, nature is more of a bitch goddess than a kindly mother, and evolution is no longer just a theory -- it's an urgent and dangerous fact. In DARWIN'S CHILDREN, human society is about to get a complete makeover. A new kind of humanity is growing up. Some call them the Virus Children. They are special children, equipped with significant natural upgrades that allow them to communicate and socialize in ways we can hardly imagine, or resist. Charming, gentle, persuasive, beautiful...in them can be seen a future that may make all of human history until now seem clumsy and brutal. As products of an extraordinary evolutionary event called SHEVA that swept through the population like a contagious disease over a decade ago, they carry ancient viruses that could cause our extinction, viruses that may be triggered at any moment by stress, anger...or puberty. The new children are being methodically rounded up and sequestered in special schools where they are studied, measured and biopsied. Stella Nova, the daughter of Kaye Lang and Mitch Rafelson, is one of them. She is driven by instinct to be with her own kind, to establish a new kind of social order and discover her potential. Kaye and Mitch wish to protect her, but to do so, they must keep her isolated, stifled in a blanket of security that they all know must eventually be lifted. Despite their best efforts, Kaye, Mitch, and Stella are tracked by security forces that could break them apart as a family. The new children must be controlled, these forces believe; and the time may come when both species must either separate, or engage in outright war. In DARWIN'S CHILDREN, human society is about to get a complete makeover, and who will win is anyone's guess. For, as Kaye Lang discovers, silence is also a signal…'
Monday, July 04, 2005
More of wot I have watched…
We joined a few friends on Wednesday and went out for Sue’s birthday to watch a film at the IMAX Cinema near Waterloo. This venue is pretty amazing with its enormous screen and sound system. We had been previously to see the Polar Express in 3D and were totally impressed.
We had arranged to meet at the Fire Station pub and restaurant around the back of Waterloo Train Station for a drink and something to eat. The place was heaving and we stood out on the sidewalk with the crowds until we all met up (the sight of me and James having a telephone conversation barely six feet apart oblivious to each other and insisting we were at the pub, cracked Sue up). It was an interesting and pleasant restaurant and the food was good. Portion sizes were large and most of us had two starters instead of a main course.
We had arranged to watch the new Batman Begins at the Imax. It was not in 3D which was probably just as well as it was difficult at time to keep up with everything on the screen in just the 2 dimensions. The dark feel of the script and cinematography made this a different type of Batman film than the previous, and more in keeping with the later Dark Knight comic strips. The lead was very good even though his costume must have restricted his throat as it seemed to cause his voice to drop several octaves when he wore his mask. The batmobile was cool (apart from the stupid gun operating arrangement).
For the most part the film relied on the superb supporting cast to carry it through. I did not enjoy the unnecessarily over long and migraine inducing fight scenes, and I would have liked more plotline development. But overall the film is what it is and is till worth a viewing if you like that sort of thing.
The biggest problem about travelling in to London is the journey home afterwards. We had a mad scramble to reach our last train home and didn’t get in until way after midnight (not good for us old folk on a school night).
We had arranged to meet at the Fire Station pub and restaurant around the back of Waterloo Train Station for a drink and something to eat. The place was heaving and we stood out on the sidewalk with the crowds until we all met up (the sight of me and James having a telephone conversation barely six feet apart oblivious to each other and insisting we were at the pub, cracked Sue up). It was an interesting and pleasant restaurant and the food was good. Portion sizes were large and most of us had two starters instead of a main course.
We had arranged to watch the new Batman Begins at the Imax. It was not in 3D which was probably just as well as it was difficult at time to keep up with everything on the screen in just the 2 dimensions. The dark feel of the script and cinematography made this a different type of Batman film than the previous, and more in keeping with the later Dark Knight comic strips. The lead was very good even though his costume must have restricted his throat as it seemed to cause his voice to drop several octaves when he wore his mask. The batmobile was cool (apart from the stupid gun operating arrangement).
