So the Edinburgh Fringe Festival has well and truly started, my splendid husband Frog and Mark Quinn have taken the ever popular UnWrong Quiz from it's normal venue at the Montague Arms in South London, to Bannermans 212 Cowgate Edinburgh, with very special guest Theo Morris providing the music between rounds. Yesterday was their first show, and where was this devoted friend and wife? That's right, in London - can we all say "inadequate holiday allowance"?
Grr the need to work and earn money to pay bills! Still I'll get to join them later in the week.
anyhoo... I am following events as closely as possible from London, so here is a little update. First off, an interview with Mark by endingburghgirl
Their first show apparently went well - Andrew Collings of radio fame had a show at the same venue immediately before and stayed for the UnWrong Quiz and enjoyed it, who wouldn't when you can win a marrow! Check out his twitter feed:
CollingsA: "Joined in with #unwrongquiz at Bannermans straight after my show today, 1.45, w @mark_monkey69 & @frogmorris. I won a marrow! You could too"
CollingsA: "@theomorris I liked your songs, by the way, esp. Cold War one"
Huzzah for Theo! So glad it is all coming together.
THE UNWRONG QUIZ
1.45pm (1hr) 7th - 17th August 2010
PBH Free Fringe at Bannermans,
212 Cowgate Edinburgh EH1 1NQ
www.unwrongquiz.co.uk
Frog also has some other gigs lined up:
PERSEPHONE COMEDY CABARET
11pm Monday 9th August 2010
The Vault, 11 Merchant Street, Edinburgh
FROG MORRIS & THEO MORRIS
FRINGE SHOWCASE (TBC)
10.30pm 10th August 2010
Ryries, 1A Haymarket Edinburgh, EH12 5EY
TEST TUBE COMEDY
6pm Friday 13th August 2010
Cabaret Voltaire (SpeakEasy) 36 Blair Street, Edinburgh
KABARETT: ALTERNAVTIVE VARIETY
7.15pm Sunday 15th August
The Voodoo Rooms, 19a West Register Street, Edinburgh, EH2 2AA
If you're in Edinburgh you should most definitely also check out the brilliant Charlotte Young, her show Audi, Vide, Tace also at Bannermans runs from 18th - 28th August daily at 1.45pm
Martin White's (Of Mystery Fax Machine Orchestra & Dave Gorman's Radio show - amongst other things) new musical Gutted from 6th - 28th August
I confess I am feeling rather lonely and miserable to be missing the first few shows - not just because I am rubbish at being away from Frog for any length of time - a day at work is too long on it's own! But I really wish I could be there supporting everyone, and being part of what I know is an unforgettable experience for them.
Good luck guys - miss you all loads, and can't wait to see you later this week.
Sunday 8 August 2010
Saturday 24 July 2010
Manners maketh the man (or woman for that matter)
I work in retail... a bookseller in fact. So a large portion of my day is spent behind a till providing customer service, we always have to remain polite and friendly. I wish the same could be said about some of our customers.
I apologise in advance if this post sounds like the script for the next series of Grumpy Old Women, but honestly what has happend to manners these days!?
I say a large portion of my day is spent serving at the till, a large portion is also spent with my friend and I grumbling about the customers once they've left the shop.
My key pet hates...
If you are listening to music please do us the courtesy of taking at least one ear phone out when you come to the till, how do you expect to hear the price when you are deafening yourself and us with rubbish from that weeks Top 40?
Oh and by the way shouting 'what?' or 'how much?' at us when we have already told you twice, is not nice.
We're very happy that you have lots of good friends with you, who like to chat whilst you buy your snacks and books - but shoving products under our nose, turning your back on us and continuing your conversation while we try and ask you if you'd like a bag or tell you the price may one day result in a smack in the head.
The same goes for phone conversations - call them back! or if it really is that important wait before you come to the till, or if you really do need to do both a once, a quick smile and a 'sorry' while we serve you is just about acceptable, just make sure you're listening to us too.
Learn a few simple phrases - 'Please' and 'Thank you' go a long way to stop us looking for something to throw.
And please, for the sake of all that is good and honorable in life don't ever click your fingers to get our attention when we're working (yes it has happend).
Ok lets imagine that hypothetically we sell inter campus bus tickets - coming up to the till and just saying 'Tickets' really isn't going to get you very far. try, 'good morning, could I have 5 tickets to...... please?' - it's amazing how much quicker we'll serve you as a result.
If we're serving someone, coming to the side of the till and demanding we find you a product or answer a question is not going to work, we will always respond "I am just serving this customer, I'll be with you in a moment ma'am / sir" - you wouldn't like it if we stopped serving you to talk to someone else, don't try it yourself - it is plain rude, and will automatically get you to the back of the queue.
If the shop is busy, and you've made it to the front of the queue - don't suddenly wander off to keep browsing, a quick dash for something is just about acceptable, but please pay for what you've chosen then start again. Or at least say something, 'sorry, I forgot...' is a good start, handing us a credit card and then wandering off leaving everyone waiting is not good. Equally if we're putting the transaction through going outside to take a phone call just at the 'please enter your pin' point is not good either - don't do it!
oh, and swearing at me because I don't sell chewing gum, that's not on either. I realise you have a unhealthy oral fixation, and the trauma was intense... but still....
I apologise in advance if this post sounds like the script for the next series of Grumpy Old Women, but honestly what has happend to manners these days!?
I say a large portion of my day is spent serving at the till, a large portion is also spent with my friend and I grumbling about the customers once they've left the shop.
My key pet hates...
If you are listening to music please do us the courtesy of taking at least one ear phone out when you come to the till, how do you expect to hear the price when you are deafening yourself and us with rubbish from that weeks Top 40?
Oh and by the way shouting 'what?' or 'how much?' at us when we have already told you twice, is not nice.
We're very happy that you have lots of good friends with you, who like to chat whilst you buy your snacks and books - but shoving products under our nose, turning your back on us and continuing your conversation while we try and ask you if you'd like a bag or tell you the price may one day result in a smack in the head.
The same goes for phone conversations - call them back! or if it really is that important wait before you come to the till, or if you really do need to do both a once, a quick smile and a 'sorry' while we serve you is just about acceptable, just make sure you're listening to us too.
Learn a few simple phrases - 'Please' and 'Thank you' go a long way to stop us looking for something to throw.
And please, for the sake of all that is good and honorable in life don't ever click your fingers to get our attention when we're working (yes it has happend).
Ok lets imagine that hypothetically we sell inter campus bus tickets - coming up to the till and just saying 'Tickets' really isn't going to get you very far. try, 'good morning, could I have 5 tickets to...... please?' - it's amazing how much quicker we'll serve you as a result.
If we're serving someone, coming to the side of the till and demanding we find you a product or answer a question is not going to work, we will always respond "I am just serving this customer, I'll be with you in a moment ma'am / sir" - you wouldn't like it if we stopped serving you to talk to someone else, don't try it yourself - it is plain rude, and will automatically get you to the back of the queue.
