posted by EMW | 10:39:00 PM
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PepperedSprout
A pulpit for an appalling public speaker with lots to say, Liverpool centred artiste, insomniac, bad speller, plodder, hypocondriac, martyr to culture guilt and owner of Tiddles* the bulimic, feet liking cat. Possibly not hotter than a Peppered Sprout (Johnny Cash), but hopefully not as wet and as pointless as one. Feel free to resort to scan reading mode. * Name changed to protect feline’s identity.
- http://maverit.com/wp-content/cache/supercache/www...
- Paul Robinson is still confident England can win t...
- WIMFEST
- Cheeky Monkeys
- Happy Summer Solstice!!
- Parking Ticket
- A Message from 3345
- England V Sweden
- Love Parks Week
- The Cost of Bad Design
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
Wednesday, June 28, 2006
Paul Robinson is still confident England can win the world cup.
posted by EMW | 6:19:00 PM
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WIMFEST
WIMFEST is Liverpool’s own Women’s International Music Festival. It is also the premier women’s music event in the UK! Set up in 2003 with the express aim of showcasing the diversity of what women contribute in the field of music. The organisers say, 'they were just fed up with the very narrow view of women musicians that you get in the media - there is so much more to women’s music than Girls Aloud - but you would never guess!'
Now the premier women’s music event in the UK and Europe - The Women’s International Music Festival is back in July for its third year, and the emphasis is very much towards Folk, Country and Roots Music in our keynote concert! Karen Mathieson (ex Capercaillie) and the lovely Cara Dillon will headline an eight act showcase which includes Israeli Sephardic singer Yasmin Levy, Merseyside’s own Kathryn Williams, North West – based Country Singer Angie Palmer, Jennifer John, Amy Smith, and Virginia Haze. It’s a cornucopia of female acoustic talent!
WIMFEST was set up initially to showcase what women do in the music field, this year’s event is going to make a bigger splash than ever with this day-long concert at the Liverpool Phil, and two other showcases: WIMFEST UNSIGNED an event for acoustic singer/songwriters at 3345 Parr St. There is also WIMFEST PLUGGED the event for bands at the Barfly on Friday 7th July.
Girls Need Guitars
…and drums and bass and …On the 8th July at Blackburne House there will be a series of workshops, offering girls and women the chance to have a taste of Guitar, Bass, Kit Drums, Keyboard , African Drums, and Funky Electric Fiddle. If you have always wanted to have a go, but never mustered up the courage, here is your chance to try out new skills in a safe, supportive and friendly atmosphere. Contact us through the website: info@wimfest-liverpool.com Or just come along on the day.
SING OUT SISTER!
On July 8th, award winning SENSE OF SOUND in partnership with Wimfest will
present a day of song and celebration for women and girls (aged 14 and over) at Blackburne House, Hope St, on Saturday July 8th. The day will be hosted by two of Sense of Sound's Artistic Directors; Jennifer John and Saphena and promises to be relaxing, fun, uplifting and joyous. The event will go on all day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and tickets for the workshop are £35. This includes refreshments and a CD of the performance at the end. There will be places for 100 women which must be booked in advance by either calling Sense of Sound on 0151 707 1050 or visit the WIMFEST website to register on http://www.wimfest-liverpool.com/
WIMFEST at The Liverpool Phil, Hope St, L1 9BP.
Sunday July 2nd 2.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Tickets £12.50 (Day) £14.50 (Evening) £18.50 (whole event) £22.50 Box
Afternoon Line up Evening Line up
Kathryn Williams Karen Mathieson
Cara Dillon Yasmin Levy
Angie Palmer Amy Smith
Virginia Haze Jennifer John
Phil Box Office 0151 709 3789
WIMFEST Unsigned for unsigned women singer/songwriters
at 3345 Parr St , L14JN.
Wednesday July 5th 7.30 – 10.30pm
The diverse Line-up so far includes:
Kaya The Harp Trio Sarah Bridson Joane Bywater
Sian Phillips
Wimfest Plugged (The Noisy Event) at the Barfly Seel St , L1 4AZ
Friday 7th July 8 till late.
The Moots
Bexy Sitch
Now the premier women’s music event in the UK and Europe - The Women’s International Music Festival is back in July for its third year, and the emphasis is very much towards Folk, Country and Roots Music in our keynote concert! Karen Mathieson (ex Capercaillie) and the lovely Cara Dillon will headline an eight act showcase which includes Israeli Sephardic singer Yasmin Levy, Merseyside’s own Kathryn Williams, North West – based Country Singer Angie Palmer, Jennifer John, Amy Smith, and Virginia Haze. It’s a cornucopia of female acoustic talent!
WIMFEST was set up initially to showcase what women do in the music field, this year’s event is going to make a bigger splash than ever with this day-long concert at the Liverpool Phil, and two other showcases: WIMFEST UNSIGNED an event for acoustic singer/songwriters at 3345 Parr St. There is also WIMFEST PLUGGED the event for bands at the Barfly on Friday 7th July.
Girls Need Guitars
…and drums and bass and …On the 8th July at Blackburne House there will be a series of workshops, offering girls and women the chance to have a taste of Guitar, Bass, Kit Drums, Keyboard , African Drums, and Funky Electric Fiddle. If you have always wanted to have a go, but never mustered up the courage, here is your chance to try out new skills in a safe, supportive and friendly atmosphere. Contact us through the website: info@wimfest-liverpool.com Or just come along on the day.
SING OUT SISTER!
On July 8th, award winning SENSE OF SOUND in partnership with Wimfest will
present a day of song and celebration for women and girls (aged 14 and over) at Blackburne House, Hope St, on Saturday July 8th. The day will be hosted by two of Sense of Sound's Artistic Directors; Jennifer John and Saphena and promises to be relaxing, fun, uplifting and joyous. The event will go on all day from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. and tickets for the workshop are £35. This includes refreshments and a CD of the performance at the end. There will be places for 100 women which must be booked in advance by either calling Sense of Sound on 0151 707 1050 or visit the WIMFEST website to register on http://www.wimfest-liverpool.com/
WIMFEST at The Liverpool Phil, Hope St, L1 9BP.
Sunday July 2nd 2.30 pm – 10.30 pm
Tickets £12.50 (Day) £14.50 (Evening) £18.50 (whole event) £22.50 Box
Afternoon Line up Evening Line up
Kathryn Williams Karen Mathieson
Cara Dillon Yasmin Levy
Angie Palmer Amy Smith
Virginia Haze Jennifer John
Phil Box Office 0151 709 3789
WIMFEST Unsigned for unsigned women singer/songwriters
at 3345 Parr St , L14JN.
Wednesday July 5th 7.30 – 10.30pm
The diverse Line-up so far includes:
Kaya The Harp Trio Sarah Bridson Joane Bywater
Sian Phillips
Wimfest Plugged (The Noisy Event) at the Barfly Seel St , L1 4AZ
Friday 7th July 8 till late.
The Moots
Bexy Sitch
posted by EMW | 6:15:00 PM
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Wednesday, June 21, 2006
Cheeky Monkeys
This is cute. Remember those monkies with the red bums that like to vandalise your car when you drive through Knowsley Safari Park, well they're back and they're after your flags...
Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside is urging patriotic football fans to remove England flags from their vehicles to stop gangs of baboons pinching them. Bosses at Knowsley Safari Park say the 120-strong troop of baboons usually swipe windscreen wipers but have turned to stealing World Cup flags instead. Safari Park general manager, David Ross said,"Many people are wisely removing them before going on the safari drive. If they forget the baboons usually take them."
According to Mr Ross, the baboons have built up quite a stash. He added, "Visitors are certainly enjoying their antics with the flags as it does look like they are showing their support for the efforts of the England team. The baboons have always been great fun but they are the vandals of the animal world. Our advice to England fans is to remove their flags before they arrive or to use the alternative car-friendly route around the outside of the monkey jungle."
Knowsley Safari Park in Merseyside is urging patriotic football fans to remove England flags from their vehicles to stop gangs of baboons pinching them. Bosses at Knowsley Safari Park say the 120-strong troop of baboons usually swipe windscreen wipers but have turned to stealing World Cup flags instead. Safari Park general manager, David Ross said,"Many people are wisely removing them before going on the safari drive. If they forget the baboons usually take them."