For the most part the film relied on the superb supporting cast to carry it through. I did not enjoy the unnecessarily over long and migraine inducing fight scenes, and I would have liked more plotline development. But overall the film is what it is and is till worth a viewing if you like that sort of thing.
The biggest problem about travelling in to London is the journey home afterwards. We had a mad scramble to reach our last train home and didn’t get in until way after midnight (not good for us old folk on a school night).
Sunday, July 03, 2005
Hankies, sticks and pints of ale…
We have recently returned from an eventful long weekend break in the Isle of Wight with the Aldbury Morris Men.
A cultural journey into the traditions of Ye Olde England with a well meaning group of historians you may think, but you would be totally wrong, it was more of a journey into the drinking establishments of sleepy seaside villages with a bunch of jolly drunks.
My Uncle (He is the one on the top hat - see the website) is a musician (he insists in making it quite clear he does not actually dance), and he invited us to become part of the Morris Groupies along with the various relatives and friends of the other members of this band of merry men.
We met them all at Portsmouth (not before being pulled over by the police – but then that is to be expected if you by a ‘cheap’ car). We pulled up at the harbour car park just as the lightning and thunder struck and we promptly found shelter in the local hostelry (well, start as you mean to go on as they say).
Our ferry journey across to the island was dramatic not only for the regular forked lightning strikes on the mainland, but for the assembled naval forces of many nations arranged throughout the harbour in preparation for the Trafalgar 200 ceremonies to come.
During the weekend we were ferried around the island in an old 1965 bus that was built in the Duple coachworks at the same time as my father used to work there. We travelled in style from village to village where the be-belled gentlemen of a certain age would prance about waving hankies and knocking seven bells out of each other with lengths of timber, before retiring for a cleansing ale or a pint of the local cider (very good stuff it was too). The evening consisted of taking over a venue and bringing out a variety of strange and wonderful instruments (mostly musical – of course) and singing and playing some truly moving and memorable folk tunes.
Before we took the ferry home we managed a short sightseeing trip to Cowes to watch the various waterborne craft enjoying the much improved weather. We also came across an interesting T-Shirt shop that held a garment with the legend that symbolised the weekend for us – The liver is evil and it must by punished!
In my opinion the adage ‘never trust a book by its cover’ is certainly true in this case, never turn down a weekend with the Aldbury Morris Men (that is unless you are a recovering alcoholic).
A cultural journey into the traditions of Ye Olde England with a well meaning group of historians you may think, but you would be totally wrong, it was more of a journey into the drinking establishments of sleepy seaside villages with a bunch of jolly drunks.
My Uncle (He is the one on the top hat - see the website) is a musician (he insists in making it quite clear he does not actually dance), and he invited us to become part of the Morris Groupies along with the various relatives and friends of the other members of this band of merry men.
We met them all at Portsmouth (not before being pulled over by the police – but then that is to be expected if you by a ‘cheap’ car). We pulled up at the harbour car park just as the lightning and thunder struck and we promptly found shelter in the local hostelry (well, start as you mean to go on as they say).
Our ferry journey across to the island was dramatic not only for the regular forked lightning strikes on the mainland, but for the assembled naval forces of many nations arranged throughout the harbour in preparation for the Trafalgar 200 ceremonies to come.
During the weekend we were ferried around the island in an old 1965 bus that was built in the Duple coachworks at the same time as my father used to work there. We travelled in style from village to village where the be-belled gentlemen of a certain age would prance about waving hankies and knocking seven bells out of each other with lengths of timber, before retiring for a cleansing ale or a pint of the local cider (very good stuff it was too). The evening consisted of taking over a venue and bringing out a variety of strange and wonderful instruments (mostly musical – of course) and singing and playing some truly moving and memorable folk tunes.
Before we took the ferry home we managed a short sightseeing trip to Cowes to watch the various waterborne craft enjoying the much improved weather. We also came across an interesting T-Shirt shop that held a garment with the legend that symbolised the weekend for us – The liver is evil and it must by punished!