If the shop is busy, and you've made it to the front of the queue - don't suddenly wander off to keep browsing, a quick dash for something is just about acceptable, but please pay for what you've chosen then start again. Or at least say something, 'sorry, I forgot...' is a good start, handing us a credit card and then wandering off leaving everyone waiting is not good. Equally if we're putting the transaction through going outside to take a phone call just at the 'please enter your pin' point is not good either - don't do it!
oh, and swearing at me because I don't sell chewing gum, that's not on either. I realise you have a unhealthy oral fixation, and the trauma was intense... but still....
Thursday 22 July 2010
Revisiting Past Judgements
When we are out for dinner with friends the other week - we got talking about films and books. And the film 'The Last Samurai' was mentioned - I'm afraid I jumped in with a comment about it being dreadful, which was rather embarrassing (and rude) given our friend was saying how much he liked it. My lack of manners aside (which I must work on) I wanted to think about why I don't like the film, was I being prejudiced because it stars Tom Cruise, which in an of itself would mean I would normally avoid the film as I find him intensely irritating? After all this is a film which garnered critical acclaim and was nominated for 4 oscars.
So when it came on TV this week I decided to watch it, and to try and watch it with an open mind. Yes it was watchable and visually impressive. And I didn't not enjoy it, but wouldn't go so far as to say I particularly enjoyed it, I didn't get emotionally engagedt, to borrow a phrase from a friend I was a little 'meh' about it. I watched the film when it first came out and I thought it was based heavily on the book Shogun by Clavell, whilst I have now discovered that it is not intended as a film of the book (which is a good as the lead characters are completely different!) it does seem to borrow heavily on story elements (isolated 'barbarian' westerner comes to Japan, is a prisoner of the tradititional Samurai class, becomes an adviser, friend to the Samurai leader, comes to respect and admire the culture, eventually becoming a Samurai himself during a civil war) .
Shogun is an epic novel at 1125 pages, which I loved when I first read it, it has a huge scope and a wealth of depth and detail which simply cannot be translated into a film of 154 min and I suppose it would be unfair to expect it to, the internal monologues, side stories, character expositions etc simply wouldn't be practical, but I still found the film a little simplistic. Although I can accept that the film does give a glimpse, a window into the incredibly complex and fascinating culture of that Japanese Era (although I should point out that Shogun is set rather earlier in history than The Last Samurai film), and if I hadn't already read books about the period it would probably intrigue me enough to seek them out. But I shan't be watching it again, and I won't be buying it. But equally I shan't be so quick to be rude about it.
(I can't help but think though that without Tom Cruise I would have enjoyed it far more! oh and the American role in Japanese history of the time is predictably exaggerated if you don't believe me read the IMDB statement of factual errors: Japan *did* seek military advisors in the latter half of the 1800s to form a modern Army. The only problem with this is that they didn't consult the Americans to assist them. The most successful army at that point was the Prussian (not yet German) Army, whom they recruited for training purposes... as well as British naval attachés to assist in the creation of a modern fleet)
Having revisited my opinion of The Last Samurai, I thought I should also revisit the novel Shogun by Clavell and so duly ordered a copy through work - and it arrived the day before yesterday -I'm only 86 pages into the 1125 pages but so far it is as brilliant as I remembered it from when I first read my mum's copy 11 years ago... I'll report back once I finish it!
If anyone else is interested in reading Shogun...
Shogun by James Clavell
first published in 1975, there have been many editions since. I have:
9780340776163 (2006) Hodder & Stoughton
RRP: £8.99
Blurb: 'The epic saga of Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, who is shopwrecked on Japan, the most alien of shores. The novel charts Blackthorne's rise from the status of reviled foreigner up to the heights of trusted advisor and, eventually, samurai. All as civil war looms over the fragile country'
If you want a copy, please buy it from a real bookshop, the sort you find on the high street - you'll miss us when we all disappear and you have no choice but to shop online!
So when it came on TV this week I decided to watch it, and to try and watch it with an open mind. Yes it was watchable and visually impressive. And I didn't not enjoy it, but wouldn't go so far as to say I particularly enjoyed it, I didn't get emotionally engagedt, to borrow a phrase from a friend I was a little 'meh' about it. I watched the film when it first came out and I thought it was based heavily on the book Shogun by Clavell, whilst I have now discovered that it is not intended as a film of the book (which is a good as the lead characters are completely different!) it does seem to borrow heavily on story elements (isolated 'barbarian' westerner comes to Japan, is a prisoner of the tradititional Samurai class, becomes an adviser, friend to the Samurai leader, comes to respect and admire the culture, eventually becoming a Samurai himself during a civil war) .
Shogun is an epic novel at 1125 pages, which I loved when I first read it, it has a huge scope and a wealth of depth and detail which simply cannot be translated into a film of 154 min and I suppose it would be unfair to expect it to, the internal monologues, side stories, character expositions etc simply wouldn't be practical, but I still found the film a little simplistic. Although I can accept that the film does give a glimpse, a window into the incredibly complex and fascinating culture of that Japanese Era (although I should point out that Shogun is set rather earlier in history than The Last Samurai film), and if I hadn't already read books about the period it would probably intrigue me enough to seek them out. But I shan't be watching it again, and I won't be buying it. But equally I shan't be so quick to be rude about it.
(I can't help but think though that without Tom Cruise I would have enjoyed it far more! oh and the American role in Japanese history of the time is predictably exaggerated if you don't believe me read the IMDB statement of factual errors: Japan *did* seek military advisors in the latter half of the 1800s to form a modern Army. The only problem with this is that they didn't consult the Americans to assist them. The most successful army at that point was the Prussian (not yet German) Army, whom they recruited for training purposes... as well as British naval attachés to assist in the creation of a modern fleet)
Having revisited my opinion of The Last Samurai, I thought I should also revisit the novel Shogun by Clavell and so duly ordered a copy through work - and it arrived the day before yesterday -I'm only 86 pages into the 1125 pages but so far it is as brilliant as I remembered it from when I first read my mum's copy 11 years ago... I'll report back once I finish it!
If anyone else is interested in reading Shogun...
Shogun by James Clavell
first published in 1975, there have been many editions since. I have:
9780340776163 (2006) Hodder & Stoughton
RRP: £8.99
Blurb: 'The epic saga of Pilot-Major John Blackthorne, who is shopwrecked on Japan, the most alien of shores. The novel charts Blackthorne's rise from the status of reviled foreigner up to the heights of trusted advisor and, eventually, samurai. All as civil war looms over the fragile country'
If you want a copy, please buy it from a real bookshop, the sort you find on the high street - you'll miss us when we all disappear and you have no choice but to shop online!
Light London Moments
I so wish I had my camera with me today...
Bright bright sunshine
Dark clouds on the horizon behind the white Wren buildings of the Old Royal Naval College
Sudden rain out of a sunny sky
A group of foreign exchange students in bright clothes with lots of brightly coloured umbrellas sparkling in the sun walking along in a long 'crocodile'.
magic
moral of the story - charge my digital compact and carry it in my handbag at all times.