According to Mr Ross, the baboons have built up quite a stash. He added, "Visitors are certainly enjoying their antics with the flags as it does look like they are showing their support for the efforts of the England team. The baboons have always been great fun but they are the vandals of the animal world. Our advice to England fans is to remove their flags before they arrive or to use the alternative car-friendly route around the outside of the monkey jungle."
posted by EMW | 10:42:00 PM
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Happy Summer Solstice!!
Summer Solstice. On this day, typically Jun-21st, the daytime hours are at a maximum in the Northern hemisphere, and night time is at a minimum. It is officially the first day of summer. It is also referred to as Midsummer because it is roughly the middle of the growing season throughout much of Europe.
I feel like listening to Kate Bush, I've missed the sun rise walk on Otterspool Prom and am far too late for walking bare foot on the grass around Stone Henge, so 'Ariel' on my walkman is about a spiritual as I am going to get. As ever, work got in the way. Perhaps I'll put on a long flowing skirt and have a walk in the park too if it's dry, fresh air sounds like a treat, having been stuck in this office all night. It's 'Love Parks' Week too, so it all fits into place.
"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words, "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere" to cause to stand still. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense, it "stands still."
Here comes the science bit, thanks to Wikipedia:
The summer solstice is an astronomical term regarding the position of the sun in relation to the celestial equator. At the time of the summer solstice, Earth is at a point in its orbit where one hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun, causing the sun to appear at 23.45 degrees above the celestial equator, thus making its highest path across the sky. The summer solstice is the day of the year with the longest daylight period and hence the shortest night. This day usually occurs on June 21/June 22 in the northern hemisphere and on December 21/December 22 in the southern hemisphere. The actual date changes due to differences between the calendar year and the tropical year.
And if you're interested :
In pre-historic times, before global warming and poolution, Summer was a joyous time of the year for people who lived in the northern latitudes. The snow had disappeared, the ground had thawed out, warm temperatures had returned, flowers were blooming; leaves had returned to the deciduous trees. Some herbs could be harvested, for medicinal and other uses. Food was easier to find. The crops had already been planted and would be harvested in the months to come. Although many months of warm/hot weather remained before the fall, they noticed that the days were beginning to shorten, so that the return of the cold season was inevitable.
The first (or only) full moon in June is called the Honey Moon. Tradition holds that this is the best time to harvest honey from the hives.
This time of year, between the planting and harvesting of the crops, was the traditional month for weddings. This is because many ancient peoples believed that the "grand [sexual] union" of the Goddess and God occurred in early May at Beltaine. Since it was unlucky to compete with the deities, many couples delayed their weddings until June. June remains a favourite month for marriage today. In some traditions, "newly wed" couples were fed dishes and beverages that featured honey for the first month of their married life to encourage love and fertility. The surviving vestige of this tradition lives on in the name given to the holiday immediately after the ceremony, "The Honeymoon." So this is why it's called that, not because it is as sweet as honey and because it's the first time the groom get to see his wife's bottom as stated in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'.
Why Stonehenge?
Many remains of ancient stone structures can be found throughout Europe. Some date back many millennia BC. Many appear to have religious/astronomical purposes; others are burial tombs. These structures were built before writing was developed. One can only speculate on the significance of the summer solstice to the builders. Perhaps the most famous of these structures is Stonehenge, a megalith monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. It was built in three stages, between circa 3000 and 1500BC. The circular bank and ditch, double circle of 'bluestones' (spotted dolerite), and circle of sarsen stones (some with white lintels), are concentric, and the main axis is aligned on the midsummer sunrise, an orientation that was probably for ritual rather than scientific purposes. Four "station stones" within the monument form a rectangle whose shorter side also points in the direction of the midsummer sunrise.
To look forward to:
Spring equinox - day and night are each 12 hours long and the Sun is at the midpoint of the sky.
Summer solstice - the longest day of the year, when the Sun is at its most northern point in the sky. Autumn equinox - day and night are each 12 hours long and the Sun is at the midpoint of the sky. Winter solstice - the shortest day of the year, when the Sun is at its most southern point in the sky.
I feel like listening to Kate Bush, I've missed the sun rise walk on Otterspool Prom and am far too late for walking bare foot on the grass around Stone Henge, so 'Ariel' on my walkman is about a spiritual as I am going to get. As ever, work got in the way. Perhaps I'll put on a long flowing skirt and have a walk in the park too if it's dry, fresh air sounds like a treat, having been stuck in this office all night. It's 'Love Parks' Week too, so it all fits into place.
"Solstice" is derived from two Latin words, "sol" meaning sun, and "sistere" to cause to stand still. This is because, as the summer solstice approaches, the noonday sun rises higher and higher in the sky on each successive day. On the day of the solstice, it rises an imperceptible amount, compared to the day before. In this sense, it "stands still."
Here comes the science bit, thanks to Wikipedia:
The summer solstice is an astronomical term regarding the position of the sun in relation to the celestial equator. At the time of the summer solstice, Earth is at a point in its orbit where one hemisphere is most tilted towards the sun, causing the sun to appear at 23.45 degrees above the celestial equator, thus making its highest path across the sky. The summer solstice is the day of the year with the longest daylight period and hence the shortest night. This day usually occurs on June 21/June 22 in the northern hemisphere and on December 21/December 22 in the southern hemisphere. The actual date changes due to differences between the calendar year and the tropical year.
And if you're interested :
In pre-historic times, before global warming and poolution, Summer was a joyous time of the year for people who lived in the northern latitudes. The snow had disappeared, the ground had thawed out, warm temperatures had returned, flowers were blooming; leaves had returned to the deciduous trees. Some herbs could be harvested, for medicinal and other uses. Food was easier to find. The crops had already been planted and would be harvested in the months to come. Although many months of warm/hot weather remained before the fall, they noticed that the days were beginning to shorten, so that the return of the cold season was inevitable.
The first (or only) full moon in June is called the Honey Moon. Tradition holds that this is the best time to harvest honey from the hives.
This time of year, between the planting and harvesting of the crops, was the traditional month for weddings. This is because many ancient peoples believed that the "grand [sexual] union" of the Goddess and God occurred in early May at Beltaine. Since it was unlucky to compete with the deities, many couples delayed their weddings until June. June remains a favourite month for marriage today. In some traditions, "newly wed" couples were fed dishes and beverages that featured honey for the first month of their married life to encourage love and fertility. The surviving vestige of this tradition lives on in the name given to the holiday immediately after the ceremony, "The Honeymoon." So this is why it's called that, not because it is as sweet as honey and because it's the first time the groom get to see his wife's bottom as stated in 'Four Weddings and a Funeral'.
Why Stonehenge?
Many remains of ancient stone structures can be found throughout Europe. Some date back many millennia BC. Many appear to have religious/astronomical purposes; others are burial tombs. These structures were built before writing was developed. One can only speculate on the significance of the summer solstice to the builders. Perhaps the most famous of these structures is Stonehenge, a megalith monument on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire. It was built in three stages, between circa 3000 and 1500BC. The circular bank and ditch, double circle of 'bluestones' (spotted dolerite), and circle of sarsen stones (some with white lintels), are concentric, and the main axis is aligned on the midsummer sunrise, an orientation that was probably for ritual rather than scientific purposes. Four "station stones" within the monument form a rectangle whose shorter side also points in the direction of the midsummer sunrise.
To look forward to:
Spring equinox - day and night are each 12 hours long and the Sun is at the midpoint of the sky.
Summer solstice - the longest day of the year, when the Sun is at its most northern point in the sky. Autumn equinox - day and night are each 12 hours long and the Sun is at the midpoint of the sky. Winter solstice - the shortest day of the year, when the Sun is at its most southern point in the sky.
posted by EMW | 5:55:00 AM
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Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Parking Ticket
There's nothing like a sticky yellow ticket on your windscreen to spoil a lovely day.
Always remember the '14 day' discount period for parking tickets to stand at £30 starts as soon as the ticket is slapped on your screen and ends at 23.59 on the 14th day. If you contest you ticket (which must be done in writing) and this is rejected visit impartial www.parking-appeals.gov.uk for advice.
Off the record, if you get a speeding fine from a lovely speed camera, ask to see the ph
oto. But you did not hear that from me. Not that I condone speeding, it's pointless, the Sunday driver will always end up next to you at the lights or in a jam and he will have used less fuel. Remember the 'Hare and the Tortoise', that was my favourite fable.