In my opinion the adage ‘never trust a book by its cover’ is certainly true in this case, never turn down a weekend with the Aldbury Morris Men (that is unless you are a recovering alcoholic).
More of wot I have read...
Here is a nicely written fable for the modern day that introduces some old and familiar heroes and villains in some very unfamiliar yet strangely understandable settings. It is a sometimes confusing and convoluted journey where much of the enjoyment comes from getting there. I particularly enjoyed the author's liberty taking and fun poking at mythological characters and the re-interpretation of what a god really is. A good read.
I am most familiar with Neil Gaiman's graphic novel (comic book) series Sandman, and reading this novel you can certainly see how he brings that dramatic visual style to the written word.
American Gods, by Neil Gaiman.
'Is Nothing Sacred?
Days before his release from prison, Shadow's wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refuge from a distant war, a former god and the king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what, and who, it finds there!'
I am most familiar with Neil Gaiman's graphic novel (comic book) series Sandman, and reading this novel you can certainly see how he brings that dramatic visual style to the written word.
American Gods, by Neil Gaiman.
'Is Nothing Sacred?
Days before his release from prison, Shadow's wife, Laura, dies in a mysterious car crash. Numbly, he makes his way back home. On the plane, he encounters the enigmatic Mr Wednesday, who claims to be a refuge from a distant war, a former god and the king of America.
Together they embark on a profoundly strange journey across the heart of the USA, whilst all around them a storm of preternatural and epic proportions threatens to break
Scary, gripping and deeply unsettling, American Gods takes a long, hard look into the soul of America. You'll be surprised by what, and who, it finds there!'
Sunday, June 12, 2005
A Cornish country garden…
We have just returned from an extended weekend away with my Aunt and Uncle to Cornwall. We went especially to visit the Tresco Abbey Gardens.
We all travelled down together late in the week and went straight to St Michaels Mount. The bad weather had just started to improve as we approached and the fog that was shrouding the island lifted to reveal the picturesque view. Luckily this was one of the bright periods in an otherwise very rainy weekend. It is a great for a short visit.
Afterwards we drove off to check into the Gurnards Head Hotel where we were staying while we were on the mainland. An ordinary looking country pub with average facilities, but it did do some less than ordinary food. However, as is our way when we holiday, we did end up spending more on wine than food. The landlord was from Newcastle, his wife was Finish and other staff included a Polish couple and a Thai woman.
Cornwall seems to have been forced out of its traditional industries and solely into tourism. There is hardly any evidence of farming, fishing or other traditional industry any where, but you can’t drive down a road without noticing that every second building is a B&B or Hotel. We looked at the local papers and the housing section was enormous with houses more expensive than those near to London. And yet the job vacancies pages, of which there were few, had no great opportunities.
We flew to Tresco in the Scilly Isles by helicopter, which was quite an interesting and enjoyable (if somewhat noisy and expensive) way to travel (also much faster than by boat). 20mins later we were on the island where we jumped into the back of a small truck and were driven to our hotel, the New Inn.
The island is lovely and once again we benefited from a break in the weather. We walked around the much of the small island in a couple of hours. The next day we walked around the rest and visited the exceptional sub-tropical gardens.
Whilst we were in the county we also visited one of our favourite looking theatres, the Minak built onto a cliff side over looking a beautiful sandy bay.
We also managed to fit in the obligatory National Trust site, this time it was the stately home called Terice.
We had a nightmare journey home with traffic accidents, poor weather, and road works combining to have spent the whole day in the car. We had a short break at my aunt and uncle’s where we dug up the first of the new potatoes for dinner, before we jumped into our car for the journey home. Again we got caught in more traffic and road works and we didn’t get home until the early hours of the morning.
We all travelled down together late in the week and went straight to St Michaels Mount. The bad weather had just started to improve as we approached and the fog that was shrouding the island lifted to reveal the picturesque view. Luckily this was one of the bright periods in an otherwise very rainy weekend. It is a great for a short visit.