Bright bright sunshine
Dark clouds on the horizon behind the white Wren buildings of the Old Royal Naval College
Sudden rain out of a sunny sky
A group of foreign exchange students in bright clothes with lots of brightly coloured umbrellas sparkling in the sun walking along in a long 'crocodile'.
magic
moral of the story - charge my digital compact and carry it in my handbag at all times.
Sunday 18 July 2010
The perfect crowd pleasing BBQ side dish
So, as my offering to Daren's BBQ I made a special sweetcorn salad / salsa - it is sweet and spicy and ever so more-ish and unfailingly garners lots of compliments- I wish I could take credit for it but the recipe comes from my friend Ronni's cousin...I urge you all to try it.
Ingredients
Onion
Garlic
Lime
Sweetcorn (canned or frozen, or fresh if you're so lucky)
Chilli
Method
Finely chop the onion & Garlic - how much you use is a matter of taste, I was using two large cans of sweetcorn so used a LARGE onion and two cloves of garlic.
Chop the chilli with or without seeds according to taste - I used one red and one green of the slim pointy ones from Deptford market.. not sure what type they are! But You can used dry chilli flakes, jaleapenos or anything that takes your fancy.
Saute the garlic, onion & chilli until soft and just changing colour
If you're using frozen or fresh sweetcorn cook now -
drain and put the sweetcorn in bowl, stir in the sauted onion garlic & chilli
Grate the zest and juice 1 - 2 limes - I like to 'juice' with a spoon so I can scrape out some of the flesh as well,
Mix the lime through the sweetcorn - and serve!
nom nom nom
Ingredients
Onion
Garlic
Lime
Sweetcorn (canned or frozen, or fresh if you're so lucky)
Chilli
Method
Finely chop the onion & Garlic - how much you use is a matter of taste, I was using two large cans of sweetcorn so used a LARGE onion and two cloves of garlic.
Chop the chilli with or without seeds according to taste - I used one red and one green of the slim pointy ones from Deptford market.. not sure what type they are! But You can used dry chilli flakes, jaleapenos or anything that takes your fancy.
Saute the garlic, onion & chilli until soft and just changing colour
If you're using frozen or fresh sweetcorn cook now -
drain and put the sweetcorn in bowl, stir in the sauted onion garlic & chilli
Grate the zest and juice 1 - 2 limes - I like to 'juice' with a spoon so I can scrape out some of the flesh as well,
Mix the lime through the sweetcorn - and serve!
nom nom nom
Loving my Life
This has been a spectacularly good week. After a particularly hectic couple of days (10hr shift on Friday & 11hrs on Saturday working a bookstall) and a very lazy Sunday mostly sleeping, Monday was relatively quiet day at work - followed by a splendid evening out with my friend Ronni. We started the evening in The Old Brewery in Greenwich (and yes they do brew on site) for a quiet drink before heading across town to the Bloomsbury theatre where we saw Dave Gorman's show : Sit Dow, Pedal, Pedal, Stop and Stand Up it was being filmed for the new dvd, and as we were sat just off centre on the second row, I guess there is every chance we'll be on the DVD too ... it was a splendiferously funny evening and Dave Gorman. Although it was scary to realise that his show "Are You Dave Gorman?" which I watched most episodes of was 10 years ago! ergh I must be getting old!
Most of the rest of the week was fairly quiet, until friday evening when Frog and I went to dinner with some good friends at Hong Kong City in New Cross. As I was walking to the restaurant I was handed a flyer for a weight loss program - how rude! It wouldn't have been too bad but the same lady gave me another one on Saturday when I was in Deptford market - grr! anyway, back to our splendid dinner- good friends, good food, good fun! We couldn't quite believe when we left that we had been there for four and a half hours, it didn't seem like half so long. We ordered the fixed menu for 5 - a fantastic range, I can particularly recommend the crispy shredded duck pancakes (the roast duck is shredded in front of you at the table) and the sizzling lamb (which is well named as it came to the table furiously hot and spitting) tasted utterly magnificent. It was the perfect setting for hours of good conversation and laughs. As we sat there with our friends talking all sorts of nonsense, I suddenly realised that this was exactly what I imagined my life in London would be like. So my job isn't perfect, we don't have a garden, and I can't afford all the shoes I so clearly need(!) but still life is pretty amazing.
Whilst we don't have a garden several of our friends do and Saturday saw us at Daren's BBQ - as soon as we arrived Frog took over the all important lighting of the barbeque... whilst we fired up the oven grill and started cooking, frog foraged for bits of twig and a fresh bag of coals, and even (shudder) fire lighters, we shall diplomatically blame the length of time it took to get to cooking temperature on damp coals... ahem, I know it sounds terrible that we cooked in the oven at a BBQ but the kids were hungry (as were some of the adults) It was still a brilliant day, lots of Daren's friends and family - little children running around and using anyone who sat still long enough as a climbing frame - yes it was my idea of heaven! The weather smiled on us - not too hot but not too cloudy - perfect lounging on the grass sipping wine weather. Of course given the company the guitars came out, and impromtu first guitar lessons were given to the attendent children - when asked how well they were playing I answered with perfect truthfulness that they were better than frog - mean aren't I!?
Big thank you to Daren and everyone there for a lovely afternoon / evening.
Most of the rest of the week was fairly quiet, until friday evening when Frog and I went to dinner with some good friends at Hong Kong City in New Cross. As I was walking to the restaurant I was handed a flyer for a weight loss program - how rude! It wouldn't have been too bad but the same lady gave me another one on Saturday when I was in Deptford market - grr! anyway, back to our splendid dinner- good friends, good food, good fun! We couldn't quite believe when we left that we had been there for four and a half hours, it didn't seem like half so long. We ordered the fixed menu for 5 - a fantastic range, I can particularly recommend the crispy shredded duck pancakes (the roast duck is shredded in front of you at the table) and the sizzling lamb (which is well named as it came to the table furiously hot and spitting) tasted utterly magnificent. It was the perfect setting for hours of good conversation and laughs. As we sat there with our friends talking all sorts of nonsense, I suddenly realised that this was exactly what I imagined my life in London would be like. So my job isn't perfect, we don't have a garden, and I can't afford all the shoes I so clearly need(!) but still life is pretty amazing.
Whilst we don't have a garden several of our friends do and Saturday saw us at Daren's BBQ - as soon as we arrived Frog took over the all important lighting of the barbeque... whilst we fired up the oven grill and started cooking, frog foraged for bits of twig and a fresh bag of coals, and even (shudder) fire lighters, we shall diplomatically blame the length of time it took to get to cooking temperature on damp coals... ahem, I know it sounds terrible that we cooked in the oven at a BBQ but the kids were hungry (as were some of the adults) It was still a brilliant day, lots of Daren's friends and family - little children running around and using anyone who sat still long enough as a climbing frame - yes it was my idea of heaven! The weather smiled on us - not too hot but not too cloudy - perfect lounging on the grass sipping wine weather. Of course given the company the guitars came out, and impromtu first guitar lessons were given to the attendent children - when asked how well they were playing I answered with perfect truthfulness that they were better than frog - mean aren't I!?
Big thank you to Daren and everyone there for a lovely afternoon / evening.