Always remember the '14 day' discount period for parking tickets to stand at £30 starts as soon as the ticket is slapped on your screen and ends at 23.59 on the 14th day. If you contest you ticket (which must be done in writing) and this is rejected visit impartial www.parking-appeals.gov.uk for advice.
Off the record, if you get a speeding fine from a lovely speed camera, ask to see the ph
oto. But you did not hear that from me. Not that I condone speeding, it's pointless, the Sunday driver will always end up next to you at the lights or in a jam and he will have used less fuel. Remember the 'Hare and the Tortoise', that was my favourite fable.
posted by EMW | 10:44:00 PM
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A Message from 3345
'Well folks the end is now in site. After a galant fight against the Genesis Pension Fund to save Parr Street Studios they now say the studios will stay BUT we must all leave by the 31st of July. So, we have saved the studios (yea right) but at the cost of all our businesses, what a pay off hey! So to celebrate our "Victory" The legendary Andy Carroll wil be spinning the decks this Friday and Saturday as his last appearance here at 3345 before he jets off for the Summer season in Ibiza, so get your dancing shoes on and get down to 3345 as we are going to party all the way up to the eviction date! Also, dont forget we will be showing all the World Cup games here at 3345 Parr Street.'
posted by EMW | 10:42:00 PM
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England V Sweden
I'm still very much being afflicted by that disease called 'Football', I watched the England V Sweden match, well I watched it until, Rooney showed his age and throw his dummy out of the pram. I had to leave for work then and felt like having a tantrum myself. I saw that fabulous goal from 35 yards by Joe de Cologne Cole, missed a beauty in the 85th minute by our very own Stevie Gerrard and the disaster that was a goal from Sweden on the 90th minute. Still we did what we had to do to avoid the Germans at the weekend. I'm no expert but I suspect we'll have to do a lot more if we want to go all the way!! Poor Michael Owen though, he has had such bad luck since leaving Liverpool, my better half damaged his cruciate ligament and it's extremely painful, we recommend RICE (rest, ice, compression, elevation) and wish you pleanty of love, luck and a speedy recovery.
I'm delighted there was not that much post-match trouble though. I love Cologne, I went in February, via trusty old Easyjet, it's a fabulous city, with it's own parfum, a great history, lovely beer called Kolsch, a gothic moster of a Catherdral, a carnival every year and a chocolate factory open to the public!!!
With World Cup fever in full swing, the BBC have come up with a wonderful way to celebrate the biggest football tournament on the planet than with their famous Sport Academy masks.
The latest additions to the collection are Peter Crouch (my personal favourite) and Steven Gerrard (below). You too, can look the part when you do the Crouch robot dance, or smash shots into the net from 40 yards like Gerrard. You can also be Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, Ruud v
an Nistelrooy, David Beckham or even Sven-Goran Eriksson!
Simply download a mask by clicking on the link and following the instructions. Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click on the mask of your choice and print it out (colour printer works best but black and white will do too)
Cut it out with scissors and for the best result stick it on a bit of card - cereal boxes work well.You can then put a bit of string through each ear of the mask or stick it to something like a pen or a ruler to hold it up in front of your face
You can also download cricket masks.
I'm delighted there was not that much post-match trouble though. I love Cologne, I went in February, via trusty old Easyjet, it's a fabulous city, with it's own parfum, a great history, lovely beer called Kolsch, a gothic moster of a Catherdral, a carnival every year and a chocolate factory open to the public!!!
With World Cup fever in full swing, the BBC have come up with a wonderful way to celebrate the biggest football tournament on the planet than with their famous Sport Academy masks.
The latest additions to the collection are Peter Crouch (my personal favourite) and Steven Gerrard (below). You too, can look the part when you do the Crouch robot dance, or smash shots into the net from 40 yards like Gerrard. You can also be Ronaldinho, Wayne Rooney, Thierry Henry, Ruud v
an Nistelrooy, David Beckham or even Sven-Goran Eriksson!Simply download a mask by clicking on the link and following the instructions. Most computers will open PDF documents automatically, but you may need to download Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Click on the mask of your choice and print it out (colour printer works best but black and white will do too)
Cut it out with scissors and for the best result stick it on a bit of card - cereal boxes work well.You can then put a bit of string through each ear of the mask or stick it to something like a pen or a ruler to hold it up in front of your face
You can also download cricket masks.
posted by EMW | 10:41:00 PM
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Monday, June 19, 2006
Love Parks Week
I do love the park, well I certainly did do as a child going to Sefton Park with my Auntie and as a teenager going to Victoria Park, but the less said about that the better..........
Love Parks Week starts in nationwide from 18th- 25th June,
In Liverpool, arts and music festivals, guided walks and a special sunset are all on offer.
Tuesday 20 June: a guided walk takes place in Reynolds Park, 1pm-3pm.
Wednesday, June 21, to mark the summer solstice, people are invited to enjoy the sunset at Otterspool park and promenade, where there will also be talks about the history of the area.
Meet at Otterspool Gates Aigburth Road/Jericho LaneWednesday June 21st 2006 04:30 am !Wednesday June 21st 2006 21:30 pm !£2.00 per walk or for both see www.lr.frakture.org
Thursday, June 22 a guided walk and talk about tree maintenance is on offer at Woolton Woods, 1pm-3pm
June 23 a Heritage walk at Stanley Park 11am-1pm
June 24 a morning with nature reserve volunteers at Clarke Gardens. Call Liverpool Direct on 233-3008 for futher details of the above
Sunday-Saturday June 24-25 step back in time to the English Civil War at Croxteth Country park. 12 noon -5pm. Call Croxteth Country Park on 233 6910 for further details.
See your local council for details of what they're doing for Love Park week and discover the forgotton green escape that's on your doorstep.
Love Parks Week starts in nationwide from 18th- 25th June,
In Liverpool, arts and music festivals, guided walks and a special sunset are all on offer.
Tuesday 20 June: a guided walk takes place in Reynolds Park, 1pm-3pm.
Wednesday, June 21, to mark the summer solstice, people are invited to enjoy the sunset at Otterspool park and promenade, where there will also be talks about the history of the area.
Meet at Otterspool Gates Aigburth Road/Jericho LaneWednesday June 21st 2006 04:30 am !Wednesday June 21st 2006 21:30 pm !£2.00 per walk or for both see www.lr.frakture.org
Thursday, June 22 a guided walk and talk about tree maintenance is on offer at Woolton Woods, 1pm-3pm
June 23 a Heritage walk at Stanley Park 11am-1pm
June 24 a morning with nature reserve volunteers at Clarke Gardens. Call Liverpool Direct on 233-3008 for futher details of the above
Sunday-Saturday June 24-25 step back in time to the English Civil War at Croxteth Country park. 12 noon -5pm. Call Croxteth Country Park on 233 6910 for further details.
See your local council for details of what they're doing for Love Park week and discover the forgotton green escape that's on your doorstep.
posted by EMW | 10:35:00 PM
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The Cost of Bad Design
I came home from work this morning to see 'the Rocket' on TV, this is basically a concrete streak, a flyover with a maze of piss stained underpasses at the end of the M62, the first part of Liverpool many people see and trying to cross it or under it is the equivelent to the Krypton Factor assault course. It is called 'the Rocket', imaginitively, as there is a pub opposite the 1960's monstrosity, called 'the Rocket', so it's stuck because of that landmark.
This was on TV to promote a search for the most badly-designed building in Britain, launched by the body which advises the government on architecture. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)is encouraging people to send in their nominations for the greatest structural failures.
So far, those put forward for the award include the Centrepoint Tower (which I actually love, but apparently people have to walk on the bus lane to get to it) in London and as mentioned, Liverpool's Rocket flyover.
Nominations should be sent by e-mail to baddesign@cabe.org.uk
Cabe, which has launched the 'award' as part of Architecture Week, wants to draw attention to the costs of bad design. People see where they want to go and they take the most direct way towards it Cabe spokesman. It says many developers have still not learnt from past mistakes - such as failing to understand pedestrians' needs.
It points to Centre Point in central London, where badly-designed paving forces pedestrians into the bus lane as they try to pass the building. "People see where they want to go and they take the most direct way towards it. We have to design by researching how people behave," said Matt Bell of Cabe. He said people spent too much time thinking how a building or street looked like, without considering the real impact on quality of life.
'Kensington High Street, in West London, was one of our few success stories', he said.
'It had been stripped of barriers and decluttered, making more of a "mixed" space for both motorists and pedestrians'. And it has nice shops ( I added that bit). The whole essay can be downloaded from the Cabe website, but a word of warning it is 66 pages long, but very interesting a must for any architecture/civic design students.