Afterwards we drove off to check into the Gurnards Head Hotel where we were staying while we were on the mainland. An ordinary looking country pub with average facilities, but it did do some less than ordinary food. However, as is our way when we holiday, we did end up spending more on wine than food. The landlord was from Newcastle, his wife was Finish and other staff included a Polish couple and a Thai woman.
Cornwall seems to have been forced out of its traditional industries and solely into tourism. There is hardly any evidence of farming, fishing or other traditional industry any where, but you can’t drive down a road without noticing that every second building is a B&B or Hotel. We looked at the local papers and the housing section was enormous with houses more expensive than those near to London. And yet the job vacancies pages, of which there were few, had no great opportunities.
We flew to Tresco in the Scilly Isles by helicopter, which was quite an interesting and enjoyable (if somewhat noisy and expensive) way to travel (also much faster than by boat). 20mins later we were on the island where we jumped into the back of a small truck and were driven to our hotel, the New Inn.
The island is lovely and once again we benefited from a break in the weather. We walked around the much of the small island in a couple of hours. The next day we walked around the rest and visited the exceptional sub-tropical gardens.
Whilst we were in the county we also visited one of our favourite looking theatres, the Minak built onto a cliff side over looking a beautiful sandy bay.
We also managed to fit in the obligatory National Trust site, this time it was the stately home called Terice.
We had a nightmare journey home with traffic accidents, poor weather, and road works combining to have spent the whole day in the car. We had a short break at my aunt and uncle’s where we dug up the first of the new potatoes for dinner, before we jumped into our car for the journey home. Again we got caught in more traffic and road works and we didn’t get home until the early hours of the morning.
More of wot I have heard…
Picaresque, by The Decemberists.
My new favourite band at the moment. They are an unusual combination of Indie edge and folksy story telling. Epic story ideas are played out in each song with the a modern folk sound. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they do the music.
Demon Days, by the Gorillaz.
Here is another ‘band’ that doesn’t but themselves before the music. This is a good second album by the cartoon foursome and has some more of the same along with a few surprises. The website is great fun to play around with especially if you are a fan of Jamie Hewlett’s (Tank Girl) artwork.
Happenstance, by Rachael Yamagata.
We saw this artist last year when we had a spat of going out to music gigs. She was the supporting artist and we had never heard her before. She is a very good musician and has a lovely voice (check it out at her web site). Her album was not available at the gig or at any of the high street stores, so I finally got around to buying it on-line (it is often cheaper to buy music online from America and pay the postage, than it is to buy it hear – the UK is a rip-off for this among other things).
My new favourite band at the moment. They are an unusual combination of Indie edge and folksy story telling. Epic story ideas are played out in each song with the a modern folk sound. They don’t take themselves too seriously but they do the music.
Demon Days, by the Gorillaz.
Here is another ‘band’ that doesn’t but themselves before the music. This is a good second album by the cartoon foursome and has some more of the same along with a few surprises. The website is great fun to play around with especially if you are a fan of Jamie Hewlett’s (Tank Girl) artwork.
Happenstance, by Rachael Yamagata.
We saw this artist last year when we had a spat of going out to music gigs. She was the supporting artist and we had never heard her before. She is a very good musician and has a lovely voice (check it out at her web site). Her album was not available at the gig or at any of the high street stores, so I finally got around to buying it on-line (it is often cheaper to buy music online from America and pay the postage, than it is to buy it hear – the UK is a rip-off for this among other things).
More of wot I have read…
I have bought a few of the 'Young Adult' range of books so that I can get a better idea of what is currently being published at the moment.
Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera.
I guess most people will know this story from the film, but the book approaches the topic from a very different angle. The author spends more time on the spiritual and mystical nature of the story than the narrative, and details the significance of the imagery as it relates to the Maori culture. It is an interesting and moving read but it is not what you might expect if you only know of this author through the silver screen.