Wednesday 14 July 2010
Frog Morris Presents: InAppropriation @ The Montague Arms
8th July saw another one of Frog's splendid evenings. We have already established in an earlier post that I am not the most unbiased of reviewers, but I don't think I am being too partial to say the caliber of the acts gets better all the time. From one headliner a month, we seem to be getting several acts with a claim to the title each time.
This month saw a tentacle headed crooner HP Lovebox, the return of "Vox Wonder the Voice Activated Drawing Machine" with inappropriate collages. The mesmerizing Duncan Ward, who's performances bring a packed pub to stunned silence. Mark Quinn's Ice-Cream face brought the crowd to unbelieving laughter and tears in his best recieved solo performance at the Montague Arms to date. Vicky Gold presented an autobiographical piece featuring well known artist and the demise of their relationship, The band Trelawney were undoubtedly popular and brought a large crowd with them. And of course there was Frog - accompanied by his faithful puppets, 2 pints of milk and a bunch of flowers.
H.P Lovebox
Duncan Ward
Mark Quinn: Ice-Cream Face
Frog Morris & Puppets
Vox Wonder - The Voice Activated Drawing Machine
Trelawney
Vicky Gold
And of course there are lots more photos of the evening on flickr !
Tuesday 13 July 2010
family fun
So I've neglected my blog for a bit - busy crazy life!
We went away the first weekend in July to celebrate a family birthday - morris clan on mass.
We stayed in Wimmereux France (about 30 min from Calais) - had a gorgeous weekend. I am SO lucky you hear so many horror stories about people not getting on with their inlaws and I love mine to pieces.
a few photos from our weekend:
The splendid Theo and Sheree on the ferry over to France - Theo's phone is not so new anymore but he is still very enamored with it... well it does have lots of sparkly apps!
Sheree made a new very enthusiastic friend
Wimmereux is a lovely seaside town, the beach is so beautiful - the first day we were there was a little overcast in the morning - but it soon brightened up, we were even able to get lots of swimming in!
and of course it wouldn't be me if there weren't a lot more photos on my flickr page!
Thursday 8 July 2010
Honesty is the best policy....
I love that my husband is incurably honest.
He's just walked in and presented me with a bunch of flowers - this is something of a rare treat for me especially before 10am, so naturally I am delighted and ignore the £1.99 Sainsbury's bargain sticker - beautifully orangey red roses, spray carnations and something purple are always good. So with a huge grin I say thank you - and give him a kiss, obviously he's noticed all the cleaning and cooking I've been doing, or maybe it's the self imposed study exile I am currently living in ... whatever it is, here is a tangible 'I love you' ... right?
hmmm... so you would think.
he turns to walk away, impulsively turns back and says "actually there is a reason you got flowers" .... am I a bad person because my first thought then was "what have you done?" - scratched the car? ruined a jumper? spent lots of money (not on flowers) ?
... he continued "I had to buy some flowers for a performance tonight and I thought you would be cross if I bought myself some flowers and didn't get you any"
the wry smile while he said it, with the slightly embarrassed hug - yes I knew it was true. And yes I probably would have been miffed.
But I still like my flowers, they are in a vase perched on the table next to where I am meant to be writing my essay (on how the law protects individuals who lack the understanding and appreciation to exercise their own rights and responsibilities) but am instead surfing the Internet and blogging and they are very cheery - and he was still thinking of me... right?
He's just walked in and presented me with a bunch of flowers - this is something of a rare treat for me especially before 10am, so naturally I am delighted and ignore the £1.99 Sainsbury's bargain sticker - beautifully orangey red roses, spray carnations and something purple are always good. So with a huge grin I say thank you - and give him a kiss, obviously he's noticed all the cleaning and cooking I've been doing, or maybe it's the self imposed study exile I am currently living in ... whatever it is, here is a tangible 'I love you' ... right?
hmmm... so you would think.
he turns to walk away, impulsively turns back and says "actually there is a reason you got flowers" .... am I a bad person because my first thought then was "what have you done?" - scratched the car? ruined a jumper? spent lots of money (not on flowers) ?
... he continued "I had to buy some flowers for a performance tonight and I thought you would be cross if I bought myself some flowers and didn't get you any"
the wry smile while he said it, with the slightly embarrassed hug - yes I knew it was true. And yes I probably would have been miffed.
But I still like my flowers, they are in a vase perched on the table next to where I am meant to be writing my essay (on how the law protects individuals who lack the understanding and appreciation to exercise their own rights and responsibilities) but am instead surfing the Internet and blogging and they are very cheery - and he was still thinking of me... right?
Wednesday 30 June 2010
The Importance of Pens
My official job title is Senior Bookseller Level 2 (the level 2 bit just reflects time in service and the fact I can deptutise for the manager - nothing so exciting as having collected various gold coins and solved puzzles) unsurprisingly I order, price and sell books, but a large part of my job also involves what I call "playing with stationery" - I get to research, chose, order and arrange all sorts of stationery items. I get sent catalogues from various companies and having meetings with reps where they show off all their best stuff and try and persuade me to stock it - a large part of the persuading process is "samples" I love supplier samples - especially when you bear in mind I stock Moleskine Notebooks and Zebra Pens. And yes I love arranging stationery - even the Moleskine rep himself thinks my spinner is a thing of beauty - arranged by colour and type and size. My pen displays in the slat wall are arranged in to colourful rainbows and type - and woe-betide any hapless customer who tries to test the pens on my carefully constructed posters and labels - I put the little pads of paper out for a reason - gggggrrrrrrrrrrr! (cue angry teacher look while a slide my glasses down my nose and GLARE) - ahem. So I think we have established that I like stationery and possibly that I am a little OCD in this area.
Anyhoo... today was the turn of the rep from Uni-ball Mitsubishi - the meeting got off to a good start when he presented me with my "samples" - 5 pens including a very nice one with violet coloured ink and a flowery barrel - thank you very much!
Many people think a pen is a pen is a pen and there is no need for any fuss - well, it all depends what you want it for. Jotting notes and taking phone messages - a bic or staedtler biro at 35p each may be just for you. Left handed but you like an 'inky' pen? you need an instant dry variety - over £2 but writes like a dream, very smooth but none of that pesky ink smudging. Prone to mistakes and revisions but can't stand tippex? Try a Frixion Erase - writes like a cross between a biro and an inky pen, but rubs out with the power of friction - the ink itself though is a little 'light'. Arthritis, or prone to cramp from lots of writing?... have you tried a NuSpiral? - ergonomic and spongy grip - very comfortable. There are so many things to consider and I haven't even started on weight and size - I favour a heavier pen for that sense of gravitas and control, I have friends who only like air-light pens...
I digress. Back to uni-ball mitsubishi....
I requested the account and meeting on the basis of....... a mechanical pencil.
yes a pencil.