This was on TV to promote a search for the most badly-designed building in Britain, launched by the body which advises the government on architecture. The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment (CABE)is encouraging people to send in their nominations for the greatest structural failures.
So far, those put forward for the award include the Centrepoint Tower (which I actually love, but apparently people have to walk on the bus lane to get to it) in London and as mentioned, Liverpool's Rocket flyover.
Nominations should be sent by e-mail to baddesign@cabe.org.uk
Cabe, which has launched the 'award' as part of Architecture Week, wants to draw attention to the costs of bad design. People see where they want to go and they take the most direct way towards it Cabe spokesman. It says many developers have still not learnt from past mistakes - such as failing to understand pedestrians' needs.
It points to Centre Point in central London, where badly-designed paving forces pedestrians into the bus lane as they try to pass the building. "People see where they want to go and they take the most direct way towards it. We have to design by researching how people behave," said Matt Bell of Cabe. He said people spent too much time thinking how a building or street looked like, without considering the real impact on quality of life.
'Kensington High Street, in West London, was one of our few success stories', he said.
'It had been stripped of barriers and decluttered, making more of a "mixed" space for both motorists and pedestrians'. And it has nice shops ( I added that bit). The whole essay can be downloaded from the Cabe website, but a word of warning it is 66 pages long, but very interesting a must for any architecture/civic design students.
posted by EMW | 10:33:00 PM
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Antiques Advice
Liverpool's National Conservation Centre reopened yesterday after a £1m refit.
Among the top attractions at the centre in Whitechapel is an advice service on how to care for family treasures. Paintings, books, jewellery and small ornaments are expected to be among the most popular items for the handy hints programme, which is staffed by experts.
The scheme is by appointment only and managers were quick to insist. "This is not an alternative to The Antiques Road-show. It is not a valuation or repair service, but a way of telling people how best they can look after precious family possessions."
Among the early suggestions are ways of preserving old books and tips on how to maintain pictures, including watercolours, which should never be hung in direct sunlight.
The reopening was marked by a new interactive permanent exhibition showing how historical artefacts, including Egyptian mummies, are maintained and screened.
Visitors will also be able to see conservation staff at work, examining hundreds of items with the benefit of x-rays and micro-scopes. David Fleming, director of National Museums Liverpool said: "This is now one of the world's leading scientific institutes, and it's right here, in the heart of Liverpool."
The conservation centre was first opened in 1996. Two years later it was named as European Museum of the Year, it's definately worth a look even if you don't want advice/have no antiques.
Among the top attractions at the centre in Whitechapel is an advice service on how to care for family treasures. Paintings, books, jewellery and small ornaments are expected to be among the most popular items for the handy hints programme, which is staffed by experts.
The scheme is by appointment only and managers were quick to insist. "This is not an alternative to The Antiques Road-show. It is not a valuation or repair service, but a way of telling people how best they can look after precious family possessions."
Among the early suggestions are ways of preserving old books and tips on how to maintain pictures, including watercolours, which should never be hung in direct sunlight.
The reopening was marked by a new interactive permanent exhibition showing how historical artefacts, including Egyptian mummies, are maintained and screened.
Visitors will also be able to see conservation staff at work, examining hundreds of items with the benefit of x-rays and micro-scopes. David Fleming, director of National Museums Liverpool said: "This is now one of the world's leading scientific institutes, and it's right here, in the heart of Liverpool."
The conservation centre was first opened in 1996. Two years later it was named as European Museum of the Year, it's definately worth a look even if you don't want advice/have no antiques.
posted by EMW | 3:02:00 AM
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Architecture Week
Having missed most of 'Down Town' week due to sleep deprivation and flat renovation. Architecture Week which started on 16th June and runs until 25th, felt like I'd been given another chance, however if my curtain buying faux pas is anything to go by and being an MA Civic Design drop out, architecture may not be my remit.
Still I browsed the website, it's a country wide event and there's plenty going on in the naughty North West including, discussions, an Architecture School Exhibition and tours around some architectural marvels such as the Unity Building in Chapel Street, Liverpool and Marks and Spencer's, Market Street Manchester one decade on from the dreadful IRA bomb that brought about it's regeneration.
For all you Morrissey fans, an exhibiton to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Wright's famous photograph of The Smiths celebrates the significance of the area's red brick streets. The cultural legacy of the streets surrounding Salford Lads' Club includes 'Coronation Street', 'A Taste of Honey'and 'East is East' an event for children/families, to be held at Salford Lads' Club, Coronation Street, Salford from 12 til 4pm, each day of Architecture Week.
Still I browsed the website, it's a country wide event and there's plenty going on in the naughty North West including, discussions, an Architecture School Exhibition and tours around some architectural marvels such as the Unity Building in Chapel Street, Liverpool and Marks and Spencer's, Market Street Manchester one decade on from the dreadful IRA bomb that brought about it's regeneration.
For all you Morrissey fans, an exhibiton to mark the 20th anniversary of Stephen Wright's famous photograph of The Smiths celebrates the significance of the area's red brick streets. The cultural legacy of the streets surrounding Salford Lads' Club includes 'Coronation Street', 'A Taste of Honey'and 'East is East' an event for children/families, to be held at Salford Lads' Club, Coronation Street, Salford from 12 til 4pm, each day of Architecture Week.
posted by EMW | 3:01:00 AM
links to this post
Exit Review
It's 3 years on since my degree show was reviewed for the 1st ever Exit Review. My review was fairly harsh but fairly fair, it didn't slate me or call me twee and was entered in a book with it's own ISBN number so I was quite happy and have learnt from John Byrne's(who he?) comments. Why immitate when you can use the real thing, was basically the message he gave me and he has spawned a hoarder and junk sale addict.
This year it's happening again at the Liverpool School of Art (JMU) from 31st May – 8th June
There's also an Exit Review Debate (which could get heated) on Thursday 22 June, 4pm-5.45pm at Static.
Exit Review 06 has now commissioned the full team of reviewers to cover the 47 fine art students graduating from Liverpool Art School.
The team of reviewers are:
Lewis Biggs Liverpool Biennial
Fiona Boundy A Foundation
John Byrne Liverpool John Moores University School of Art and Design
Paul Domela Liverpool Biennial
Adrian Goerge Government Art Collection
Ceri Hand FACT
Sean Hawkridge The Royal Standard
Gill Henderson FACT
Patrick Henry Open Eye Gallery
Joe Riley Liverpool Echo
Becky Shaw Artist and very nice lady, London
Jo Spitzner Syracuse University, New York
The purpose of Exit Review is to use the process of critique to respond to the difficulties students encounter as they move from art school to life as artists. It is also a project that examines the intricacies of the critique and the vagaries of public and private space.
When Static first carried out Exit Review in 2003, there was a perceived crisis in the British art school education system, namely the inadequacy of conventional studio models of teaching which left students unprepared for contemporary practice. We may argue that this condition still exists today.
Exit Review is designed to initiate students into the publicly exposing process of a review, long before they have had time to build visibility in an art circuit.
Exit Review explores a number of issues. The project values unadorned and conflicting personal opinion, which may not always be fully objective. Whilst reflecting the vulnerability of the reviewed, the project also exposes the reviewers, who may risk their reputation, or, in this case, agonise with their conscience when dealing criticism to young/early career artists.
The large team of reviewers is to enable each artist to receive 2 reviews, so the opinions can be compared. The reviewers consist of local, national and international writers, curators, organisers and artists to enable contrasting opinions and comment from art professionals who write as part of their activities.
Each reviewer is assigned a list of students. They are required to write approximately 100 words, written swiftly so the emphasis is on informed opinion rather than perfect prose. Static will assemble all reviews into a small-scale publication and also as an online text on the 22nd June.
Following the review process, all reviewers, students and public are invited to attend a debate on Thursday 22 June, 4pm-5.45pm at Static, where the reviews will be made public (in static and online). The debate will be chaired by John Byrne (LJMU) and will cover the main issues raised by the project, in particular the condition of UK art education and the process of critique.
Previous Exit Reviews can be seen at http://www.static-ops.org/ under projects. (Ouch!)
This year it's happening again at the Liverpool School of Art (JMU) from 31st May – 8th June
There's also an Exit Review Debate (which could get heated) on Thursday 22 June, 4pm-5.45pm at Static.