‘Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather’s love and attention. But he’s focused on his duties as chief of the Ngati Konohi in Whangara, on the East Coast – a tribe that claims descent from the legendary ‘whale rider’. In every generation since the wale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir – there’s only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale reedier himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales.’
Fat kid rules the world by KL Going.
This book is one of a breed of new edgier teen books and touches on subjects of suicide, sex, drugs and rock and roll.
‘What would you say to a homeless punk who just saved your life?
When Curt (skinny punk, guitar genius) stops Troy (hugely overweight social leper) from committing suicide, it’s the start of a very unlikely friendship. Troy’s family think Curt is just a junkie loser, but Troy knows there’s more to him.
Besides, life’s looking up now Curt’s arrived – with a new image and a new nickname (Big T) the fat kid finally has potential. And when Curt recruits Troy as the drummer in his punk band, it seems like Troy might be cool for the first time ever. There’s just one problem – he doesn’t know how to play the drums. But when Curt’s around, anything seems possible.’
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve.
This is more of the old school rip-roaring adventure stories, though even here the author touches on some more adult themes. I like the 'future-Victoriana' setting that is presented in this, the first in a trilogy city-eat-city stories.
‘London is on the move again. The city has been lying low, skulking in the hills to avoid the bigger, faster, hungrier cities loose in the Great Hunting Ground. The great town moves off after its quarry as events within the walls begin to take a sinister turn…’
Postcards from no man’s land by Aidan Chambers.
This is a story of a young man’s journey to find out more about his dead grandfather with whom he shares his name, but in turn he finds out something important about himself. Again this ‘young adult’ book touches on sensitive and adult themes. I read this book to see how the author combined the dual stories of Jacob and his grandfather in two parallel narratives. It has given me some more ideas.
‘Jacob Todd, abroad on his own for the first time, arrives in Amsterdam for the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem where his grandfather fought 50 years before. There, Geertrui Wessling, now an old lady terminally ill, tells an extraordinary story of love and betrayal which links Jacob with her own Dutch family in a way he never suspected and which leads him to question his place in the world.’
I have also been wading through a little New Zealand history. I found the early period more interesting, and now I am having trouble in finishing it.
History of New Zealand by Michael King
Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera.
I guess most people will know this story from the film, but the book approaches the topic from a very different angle. The author spends more time on the spiritual and mystical nature of the story than the narrative, and details the significance of the imagery as it relates to the Maori culture. It is an interesting and moving read but it is not what you might expect if you only know of this author through the silver screen.
‘Eight-year-old Kahu craves her great-grandfather’s love and attention. But he’s focused on his duties as chief of the Ngati Konohi in Whangara, on the East Coast – a tribe that claims descent from the legendary ‘whale rider’. In every generation since the wale rider, a male has inherited the title of chief. But now there is no male heir – there’s only Kahu. She should be next in line for the title, but her great-grandfather is blinded by tradition and sees no use for a girl. Kahu will not be ignored. And in her struggle she has a unique ally: the whale reedier himself, from whom she has inherited the ability to communicate with whales.’
Fat kid rules the world by KL Going.
This book is one of a breed of new edgier teen books and touches on subjects of suicide, sex, drugs and rock and roll.
‘What would you say to a homeless punk who just saved your life?
When Curt (skinny punk, guitar genius) stops Troy (hugely overweight social leper) from committing suicide, it’s the start of a very unlikely friendship. Troy’s family think Curt is just a junkie loser, but Troy knows there’s more to him.
Besides, life’s looking up now Curt’s arrived – with a new image and a new nickname (Big T) the fat kid finally has potential. And when Curt recruits Troy as the drummer in his punk band, it seems like Troy might be cool for the first time ever. There’s just one problem – he doesn’t know how to play the drums. But when Curt’s around, anything seems possible.’
Mortal Engines by Philip Reeve.
This is more of the old school rip-roaring adventure stories, though even here the author touches on some more adult themes. I like the 'future-Victoriana' setting that is presented in this, the first in a trilogy city-eat-city stories.