The Kuru-Toga to be precise, I stumbled across it in The Independent's 'best 50 stationery' and duly checked it out on Cult Pens (I know I know, I've considered getting help - but I'm happy... and anyway it's my job! ) this mechanical pencil has a special mechanism which means every time you apply pressure- thats a movement on the page or pushing down / lifting off) the lead is rotated slightly - this means the point is always kept sharp! You don't get that chiseled lead shape which leads to pasty lines and breakage - GENIUS! And yes it really works, I found out today it took 4 years to develop the design. 4 years on a pencil. But I love it - mine is pink, Ronni has a silver one, and our equally enthusiastic customer Bob just got himself a black one.
but Uni-Ball do alot more than one good pencil - they have one of the best range of pigment inks - which means their pens come in a much wider range of colours at a high quality 'inkyness'. Love it. Can't wait to get a new rainbow display going...
but here are 3 fun Uni-Ball facts for you courtesy of our rep:
1) The FBI use the Signo 207 - this is because you can't wash it out of paper like you can most regular inks (try it - a little bit of nail polish remover and the right technique) - the Signo 207 has the backing of Frank Abagnale (the real life fraudster that the film 'Catch Me if You Can' was based on).
2) Simon Cowell and the other X-Factor judges use Uni-Ball pens, and no, uni-ball didn't pay the show for product placement- they were actually quite surprised.
3) It was a Uni-Ball (I think he said one of the jetstream family) pen which signed the paperwork at the trial of Saddam Hussein - and Saddam used a uni-ball too...
who said all pens were created equal?
Anyhoo... today was the turn of the rep from Uni-ball Mitsubishi - the meeting got off to a good start when he presented me with my "samples" - 5 pens including a very nice one with violet coloured ink and a flowery barrel - thank you very much!
Many people think a pen is a pen is a pen and there is no need for any fuss - well, it all depends what you want it for. Jotting notes and taking phone messages - a bic or staedtler biro at 35p each may be just for you. Left handed but you like an 'inky' pen? you need an instant dry variety - over £2 but writes like a dream, very smooth but none of that pesky ink smudging. Prone to mistakes and revisions but can't stand tippex? Try a Frixion Erase - writes like a cross between a biro and an inky pen, but rubs out with the power of friction - the ink itself though is a little 'light'. Arthritis, or prone to cramp from lots of writing?... have you tried a NuSpiral? - ergonomic and spongy grip - very comfortable. There are so many things to consider and I haven't even started on weight and size - I favour a heavier pen for that sense of gravitas and control, I have friends who only like air-light pens...
I digress. Back to uni-ball mitsubishi....
I requested the account and meeting on the basis of....... a mechanical pencil.
yes a pencil.
The Kuru-Toga to be precise, I stumbled across it in The Independent's 'best 50 stationery' and duly checked it out on Cult Pens (I know I know, I've considered getting help - but I'm happy... and anyway it's my job! ) this mechanical pencil has a special mechanism which means every time you apply pressure- thats a movement on the page or pushing down / lifting off) the lead is rotated slightly - this means the point is always kept sharp! You don't get that chiseled lead shape which leads to pasty lines and breakage - GENIUS! And yes it really works, I found out today it took 4 years to develop the design. 4 years on a pencil. But I love it - mine is pink, Ronni has a silver one, and our equally enthusiastic customer Bob just got himself a black one.
but Uni-Ball do alot more than one good pencil - they have one of the best range of pigment inks - which means their pens come in a much wider range of colours at a high quality 'inkyness'. Love it. Can't wait to get a new rainbow display going...
but here are 3 fun Uni-Ball facts for you courtesy of our rep:
1) The FBI use the Signo 207 - this is because you can't wash it out of paper like you can most regular inks (try it - a little bit of nail polish remover and the right technique) - the Signo 207 has the backing of Frank Abagnale (the real life fraudster that the film 'Catch Me if You Can' was based on).
2) Simon Cowell and the other X-Factor judges use Uni-Ball pens, and no, uni-ball didn't pay the show for product placement- they were actually quite surprised.
3) It was a Uni-Ball (I think he said one of the jetstream family) pen which signed the paperwork at the trial of Saddam Hussein - and Saddam used a uni-ball too...
who said all pens were created equal?
Tuesday 29 June 2010
Empress Orchid - Review
So first up - Empress Orchid by Anchee Min
I know I am a little behind the fray here - as it was part of the Richard & Judy Bookclub in 2006 and as such there are lots of amateur and professional reviews of it out there - but since when has excessive coverage ever stopped me adding my twopence worth to any conversation!?
Firstly - a big thank you to Ronni for recommending this book to me, when
This is a fictionally realised story based on the real life of the Last Empress of China. The culture, etiquette, fashions and architectural surroundings are exquisitely described, the descriptions of the highly ritualised and stylized life within the forbidden city are beautifully vivid and compelling, but what caught me by surprise was the very real tension and danger inherent in the lives of the royal concubines and wives, and their attendant eunuchs - and the essentially misogynistic / repressive attitude against which Orchid struggles .
I am not often a fan of stories told in the first person - too often the 'voice' of the narrator is inconsistent, intrusive and improbable - but in this case it is completely engaging and plausible. The book is also an eye opener when it comes to behaviour of 'westerners' in China at the time, the reality of the opium wars and the whole scale destruction wreaked on the forbidden city.
I am looking forward to reading the sequel "The Last Empress"
Empress Orchid, by Anchee Min
Bloomsbury Press
ISBN: 9780747568339
Chutney Preserves 4, Animal Fair @ Camberwell Green
Originally uploaded by Little*Bee
Sunday was important for several reasons - it was TOO hot, the last day of Glastonbury, Germany beating England in the world cup - but most of all it saw the culmination of the Camberwell Arts Festival on Camberwell Green in the form of Chutney Preserves 4, Animal Fair - when you've read this go check out their blog - it will make more sense.
This is really just a quick ' photo blog' about the bits I saw, hopefully you can get an idea of the scope:
The Urban Bear has his questions answered by the Fox Witch
Rebecca Feiner and Helene Corr with Worm Charming Olympics
Frog gave several performances during the day, ably assisted by his assortments of puppets.
As always there are lots more photos on my flickr pages, and I haven't listed even half the artists involved, please do visit Chutney Preserves Blog where you will find full details along with links to the artists.
Sunday 27 June 2010
Unwrong Quiz & Dare to be Charlie
Thursday 24th June saw another of Frog's spectacular nights at the Montague Arms, this time the "Unwrong Quiz" hosted by Frog and the incomparable Mark Quinn. This is quiz with no right or wrong answers, but bizarre and thought provoking questions, where you are awarded prizes for the most interesting, clever, funny or just plain weird answers. You can even play along on their facebook page.
As nights of daftness and fun go, this is fast becoming a New Cross favorite especially with Goldsmith's students... and it will soon be translated to Edinburgh where Mark & Frog have a run as part of the fringe festival. Details can be seen on Frog's website.
This month the Unwrong Quiz was pleased to welcome as their special guests 'Dare to be Charlie' the fantastic new band with Daren Callow & Chalie Savigar. Daren and Charlie have both been in different bands (and solo sets) in the past and now joined forces, collaborating on new songs and developing music they performed in the past.