Exit Review 06 has now commissioned the full team of reviewers to cover the 47 fine art students graduating from Liverpool Art School.
The team of reviewers are:
Lewis Biggs Liverpool Biennial
Fiona Boundy A Foundation
John Byrne Liverpool John Moores University School of Art and Design
Paul Domela Liverpool Biennial
Adrian Goerge Government Art Collection
Ceri Hand FACT
Sean Hawkridge The Royal Standard
Gill Henderson FACT
Patrick Henry Open Eye Gallery
Joe Riley Liverpool Echo
Becky Shaw Artist and very nice lady, London
Jo Spitzner Syracuse University, New York
The purpose of Exit Review is to use the process of critique to respond to the difficulties students encounter as they move from art school to life as artists. It is also a project that examines the intricacies of the critique and the vagaries of public and private space.
When Static first carried out Exit Review in 2003, there was a perceived crisis in the British art school education system, namely the inadequacy of conventional studio models of teaching which left students unprepared for contemporary practice. We may argue that this condition still exists today.
Exit Review is designed to initiate students into the publicly exposing process of a review, long before they have had time to build visibility in an art circuit.
Exit Review explores a number of issues. The project values unadorned and conflicting personal opinion, which may not always be fully objective. Whilst reflecting the vulnerability of the reviewed, the project also exposes the reviewers, who may risk their reputation, or, in this case, agonise with their conscience when dealing criticism to young/early career artists.
The large team of reviewers is to enable each artist to receive 2 reviews, so the opinions can be compared. The reviewers consist of local, national and international writers, curators, organisers and artists to enable contrasting opinions and comment from art professionals who write as part of their activities.
Each reviewer is assigned a list of students. They are required to write approximately 100 words, written swiftly so the emphasis is on informed opinion rather than perfect prose. Static will assemble all reviews into a small-scale publication and also as an online text on the 22nd June.
Following the review process, all reviewers, students and public are invited to attend a debate on Thursday 22 June, 4pm-5.45pm at Static, where the reviews will be made public (in static and online). The debate will be chaired by John Byrne (LJMU) and will cover the main issues raised by the project, in particular the condition of UK art education and the process of critique.
Previous Exit Reviews can be seen at http://www.static-ops.org/ under projects. (Ouch!)
posted by EMW | 1:55:00 AM
links to this post
Measles
I see Measles is rearing it's ugly head again. Aparently I've had it, though I don't remember, but it is one of illnesses that if you get as a child you're fine in a week, but as an adult you're in trouble, rather like the way my alcoholic drinking has gone really. Anyway, I say if your kid gets measles through a party, invite other kids and a few immunized adults to help out. This way, all the kids will catch it and it'll will be over and done with, with no nasty injections/innoculation, just party food, musical chairs an itch and a scratch and a week off school. Ofcourse I am no doctor and clearly not a parent, so don't quote me on that!
I've found some information from Blacks Medical Dictionary via the NHS about Measles:
Measles, also known as Morbilli, is an acute infectious disease occurring mostly in children and caused by an RNA paramyxovirus. The name, measles, comes from the teutonic root, maes, meaning a spot. Morbilli is a diminutive of morbus, a disease. It appears to have been known from an early period in the history of medicine, mention being made of it in the writings of Rhazes and others of the Arabian physicians in the tenth century. For long, however, its specific nature was not recognized, and it was held to be a variety of smallpox. Measles and Scarlet Fever were long confused with each other; and in the account given by Sydenham of epidemics of measles in London in 1670 and 1674, it is evident that even that accurate observer had not as yet clearly perceived their pathological distinction, although it would seem to have been made a century earlier by Ingrassia, a physician of Palermo. The disease known as German measles, or Rubella, is a much milder disease than measles. Measles is compulsorily notifiable in Britain.
Causes
Measles is a virus disease of the earlier years of childhood. Like most other infectious maladies, it is rare in infants under 6 months old on account of the antibodies that they have acquired from their mothers before birth. It is rare in adults because most have undergone an attack in early life, although second attacks can occur. The incubation period is 7 to 21 days.
There has been a dramatic fall in numbers from 1986 when over 80,000 cases were reported. This is due to the introduction in 1988 of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) (see Immunization); 1990, when the proportion of children immunized reached 90 per cent, was the first year in which no deaths from measles were reported. Even so, fears of side-effects of the vaccine against measles - including controversial but scientifically unproven links with Autism - mean that some children in the UK are not being immunized, and in 2002 local outbreaks of measles were reported in a few areas of the UK. Side-effects are, however, rare and the government is campaigning to raise the rate of immunization, with GPs being set targets for their practices.
There are few diseases so infectious as measles, and its rapid spread in epidemics is no doubt due to the fact that this viral infection is most potent in the earlier stages. Hence the difficulty of timely isolation and the readiness with which the disease is spread, which is mostly by infected droplets. In developing countries measles results in the deaths of over one million children annually.
Symptoms
Prodromal symptoms are catarrh, conjunctivitis (see Eye Disorders), fever and a feeling of wretchedness. Then Koplik spots - a classic sign of measles - appear on the roof of the mouth and lining of the cheeks. The macular body rash, typical of measles, appears three to five days later.
Treatment
Isolation of the patient and treatment of any secondary bacterial infection. Children usually run a high temperature which can be relieved with cool sponging and antipyretic drugs. Calamine lotion may alleviate any itching.
I've found some information from Blacks Medical Dictionary via the NHS about Measles:
Measles, also known as Morbilli, is an acute infectious disease occurring mostly in children and caused by an RNA paramyxovirus. The name, measles, comes from the teutonic root, maes, meaning a spot. Morbilli is a diminutive of morbus, a disease. It appears to have been known from an early period in the history of medicine, mention being made of it in the writings of Rhazes and others of the Arabian physicians in the tenth century. For long, however, its specific nature was not recognized, and it was held to be a variety of smallpox. Measles and Scarlet Fever were long confused with each other; and in the account given by Sydenham of epidemics of measles in London in 1670 and 1674, it is evident that even that accurate observer had not as yet clearly perceived their pathological distinction, although it would seem to have been made a century earlier by Ingrassia, a physician of Palermo. The disease known as German measles, or Rubella, is a much milder disease than measles. Measles is compulsorily notifiable in Britain.
Causes
Measles is a virus disease of the earlier years of childhood. Like most other infectious maladies, it is rare in infants under 6 months old on account of the antibodies that they have acquired from their mothers before birth. It is rare in adults because most have undergone an attack in early life, although second attacks can occur. The incubation period is 7 to 21 days.
There has been a dramatic fall in numbers from 1986 when over 80,000 cases were reported. This is due to the introduction in 1988 of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine (MMR) (see Immunization); 1990, when the proportion of children immunized reached 90 per cent, was the first year in which no deaths from measles were reported. Even so, fears of side-effects of the vaccine against measles - including controversial but scientifically unproven links with Autism - mean that some children in the UK are not being immunized, and in 2002 local outbreaks of measles were reported in a few areas of the UK. Side-effects are, however, rare and the government is campaigning to raise the rate of immunization, with GPs being set targets for their practices.
There are few diseases so infectious as measles, and its rapid spread in epidemics is no doubt due to the fact that this viral infection is most potent in the earlier stages. Hence the difficulty of timely isolation and the readiness with which the disease is spread, which is mostly by infected droplets. In developing countries measles results in the deaths of over one million children annually.
Symptoms
Prodromal symptoms are catarrh, conjunctivitis (see Eye Disorders), fever and a feeling of wretchedness. Then Koplik spots - a classic sign of measles - appear on the roof of the mouth and lining of the cheeks. The macular body rash, typical of measles, appears three to five days later.
Treatment
Isolation of the patient and treatment of any secondary bacterial infection. Children usually run a high temperature which can be relieved with cool sponging and antipyretic drugs. Calamine lotion may alleviate any itching.
posted by EMW | 1:51:00 AM
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Curtains
Oh what a kafuffle buying new curtains for my living room was. I measured the windows, went to the curtain shop with measurements all nicely written a piece of paper. Bought some nice curtains that matched the numbers on my scrap of paper and brought them home to find they're way too short. So I went back to the shop to return the curtains but as I paid by cheque (skint til Monday) I have to wait 10 working days before I can bring anything back, so I bought another pair of curtains, longer than the pair I just bought and I couldn't believe it, they wouldn't fit either, too short again!! I felt like crying! So my curtains are still windolene for the time being, 10 working days at least!!!