‘London is on the move again. The city has been lying low, skulking in the hills to avoid the bigger, faster, hungrier cities loose in the Great Hunting Ground. The great town moves off after its quarry as events within the walls begin to take a sinister turn…’
Postcards from no man’s land by Aidan Chambers.
This is a story of a young man’s journey to find out more about his dead grandfather with whom he shares his name, but in turn he finds out something important about himself. Again this ‘young adult’ book touches on sensitive and adult themes. I read this book to see how the author combined the dual stories of Jacob and his grandfather in two parallel narratives. It has given me some more ideas.
‘Jacob Todd, abroad on his own for the first time, arrives in Amsterdam for the commemoration of the Battle of Arnhem where his grandfather fought 50 years before. There, Geertrui Wessling, now an old lady terminally ill, tells an extraordinary story of love and betrayal which links Jacob with her own Dutch family in a way he never suspected and which leads him to question his place in the world.’
I have also been wading through a little New Zealand history. I found the early period more interesting, and now I am having trouble in finishing it.
History of New Zealand by Michael King
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
More of wot I have watched…
StarWars III.
Well that's it then - it's all over. But was it worth it? I quite enjoyed this movie and it did seem to tie up all of the loose ends, though I am glad I didn't book the special screening that included all shows back-to-back just to get there.
Isn't amazing how Hyden Christensen's acting range improves once the mask comes down!
Sideways.
A buddy movie with wine (as long as it is not Merlot). A very well acted story of great sensitivity but it is a little on the slow side.
Spivs.
Not the best movie by a long shot, wait until there is absolutely nothing else to do before you bother with this one.
Battlestar Galactica.
The new TV series has just played out here in the UK and I enjoyed it with only a few gripes (the capture and use of a Raider in particular). I liked how they tied the old series in, the feel and effects and the new twists. You don't have to have been a fan of the original, but it does help. Sky One Link
SciFi Link
Well that's it then - it's all over. But was it worth it? I quite enjoyed this movie and it did seem to tie up all of the loose ends, though I am glad I didn't book the special screening that included all shows back-to-back just to get there.
Isn't amazing how Hyden Christensen's acting range improves once the mask comes down!
Sideways.
A buddy movie with wine (as long as it is not Merlot). A very well acted story of great sensitivity but it is a little on the slow side.
Spivs.
Not the best movie by a long shot, wait until there is absolutely nothing else to do before you bother with this one.
Battlestar Galactica.
The new TV series has just played out here in the UK and I enjoyed it with only a few gripes (the capture and use of a Raider in particular). I liked how they tied the old series in, the feel and effects and the new twists. You don't have to have been a fan of the original, but it does help. Sky One Link
SciFi Link
Roleplaying…
I am currently in a D20 modern campaign and in the occasional DragonQuest adventure.
Kevin is running a campaign set in an American modern city that is becoming the focus of supernatural activity as the Earth is becoming exposed to increasing amounts of Dark Matter. James and I play agents in a shadowy private organisation that investigates these occurrences.
I have played in several adventures run by Kiwis abroad (Dean, Ross and Adam). In all of them I have played Ular Rah Shan a confused E&E mage whose mental problems are increasingly manifesting themselves as physical side effects.
Kevin is running a campaign set in an American modern city that is becoming the focus of supernatural activity as the Earth is becoming exposed to increasing amounts of Dark Matter. James and I play agents in a shadowy private organisation that investigates these occurrences.
I have played in several adventures run by Kiwis abroad (Dean, Ross and Adam). In all of them I have played Ular Rah Shan a confused E&E mage whose mental problems are increasingly manifesting themselves as physical side effects.
The kitchen gardener…
Many of this years crop is in the ground or in seed trays in the green house and with the change in temperatures we are watering and weeding in equal measures. We have had a good few spears of asparagus and now the strawberries are starting to ripen. We are keeping mostly to our favourites this time, but we have a couple of new crop choices that we are trying; out doors we have a row of Pak Choi and in the green house we have a couple of melons.
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