As a fan of their earlier work it is really great to hear how it is developing and the new influences being brought to play as they feed off each other's talent. There is definitely a new life and vibe, and given that I am a sing-a-long type fan, particularly of some of Daren's earlier work (which incidentally he performed at our wedding) I was pleased to discover that even I thought it was a development for the better.
I can highly recommend them and not just because they are our friends! You can check out all their upcoming gigs on their various sites:
Daren Callow - musician on facebook
Daren Callow - website
Charlie Savigar - music on facebook
Charlie Savigar - webiste
Listen to their music:
Daren Callow - myspace
Charlie Savigar - myspace
And as always lots more photos from the evening on my flickr page!
As nights of daftness and fun go, this is fast becoming a New Cross favorite especially with Goldsmith's students... and it will soon be translated to Edinburgh where Mark & Frog have a run as part of the fringe festival. Details can be seen on Frog's website.
This month the Unwrong Quiz was pleased to welcome as their special guests 'Dare to be Charlie' the fantastic new band with Daren Callow & Chalie Savigar. Daren and Charlie have both been in different bands (and solo sets) in the past and now joined forces, collaborating on new songs and developing music they performed in the past.
As a fan of their earlier work it is really great to hear how it is developing and the new influences being brought to play as they feed off each other's talent. There is definitely a new life and vibe, and given that I am a sing-a-long type fan, particularly of some of Daren's earlier work (which incidentally he performed at our wedding) I was pleased to discover that even I thought it was a development for the better.
I can highly recommend them and not just because they are our friends! You can check out all their upcoming gigs on their various sites:
Daren Callow - musician on facebook
Daren Callow - website
Charlie Savigar - music on facebook
Charlie Savigar - webiste
Listen to their music:
Daren Callow - myspace
Charlie Savigar - myspace
And as always lots more photos from the evening on my flickr page!
Monday 21 June 2010
Celebrating 2 Years as Mrs Frog
Happy Anniversary to us!
The splendid Mr Frog Morris and I got married two years ago today..... yay!
We celebrated this splendid occasion by disappearing to Sussex for a lovely weekend spent at The Swan in Fittleworth - the perfect combination of real ale old pub in the middle of nowhere - fine dining and romantic traditional luxury. Complete with the antique four poster bed, and the lovely staff put red roses in our room! It was a dream come true for me - I am sure I'm not the only one to have grown up imagining herself as a princess or medieval lady, there is something magic about four posters - and this really was a genuine AN-T-I-QUE ... it was a good job neither of us were tall , as the bed was exactly as long as we were! but ever so comfy and decadent!
The service was far and away the best I've ever experienced on holiday - so friendly, very attentive without being in the slightest bit intrusive, we were given the same table for every meal - which they called 'our table'. The food was simply lovely - very generous portions, excellently cooked at the point you order it, no pre-cooked nonsense there.
The surrounding countryside was just stunning, we went on a lovely evening walk along the nearby river, white rumped swifts were zooming around us and skimming the river, the sunset was beautiful.
Best of all of course, I was there with my wonderful Frog. It was utter bliss to be away from teh hubub of London for a while, and to forget what mobile phones, laptops and crowded commutes are all about. Of course we were left wishing we could be there longer, and I hope we'll go back some time - there is still so much to see and do in the area!
more photos on my flickr page
The splendid Mr Frog Morris and I got married two years ago today..... yay!
We celebrated this splendid occasion by disappearing to Sussex for a lovely weekend spent at The Swan in Fittleworth - the perfect combination of real ale old pub in the middle of nowhere - fine dining and romantic traditional luxury. Complete with the antique four poster bed, and the lovely staff put red roses in our room! It was a dream come true for me - I am sure I'm not the only one to have grown up imagining herself as a princess or medieval lady, there is something magic about four posters - and this really was a genuine AN-T-I-QUE ... it was a good job neither of us were tall , as the bed was exactly as long as we were! but ever so comfy and decadent!
The service was far and away the best I've ever experienced on holiday - so friendly, very attentive without being in the slightest bit intrusive, we were given the same table for every meal - which they called 'our table'. The food was simply lovely - very generous portions, excellently cooked at the point you order it, no pre-cooked nonsense there.
The surrounding countryside was just stunning, we went on a lovely evening walk along the nearby river, white rumped swifts were zooming around us and skimming the river, the sunset was beautiful.
Best of all of course, I was there with my wonderful Frog. It was utter bliss to be away from teh hubub of London for a while, and to forget what mobile phones, laptops and crowded commutes are all about. Of course we were left wishing we could be there longer, and I hope we'll go back some time - there is still so much to see and do in the area!more photos on my flickr page
Sunday 20 June 2010
The Comedy That Wasn't...
I was going to write a post about the most recent filming I went to see at the BBC - it was for a new comedy show.
But then I remembered what my parents taught me....
"if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all"
so I won't.
But then I remembered what my parents taught me....
"if you can't say anything nice then don't say anything at all"
so I won't.
Monday 14 June 2010
Children - you've got to love them
Now my Mum & Dad dragged me up properly, I was duly instilled with the idea that it is wrong to laugh AT (as opposed to WITH) someone .... but occasionally you just can't help yourself, and this morning was definitely one of those mornings.
I'm not necessarily at my best first thing in the morning, I have a set routine which is 'just so' and a set time to leave the house to walk to the bus stop. And woe-betide any one or anything who interferes with that. One of the bonuses of leaving at the same time each day is that you see the same people. There is a man who I've said hello to at least three times a week for several years now - and we now swap comments on the weather and the state of the road works on the often flooded approach to my estate (he works at the factory right next to it). There's the very nice man who kicks a football round the park everyday for his bouncy brown dog and we wave each morning. The lovely crossing lady outside the primary school...
well I didn't see any of them this morning - I had left five minutes early...
as I walked past the local park, on the opposite side of the road a young boy (about 6 maybe) and his mum came out of their flat, the boy had a scooter and was a few yards in front of me, and his mum was just a pace or two behind me (but both on the opposite pavement) I wasn't really paying attention to them - I was looking for the green parakeets which have recently colonised the park - (the first in this particular area)- when the boy suddenly grabbed my attention by abruptly stopping his scooter, turning round and yelling back to his mum- "oi, whatcha look like that for?", of course I looked over, just as his mum asked what he meant, and he replied "are those your pajamas?" at the top of his voice.
I couldn't help myself, I laughed out loud and turned to look at his mum - who was wearing a brown cotton tracksuit and flip flops...
I had a hard time keeping a straight face though while all three of us were waiting for the same bus - luckily I had a book to hide my nose in. I might add the little boy to my list of favorite morning people - anyone who can make me laugh that early on in the day is alright in my books - though of course his mum might not agree.