This is how you measure curtains and the reason why I have 2 sets of redundant curtains at home........
Measure the width of your curtain track or pole. If you have yet to fit your pole or track please bear in mind that the track or pole should ideally be positioned 6" (15cm) above the window and extend 6" (15cm) either side of the window (excluding finials, grand bits, often balls at the ends of the poles). The following guidelines are recommended to result in a "full" look to the curtains: To fit track/pole up to
48"(122cm)
48"' - 66"(122 - 168cm)
66" - 90"(168 - 228cm)
Curtain Size
46" (117cm)
66" (168cm)
90" (228cm)
As a minimum the total width of both curtains should be one and a half times as wide as the track or pole (excluding finials). Before measuring the length, decide whether you want your curtains to fit to the sill, below the sill or to the floor. It is suggested that:
Sill length curtains finish 1/2" (1.5cm) above the sill.
Curtains that fall below the sill finish 6" (15cm) below.
Floor length curtains finish 1/2" (1.5cm) from the floor.
Tip: use a metal tape measure so that your measurements will be as accurate as possible. Measuring curtain length for poles Pencil pleat curtains: measure from the eye - the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring. This will prevent the pole or rings from being obscured by the curtain. Tab top curtains: measure from the very top of the pole. Measuring curtain length for tracks Measure from the top of the track.
If in doubt, ask, which is what I didn't do or take someone vaguely intellectual and not dyslexic with you, again which is what I didn't do. I was alone.
This is how you measure curtains and the reason why I have 2 sets of redundant curtains at home........
Measure the width of your curtain track or pole. If you have yet to fit your pole or track please bear in mind that the track or pole should ideally be positioned 6" (15cm) above the window and extend 6" (15cm) either side of the window (excluding finials, grand bits, often balls at the ends of the poles). The following guidelines are recommended to result in a "full" look to the curtains: To fit track/pole up to
48"(122cm)
48"' - 66"(122 - 168cm)
66" - 90"(168 - 228cm)
Curtain Size
46" (117cm)
66" (168cm)
90" (228cm)
As a minimum the total width of both curtains should be one and a half times as wide as the track or pole (excluding finials). Before measuring the length, decide whether you want your curtains to fit to the sill, below the sill or to the floor. It is suggested that:
Sill length curtains finish 1/2" (1.5cm) above the sill.
Curtains that fall below the sill finish 6" (15cm) below.
Floor length curtains finish 1/2" (1.5cm) from the floor.
Tip: use a metal tape measure so that your measurements will be as accurate as possible. Measuring curtain length for poles Pencil pleat curtains: measure from the eye - the small metal ring at the bottom of each curtain ring. This will prevent the pole or rings from being obscured by the curtain. Tab top curtains: measure from the very top of the pole. Measuring curtain length for tracks Measure from the top of the track.
If in doubt, ask, which is what I didn't do or take someone vaguely intellectual and not dyslexic with you, again which is what I didn't do. I was alone.
posted by EMW | 1:07:00 AM
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Saturday, June 17, 2006
Underwater Street
I'm quite excited about this, but it's for kids, I may have to kidnap some counsins for the day just to have a sniff of the aroma wall....
Underwater Street , Cunard buildings Water Street, Pier head is coming soon , flyers will be delivered in about 2 weeks (currently at printers).
Underwater Street 's emphasis is to be a hands on experiential learning environment for children (and their parents) aged 2- 12. Families will delight in the great variety of interactive exhibits. Each zone is themed to appeal to the different aspects of a child's personality and provides the right combination of fun and education.There are over 50 hands on exhibits, here are the highlights-
PHYSICAL ZONE
Take the challenge and climb the rock wall
Try and balance on the wobbly balance beams
Solve the puzzle in the giant 'body on' rope maze.
Build a bridge strong enough to stand on
Design a paper plane and send it flying at 80 kmph from the paper plane launcher.
Step into our Bubbles they're kid sized - so is the spinning top
IMAGINATION VILLAGE
Wannabe stars will be at home on the set of their own T.V chat show
Children can work in Pizzaz the pizzeria- they can make pizzas, serve or even deliver them.
Mr Ben's is always open with lots of choice of dress up clothes
The Pooch parlour for the animal lovers where they can pamper their favourite pets.
Supermarket allows children to practice their commerce skills as they re-stock the shop and ring up each other groceries.
Alarm passage - can you make it through the passage without setting off the alarms?
CONSTRUCTION AREA
Children can work on site as they use the diggers or wheel barrows on our kid sized scaffolding.
Build a house - children can build a playhouse from wood
Test track - build model cars and then race them on the specially designed tracks - will it balloon powered , rocket or solar powered?
ART AREA
Paint our Mini - children can add their own design to a real car.
Paint a portrait on the special see thru easels
Make it and Take it tables- craft tables.
SENSORY AREA
Crawl through the underground water cave.
Listen to a story in the specially designed wig wam and enjoy the light show.
Discover the feely boxes and guess what's inside
Take a sniff of the aroma wall, can you identify the smells
Pan for gold or play in the rock pool
Go fishing in our 16 ft canoe
Reverse Vision - Can you walk the line? - using the reverse vision telescope!!!
THE LAB
Come into the lab and experiment with magnets or electric circuits.
Take a closer look through a video microscope
Venture into the dark area and discover light
Make your mark, leave your shadow on the wall in a flash shadow exhibit
Underwater Street , Cunard buildings Water Street, Pier head is coming soon , flyers will be delivered in about 2 weeks (currently at printers).
Underwater Street 's emphasis is to be a hands on experiential learning environment for children (and their parents) aged 2- 12. Families will delight in the great variety of interactive exhibits. Each zone is themed to appeal to the different aspects of a child's personality and provides the right combination of fun and education.There are over 50 hands on exhibits, here are the highlights-
PHYSICAL ZONE
Take the challenge and climb the rock wall
Try and balance on the wobbly balance beams
Solve the puzzle in the giant 'body on' rope maze.
Build a bridge strong enough to stand on
Design a paper plane and send it flying at 80 kmph from the paper plane launcher.
Step into our Bubbles they're kid sized - so is the spinning top
IMAGINATION VILLAGE
Wannabe stars will be at home on the set of their own T.V chat show
Children can work in Pizzaz the pizzeria- they can make pizzas, serve or even deliver them.
Mr Ben's is always open with lots of choice of dress up clothes
The Pooch parlour for the animal lovers where they can pamper their favourite pets.
Supermarket allows children to practice their commerce skills as they re-stock the shop and ring up each other groceries.
Alarm passage - can you make it through the passage without setting off the alarms?
CONSTRUCTION AREA
Children can work on site as they use the diggers or wheel barrows on our kid sized scaffolding.
Build a house - children can build a playhouse from wood
Test track - build model cars and then race them on the specially designed tracks - will it balloon powered , rocket or solar powered?
ART AREA
Paint our Mini - children can add their own design to a real car.
Paint a portrait on the special see thru easels
Make it and Take it tables- craft tables.
SENSORY AREA
Crawl through the underground water cave.
Listen to a story in the specially designed wig wam and enjoy the light show.
Discover the feely boxes and guess what's inside
Take a sniff of the aroma wall, can you identify the smells
Pan for gold or play in the rock pool
Go fishing in our 16 ft canoe
Reverse Vision - Can you walk the line? - using the reverse vision telescope!!!
THE LAB
Come into the lab and experiment with magnets or electric circuits.
Take a closer look through a video microscope
Venture into the dark area and discover light
Make your mark, leave your shadow on the wall in a flash shadow exhibit
posted by EMW | 7:11:00 PM
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When I'm 64.
It' s landmark, Paul McCartney of Beatle fame was born James Paul McCartney on Thursday, June 18th 1942, in Liverpool, England, UK. Which makes him 64 tomorrow!!!
"When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door,
Will you still need me,
will you still feed me When I'm sixty-four."
At least Paul McCartney had the prescience to ask a question rather than making a statement. Other Sixties icons have had to become living disavowals of their statements of youthful arrogance. "Hope I die before I get old," wrote Pete Townshend, a chap who now drives around in a mobile home. "I'd rather be dead than singing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 45," sneered the butterfly Mick Jagger, who is now also eligible for a bus pass.
But time has no favourites. Tomorrow, just a month after he split up from his second wife, McCartney actually is 64, and the words of one of his best-known songs - if you can select for fame from such a stellar oeuvre - ring with unhappy irony.