I'm not necessarily at my best first thing in the morning, I have a set routine which is 'just so' and a set time to leave the house to walk to the bus stop. And woe-betide any one or anything who interferes with that. One of the bonuses of leaving at the same time each day is that you see the same people. There is a man who I've said hello to at least three times a week for several years now - and we now swap comments on the weather and the state of the road works on the often flooded approach to my estate (he works at the factory right next to it). There's the very nice man who kicks a football round the park everyday for his bouncy brown dog and we wave each morning. The lovely crossing lady outside the primary school...
well I didn't see any of them this morning - I had left five minutes early...
as I walked past the local park, on the opposite side of the road a young boy (about 6 maybe) and his mum came out of their flat, the boy had a scooter and was a few yards in front of me, and his mum was just a pace or two behind me (but both on the opposite pavement) I wasn't really paying attention to them - I was looking for the green parakeets which have recently colonised the park - (the first in this particular area)- when the boy suddenly grabbed my attention by abruptly stopping his scooter, turning round and yelling back to his mum- "oi, whatcha look like that for?", of course I looked over, just as his mum asked what he meant, and he replied "are those your pajamas?" at the top of his voice.
I couldn't help myself, I laughed out loud and turned to look at his mum - who was wearing a brown cotton tracksuit and flip flops...
I had a hard time keeping a straight face though while all three of us were waiting for the same bus - luckily I had a book to hide my nose in. I might add the little boy to my list of favorite morning people - anyone who can make me laugh that early on in the day is alright in my books - though of course his mum might not agree.
Sunday 13 June 2010
Music Hall at the Montague Arms
“Frog Morris Presents” is a well-established evening of entertainment on the Second Thursday of each month- based at the amazing Montague Arms.
I realize I am probably not the most unbiased person to review Frog’s evenings, I am of course one of his biggest fans – but the evening on the 10th June really was something special. This month’s theme was “Music Hall” a nod to the much requested return of the Victorian Evening, and saw the largest audience we’ve had for some time.
Frog was all kitted out in his waistcoat and tails – looking very handsome and debonair. The only way to go given the caliber of the acts.
First up was Fergus Rougier – billed as a Cabaret Act he is a very talented man with an Accordion – his striking looks and comic songs set the evening off to a very good start.
Frog then gave a stirring rendition of “Puff the Magic Dragon” accompanied by Foster & Gilvan, Foster gave a dramatic accompaniment on the Saw – the emotions rather got the better of Frog – who was picked up from his prone position on the floor by Foz, and ‘helped’ into a chair.
The eclectic eccentric atmosphere of the Montague Arms could have been designed for Foster & Gilvan, the face painted clowns performed their unique brand of performance art meets theatrical sea shanties and musichall mayhem, needless to say they went down a storm.
Frog & Foster then treated the audience to that most popular of songs “Angry Badger” Foster offered his services as song sheet holder, but in the end seemed a little frightened by the badger himself!
The Montague was pleased to welcome back the incomparable Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer with his unique brand of Chap Hop & Rock for an incredible set which left the audience wanting more.
The final act were the dance band Jamean – a fabulous band in their own right their surprise element was their dancer – whose energetic routine left me exhausted just watching!
The crowd, the atmosphere and the acts were all fantastic – and it was really good to see all the performers so obviously enjoying each others sets. I rather think the bar were happy too!
Nice one Frog x
(more photos of the evening can be found on flickr)
I realize I am probably not the most unbiased person to review Frog’s evenings, I am of course one of his biggest fans – but the evening on the 10th June really was something special. This month’s theme was “Music Hall” a nod to the much requested return of the Victorian Evening, and saw the largest audience we’ve had for some time.
Frog was all kitted out in his waistcoat and tails – looking very handsome and debonair. The only way to go given the caliber of the acts.
First up was Fergus Rougier – billed as a Cabaret Act he is a very talented man with an Accordion – his striking looks and comic songs set the evening off to a very good start.
Frog then gave a stirring rendition of “Puff the Magic Dragon” accompanied by Foster & Gilvan, Foster gave a dramatic accompaniment on the Saw – the emotions rather got the better of Frog – who was picked up from his prone position on the floor by Foz, and ‘helped’ into a chair.
The eclectic eccentric atmosphere of the Montague Arms could have been designed for Foster & Gilvan, the face painted clowns performed their unique brand of performance art meets theatrical sea shanties and musichall mayhem, needless to say they went down a storm.
Frog & Foster then treated the audience to that most popular of songs “Angry Badger” Foster offered his services as song sheet holder, but in the end seemed a little frightened by the badger himself!
The Montague was pleased to welcome back the incomparable Mr B the Gentleman Rhymer with his unique brand of Chap Hop & Rock for an incredible set which left the audience wanting more.
The final act were the dance band Jamean – a fabulous band in their own right their surprise element was their dancer – whose energetic routine left me exhausted just watching!
The crowd, the atmosphere and the acts were all fantastic – and it was really good to see all the performers so obviously enjoying each others sets. I rather think the bar were happy too!
Nice one Frog x
(more photos of the evening can be found on flickr)
Saturday 5 June 2010
Pixies
No, this post isn't about the pointy eared friends of fairies...
Last night I went with Frog, Theo and Tom to see the band the Pixies play at The Troxy in London.
What an amazing evening.
For starters I was in the company of some of my favorite people - unfortunately Sheree who was meant to be joining us had the misfortune to fall into a pothole the previous day and badly sprained her ankle so wasn't able to come, but Tom very kindly stopped the ticket from going to waste and came in her stead - generous fellow isn't he? Particularly when he went to the same gig the day before - selfless! Now normally when we go out anywhere which requires us to be there at a particular time I get Stressed (and yes the capital 'S' is deliberate) about travel arrangements and being late. But for once that wasn't an issue as I knew the route well, having had to travel through Limehouse as part of my daily commute when I worked at Mile End - so I knew the timings. Having arrived at Limehouse in plenty of time we were able to stop at a local pub for a quick pint before the gig, leaning against a lamp post gossiping in evening sun, people watching as the world went by. Already a great evening. The queue to get in to the venue was predictably long, but friendly.
Now I do know who the Pixies are, but as any of my friends can tell you I am RUBBISH at remembering which artists do what songs, so when Frog told me they were playing and I liked their songs, I rather took him on trust. As we were queuing to get in, I felt a little guilty as the gig was sold out, and most people there were clearly diehard fans... and I was a little, shall we say, fuzzy, on what I was going to hear. Well that didn't last long, frog was right, I more than 'like' the Pixies, I can in fact sing along to their songs. Two of the ones they played rank among my favorite ever (although that might have something to do with the fact that they appear on the first ever complimation CD Frog made me, which he used to first tell me he love me - awwww - and in case anyone is wondering they are: 'Gigantic' & 'Here Comes Your Man')
Even if I hadn't already known and liked their music, it would have been hard indeed not to love the gig. The atmosphere was incredible and the sound amazing. And even if I hadn't liked the sound - the grin on Frog's face would have made the night perfect on it's own - ok ok I know I am cheesy. It was the most mixed audience I have seen at gig, with a whole spectrum of ages - a testament to how long the band have been playing. It was a little difficult to see past all the tall people who pushed to the front - my neck was aching a bit from craning by the end, but that is only a little grumble! It was truly fantastic.
It was also a huge milestone for me - it is the first, big noisy crowded event I have enjoyed and not felt the slightest bit panicky about since I have come off my anti-depressants. I was slightly nervous on entering the venue, and told the boys they weren't allowed to leave or lose me - but in the end I was the one who drifted a bit dancing in the audience - and I didn't panic - huzzah!