There was also a common rumour that Paul McCartney owns the publishing rights to "Happy Birthday to You," but that rumour is false. Although Paul McCartney did buy up many song catalogs after seeing the publishing rights to most of his Beatles songs slip away in a series of bad business deals (his MPL Communications is now one of the world's largest privately-owned music publishing firms and controls the rights to the Buddy Holly catalog, among others), he does not own (and never has owned) the publishing rights to "Happy Birthday to You." (In yet another bit of irony, Michael Jackson, who was introduced to the benefits of song ownership by Paul McCartney himself, eventually outbid the former Beatle for the publishing rights to the Lennon-McCartney catalogue. Boo!)
The publishing rights to "Happy Birthday to You" were acquired by a New York accountant named John F. Sengstack when he bought the Clayton F. Summy Company in the 1930s; Sengstack eventually relocated the company to New Jersey and renamed it Birch Tree Ltd. in the 1970s. Warner Chappell (a Warner Communications division), the largest music publisher in the world, purchased Birch Tree Ltd. in late 1998 for a reported sale price of $25 million; the company then became Summy-Birchard Music, now a part of the giant AOL Time Warner media conglomerate. According to David Sengstack, president of Summy-Birchard, "Happy Birthday to You" brings in about $2 million in royalties annually, with the proceeds split between Summy-Birchard and the Hill Foundation.
Perhaps Paul could use that bit of useless information to the break the ice at a party his daughter's Stella and Mary have organised for Paul tomorrow. Anyway, in answer to your question Paul, of course we'll still need you and being warm hearted scousers, we'll even feed you, even though you're more LA than L24 these days. Happy Birthday Lad, oh and Happy Father's Day too!!
"When I get older losing my hair,
Many years from now.
Will you still be sending me a valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine.
If I'd been out till quarter to three
Would you lock the door,
Will you still need me,
will you still feed me When I'm sixty-four."
At least Paul McCartney had the prescience to ask a question rather than making a statement. Other Sixties icons have had to become living disavowals of their statements of youthful arrogance. "Hope I die before I get old," wrote Pete Townshend, a chap who now drives around in a mobile home. "I'd rather be dead than singing 'Satisfaction' when I'm 45," sneered the butterfly Mick Jagger, who is now also eligible for a bus pass.
But time has no favourites. Tomorrow, just a month after he split up from his second wife, McCartney actually is 64, and the words of one of his best-known songs - if you can select for fame from such a stellar oeuvre - ring with unhappy irony.
There was also a common rumour that Paul McCartney owns the publishing rights to "Happy Birthday to You," but that rumour is false. Although Paul McCartney did buy up many song catalogs after seeing the publishing rights to most of his Beatles songs slip away in a series of bad business deals (his MPL Communications is now one of the world's largest privately-owned music publishing firms and controls the rights to the Buddy Holly catalog, among others), he does not own (and never has owned) the publishing rights to "Happy Birthday to You." (In yet another bit of irony, Michael Jackson, who was introduced to the benefits of song ownership by Paul McCartney himself, eventually outbid the former Beatle for the publishing rights to the Lennon-McCartney catalogue. Boo!)
The publishing rights to "Happy Birthday to You" were acquired by a New York accountant named John F. Sengstack when he bought the Clayton F. Summy Company in the 1930s; Sengstack eventually relocated the company to New Jersey and renamed it Birch Tree Ltd. in the 1970s. Warner Chappell (a Warner Communications division), the largest music publisher in the world, purchased Birch Tree Ltd. in late 1998 for a reported sale price of $25 million; the company then became Summy-Birchard Music, now a part of the giant AOL Time Warner media conglomerate. According to David Sengstack, president of Summy-Birchard, "Happy Birthday to You" brings in about $2 million in royalties annually, with the proceeds split between Summy-Birchard and the Hill Foundation.
Perhaps Paul could use that bit of useless information to the break the ice at a party his daughter's Stella and Mary have organised for Paul tomorrow. Anyway, in answer to your question Paul, of course we'll still need you and being warm hearted scousers, we'll even feed you, even though you're more LA than L24 these days. Happy Birthday Lad, oh and Happy Father's Day too!!
posted by EMW | 6:40:00 PM
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Friday, June 16, 2006
Art at St Nicks
An exhibition of sculpture and art created by people who use a Liverpool homeless charity is going on display in the city.
The Whitechapel Centre in Everton has organised the month-long display at St Nicholas church in Chapel Street.
Unfinished opened last Thursday and runs until July 20.
It originates from two separate projects run at Tate Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University and forms part of Whitechapel's 30th birthday celebrations.
The exhibition represents the artists' experiences of living with one or a combination of mental health, substance or alcohol issues.
Much of the work is unfinished, with the sculptures yet to be glazed or cast in bronze.
Chief executive Maureen McCarthy, said: "Whitechapel has long recognised the power of art as aroute to seeing the world from different perspectives and how this can help our users understand and come to terms with their own experiences."
I'm off to see it on next Wednesday, it sounds right up my street.
The Whitechapel Centre in Everton has organised the month-long display at St Nicholas church in Chapel Street.
Unfinished opened last Thursday and runs until July 20.
It originates from two separate projects run at Tate Liverpool and Liverpool Hope University and forms part of Whitechapel's 30th birthday celebrations.
The exhibition represents the artists' experiences of living with one or a combination of mental health, substance or alcohol issues.
Much of the work is unfinished, with the sculptures yet to be glazed or cast in bronze.
Chief executive Maureen McCarthy, said: "Whitechapel has long recognised the power of art as aroute to seeing the world from different perspectives and how this can help our users understand and come to terms with their own experiences."
I'm off to see it on next Wednesday, it sounds right up my street.
posted by EMW | 2:43:00 PM
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20 DVDs with a Meaning
I found this article in the Daily Mirror the other day and thought it was really good, well made me feel less guilty when baby sitting anyway....
Telly they should watch
"Dumping your kids in front of the telly to watch film after film doesn't exactly make you feel like parent of the year.
By Rachel Murphy
And when Sarah Ferguson recently revealed she and daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie watch DVDs for 20 hours at weekends, there was outrage.
But viewing a well-chosen movie with your kids can be an excellent way to teach children about the wider world and help them to open up about important issues in a relaxed situation.
Neuropsychologist Dr David J. Weeks says: "Curious youngsters or sensitive teens often find it easier to talk about something when they have seen it on the screen. It can help create an atmosphere where they're happier to open up."
Here's Dr Weeks' top 20 list of films that can help your child's development...
IMAGE PROBLEMS
Shrek (2001) U
"Shrek, the good-hearted ogre, teaches the moral lesson that beauty is only skin deep. It can be an ideal film to watch if your child is going through a crisis of confidence about the way they look. You could also discuss with them how outward appearances can be deceptive, and that what's in a person's heart is often more attractive than the way they look."
SELFISHNESS
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005) PG
"This is a great film to get children thinking about selfishness and about the limits of what they want and what they can have. The larger-than-life characters, such as the spoilt girl Veruca Salt, help make the message very clear that selfish behaviour ultimately gets you nowhere - and Johnny Depp's acting makes it very watchable."
BULLYING
Antz (1998) PG
"Seeing how one ant questions the social order of life and rebels against other insects who take his colony's food is an excellent way of opening up a discussion about bullying, especially with young children. It also tackles the issue of standing up to bullies with the help of friends and allies, and is fun too."
ADOLESCENT LONELINESS
Edward Scissorhands (1990) PG
"Alienation and isolation are very big issues for teenagers. The hero's adolescent loneliness and his inability to communicate in the way he would like to will strike a chord with lots of teenagers, and make them realise their feelings are not unusual, but normal."
BEING YOURSELF
Babe (1995) U
"This will make children laugh but also tackles an issue that can trouble youngsters throughout school: how to balance popularity with individuality. Babe the talking pig dares to be different, giving a positive message to kids about folowing their dreams and being individuals rather than being paralysed by fears about risking their popularity."
SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES
Dear Frankie (2005) 12
"Watching this is an ideal way of broaching the subject of single-parent families and letting your child take the discussion on if they want to. It openly shows some of the difficulties children in single parent families face, such as yearning for the 'normality' of having both a mother and a father figure and the feeling of having something missing."