My familiarity with the area also proved useful after the gig as we decided to let the crush clear and I was able to direct us to a close but quiet real ale pub. yes that is right, for once it wasn't a male morris pub sense in play! smug points to me! a quick ride on the DLR and newly reopened East London Line and we were back in New Cross Gate.
Splendid.
Tom & Theo are perfect house guests - very laid back and easy to please the next morning- a couple of cups of tea, a few rashers of grilled bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms & hot buttered toast and the jobs a good'un.
A grand night was had by all... can't wait until September now when we have tickets to see the Eels. (and yes, I know who they are!) YAY!
Last night I went with Frog, Theo and Tom to see the band the Pixies play at The Troxy in London.
What an amazing evening.
For starters I was in the company of some of my favorite people - unfortunately Sheree who was meant to be joining us had the misfortune to fall into a pothole the previous day and badly sprained her ankle so wasn't able to come, but Tom very kindly stopped the ticket from going to waste and came in her stead - generous fellow isn't he? Particularly when he went to the same gig the day before - selfless! Now normally when we go out anywhere which requires us to be there at a particular time I get Stressed (and yes the capital 'S' is deliberate) about travel arrangements and being late. But for once that wasn't an issue as I knew the route well, having had to travel through Limehouse as part of my daily commute when I worked at Mile End - so I knew the timings. Having arrived at Limehouse in plenty of time we were able to stop at a local pub for a quick pint before the gig, leaning against a lamp post gossiping in evening sun, people watching as the world went by. Already a great evening. The queue to get in to the venue was predictably long, but friendly.
Now I do know who the Pixies are, but as any of my friends can tell you I am RUBBISH at remembering which artists do what songs, so when Frog told me they were playing and I liked their songs, I rather took him on trust. As we were queuing to get in, I felt a little guilty as the gig was sold out, and most people there were clearly diehard fans... and I was a little, shall we say, fuzzy, on what I was going to hear. Well that didn't last long, frog was right, I more than 'like' the Pixies, I can in fact sing along to their songs. Two of the ones they played rank among my favorite ever (although that might have something to do with the fact that they appear on the first ever complimation CD Frog made me, which he used to first tell me he love me - awwww - and in case anyone is wondering they are: 'Gigantic' & 'Here Comes Your Man')
Even if I hadn't already known and liked their music, it would have been hard indeed not to love the gig. The atmosphere was incredible and the sound amazing. And even if I hadn't liked the sound - the grin on Frog's face would have made the night perfect on it's own - ok ok I know I am cheesy. It was the most mixed audience I have seen at gig, with a whole spectrum of ages - a testament to how long the band have been playing. It was a little difficult to see past all the tall people who pushed to the front - my neck was aching a bit from craning by the end, but that is only a little grumble! It was truly fantastic.
It was also a huge milestone for me - it is the first, big noisy crowded event I have enjoyed and not felt the slightest bit panicky about since I have come off my anti-depressants. I was slightly nervous on entering the venue, and told the boys they weren't allowed to leave or lose me - but in the end I was the one who drifted a bit dancing in the audience - and I didn't panic - huzzah!
My familiarity with the area also proved useful after the gig as we decided to let the crush clear and I was able to direct us to a close but quiet real ale pub. yes that is right, for once it wasn't a male morris pub sense in play! smug points to me! a quick ride on the DLR and newly reopened East London Line and we were back in New Cross Gate.
Splendid.
Tom & Theo are perfect house guests - very laid back and easy to please the next morning- a couple of cups of tea, a few rashers of grilled bacon, scrambled eggs, mushrooms & hot buttered toast and the jobs a good'un.
A grand night was had by all... can't wait until September now when we have tickets to see the Eels. (and yes, I know who they are!) YAY!
Tea Dance Twist
Following closure for improvement and re-development one of our local parks finally re-opened 29th May 2010, and in honour of the event our friends Daniel Lehan and Joanna McCormick arranged a Tea-Dance Twist as part of the celebrations. And as they have truly splendid taste they invited my fabulous husband Frog to compare! As my parents (and their dog) were visiting we took them along too.Hatcham Park Gardens is a lovely little space just off Kender Street in New Cross and the community has pulled together to make a new playground and community area. Unfortunately the sun did not shine on the reopening, but despite the rain people came out in force – whether out of support or curiosity I am not so sure! There were various stalls and tents, including art and crafts for the kids where they were making paper bag owls, a health awareness tent being run by the NHS offering free healthchecks, a healthy eating stall with organic veg and information, cooking demonstrations, drumming demonstrations and an animal show which reportedly had meerkats and snakes! (which I would have thought was a dangerous combination… don’t meerkats kill snakes?) and best of all The T-Dance Twist tent.
In the best English community fair manner there was a Tea Coffee & Cake stall – which far surpassed the generality of cakes you get at these events normally – and yes they tasted as good as they looked – utterly sublime!
The event was officially opened by a local counselor who was presented with photos of the completed park which are to be hung in the local town hall. Then the entertainment – first Frog, who as usual took great pleasure in confounding several audience members (including my parents) whatever they were expecting, it wasn’t this!
Then Cello Singer Laura Victoria, who was fantastic, although perhaps the most enthralled audience members were two little girls who took great delight in dancing and twirling to the music. They were also very taken with my parent’s dog Freyr, who behaved beautifully and was quite happy to be made a fuss of. 
The little girl didn’t actually talk to my parents, despite at one point climbing into my Dad’s lap to better stroke Freyr – luckily my parents were quite happy! At one point when she was getting very close to the dogs head – dad said “be careful she has a very long tongue” of course this inspired nothing but a desire to see how long Freyr’s tongue was!
I had taken Esmeralda (my new camera – Canon EOS 1000D) with me in order to take a few snaps of Frog and to generally ‘play’ – but as Esme is quite large and professional looking I was soon roped in to taking photos of some of the other acts! I tried to explain I wasn’t a professional but just a friend of the organizers – but I don’t like to offend and Esme takes pretty good photos with almost no effort on my part, so I agreed, And I do enjoy taking photos. Although not sure when my folks decided to come up from Devon to visit, they banked on having to sit in a damp marquee for a couple of hours while I did my paparazzi impression – but they seemed to enjoy it.
So I took photos of a dance troop called Mia Dancers, who did Broadway inspired routines and were received very appreciatively by the audience. It felt very small and friendly in that marquee – a real community experience – which coming from a small rural visit is something I always felt was lacking in London – but obviously I was just going to the wrong places. Community spirit and groups are very much alive here, and when Mia Dancers lead an impromptu dance class it was great fun.As mum and dad (and dog) were getting cold tired and hungry – we decided to make a move – bouncy flat coat retrievers which remain puppies at 9 years old aren’t designed to sit quietly for that long, so we headed home for lunch and left the others to it. It was a shame we couldn’t stay longer as the afternoon continued with many more fantastic acts including the incomparable Mr Solo.
Thank you Daniel & Joanna for a splendid afternoon!
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