DEATH
E.T. (1982) U
"E.T. explores deep emotional issues, including the sadness associated with saying goodbye, whether because of death or moving away from friends and loved ones. Watching E.T. might help a bereaved child cope with their feelings and realise they are not alone - plus you can all shed a tear together, which will bring you closer."
A NEW BABY
Ice Age (2002) U
"As an animated tale of how a group of prehistoric mammals returns a lost human baby to his family, this is fun family viewing. On another level it also charts the momentous responsibility that comes with a new arrival to a family, and as well as recognising that no matter how unusual or dysfunctional a family group is, you all have to pull together when there's a new baby to look after."
RESPONSIBILITY
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) U
"This is an old but classic film to watch with older children. It explores the consequences of rash actions and the importance one life can have on so many others. The James Stewart character wants to explore the world, but has family and community responsibilities."
ADOPTION
Stuart Little (1999) U
"Despite being a fantasy adventure about an only child's family adopting a mouse, this isn't too silly for children to identify with. Any child who has been adopted or had a new sibling come into the family will identify with the characters. It also explores sibling rivalry and the fact that we should look beyond appearances."
PARENT & CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
Big Fish (2004) PG
"This will touch a nerve for any parent and child - and particularly father and son - who are having trouble getting on. It's funny and touching as the dad spins fantastic tales and the son doesn't believe him. Resentment builds up, but in the end the son realises his father's strengths of character and learns to be a better listener."
COMPETITION
Chariots Of Fire (1981) U
"There is more to sport than the obvious competition itself, and this is the perfect film to teach that lesson. The message is there is a spiritual power in competition too, and there are higher ideals than simply winning. Kids will enjoy the drama as they soak up the message."
PREJUDICE
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
"This deals with ignorant racism as well as prejudices against people who are different. Gregory Peck's character teaches children it is important to have the courage of your convictions, even when the world around you disagrees."
FEAR OF REJECTION
Toy Story (1995) PG
"Woody the cowboy's fear of being replaced by rival toy Buzz Lightyear is an echo of any child's fear at the prospect of a new arrival to the family unit. This will strike a chord with children coping with the arrival of a new baby."
GROWING UP
Big (1988) PG
"Lots of teenagers desperately want be independent before they are ready. This comedy is a very good film to watch if you've got teens who are trying to grow up too fast."
VALUE OF EDUCATION
Goodbye Mr Chips (1939) U
"If your child is having trouble understanding their teacher, this shows how good teachers can have positive effects. It also touches on the nature of early friendships and loyalty between children and adults."
TEENAGE ANGST
Gregory's Girl (1981) 15
"This is all about teenage uncertainties and indecision about potential relationship. The adolescents suffer angst, showing they are not ready for full adult relationships. It's a great film to show teenagers what their limitations may be, but in a way they can identify with."
TEENAGE RELATIONSHIPS
A Taste Of Honey (1961) 15
"It's an old film but its topics are still relevant today: teenage pregnancy, mixed race relationships, how members of society treat minorities differently.
DIVORCE
Kramer Vs Kramer (1979) PG
"Some parents find it very difficult to talk to their children when they are going through divorce, but this shows that both parents still care. It can help encourage communication at a difficult time."
HUMANITY
The Magnificent Seven (1960) PG
"This is THE film to teach older children about ethics and behaviour," says Dr Weeks. "The gunfighters, rejected by respectable society, are transformed when given the chance to come to the aid of poor villagers."
I cried for weeks after watching ET, would prefer my kids to see the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and not the Michael Jackson-esque Johnny Depp one. Also from the age of these films most of these will be on tele over Christmas, Big always seems to be on.
Telly they should watch
"Dumping your kids in front of the telly to watch film after film doesn't exactly make you feel like parent of the year.
By Rachel Murphy
And when Sarah Ferguson recently revealed she and daughters Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie watch DVDs for 20 hours at weekends, there was outrage.
But viewing a well-chosen movie with your kids can be an excellent way to teach children about the wider world and help them to open up about important issues in a relaxed situation.
Neuropsychologist Dr David J. Weeks says: "Curious youngsters or sensitive teens often find it easier to talk about something when they have seen it on the screen. It can help create an atmosphere where they're happier to open up."
Here's Dr Weeks' top 20 list of films that can help your child's development...
IMAGE PROBLEMS
Shrek (2001) U
"Shrek, the good-hearted ogre, teaches the moral lesson that beauty is only skin deep. It can be an ideal film to watch if your child is going through a crisis of confidence about the way they look. You could also discuss with them how outward appearances can be deceptive, and that what's in a person's heart is often more attractive than the way they look."
SELFISHNESS
Charlie And The Chocolate Factory (2005) PG
"This is a great film to get children thinking about selfishness and about the limits of what they want and what they can have. The larger-than-life characters, such as the spoilt girl Veruca Salt, help make the message very clear that selfish behaviour ultimately gets you nowhere - and Johnny Depp's acting makes it very watchable."
BULLYING
Antz (1998) PG
"Seeing how one ant questions the social order of life and rebels against other insects who take his colony's food is an excellent way of opening up a discussion about bullying, especially with young children. It also tackles the issue of standing up to bullies with the help of friends and allies, and is fun too."
ADOLESCENT LONELINESS
Edward Scissorhands (1990) PG
"Alienation and isolation are very big issues for teenagers. The hero's adolescent loneliness and his inability to communicate in the way he would like to will strike a chord with lots of teenagers, and make them realise their feelings are not unusual, but normal."
BEING YOURSELF
Babe (1995) U
"This will make children laugh but also tackles an issue that can trouble youngsters throughout school: how to balance popularity with individuality. Babe the talking pig dares to be different, giving a positive message to kids about folowing their dreams and being individuals rather than being paralysed by fears about risking their popularity."
SINGLE PARENT FAMILIES
Dear Frankie (2005) 12
"Watching this is an ideal way of broaching the subject of single-parent families and letting your child take the discussion on if they want to. It openly shows some of the difficulties children in single parent families face, such as yearning for the 'normality' of having both a mother and a father figure and the feeling of having something missing."
DEATH
E.T. (1982) U
"E.T. explores deep emotional issues, including the sadness associated with saying goodbye, whether because of death or moving away from friends and loved ones. Watching E.T. might help a bereaved child cope with their feelings and realise they are not alone - plus you can all shed a tear together, which will bring you closer."
A NEW BABY
Ice Age (2002) U
"As an animated tale of how a group of prehistoric mammals returns a lost human baby to his family, this is fun family viewing. On another level it also charts the momentous responsibility that comes with a new arrival to a family, and as well as recognising that no matter how unusual or dysfunctional a family group is, you all have to pull together when there's a new baby to look after."
RESPONSIBILITY
It's a Wonderful Life (1946) U
"This is an old but classic film to watch with older children. It explores the consequences of rash actions and the importance one life can have on so many others. The James Stewart character wants to explore the world, but has family and community responsibilities."
ADOPTION
Stuart Little (1999) U
"Despite being a fantasy adventure about an only child's family adopting a mouse, this isn't too silly for children to identify with. Any child who has been adopted or had a new sibling come into the family will identify with the characters. It also explores sibling rivalry and the fact that we should look beyond appearances."
PARENT & CHILD RELATIONSHIPS
Big Fish (2004) PG
"This will touch a nerve for any parent and child - and particularly father and son - who are having trouble getting on. It's funny and touching as the dad spins fantastic tales and the son doesn't believe him. Resentment builds up, but in the end the son realises his father's strengths of character and learns to be a better listener."
COMPETITION
Chariots Of Fire (1981) U
"There is more to sport than the obvious competition itself, and this is the perfect film to teach that lesson. The message is there is a spiritual power in competition too, and there are higher ideals than simply winning. Kids will enjoy the drama as they soak up the message."
PREJUDICE
To Kill A Mockingbird (1962)
"This deals with ignorant racism as well as prejudices against people who are different. Gregory Peck's character teaches children it is important to have the courage of your convictions, even when the world around you disagrees."
FEAR OF REJECTION
Toy Story (1995) PG
"Woody the cowboy's fear of being replaced by rival toy Buzz Lightyear is an echo of any child's fear at the prospect of a new arrival to the family unit. This will strike a chord with children coping with the arrival of a new baby."
GROWING UP
Big (1988) PG
"Lots of teenagers desperately want be independent before they are ready. This comedy is a very good film to watch if you've got teens who are trying to grow up too fast."
VALUE OF EDUCATION
Goodbye Mr Chips (1939) U
"If your child is having trouble understanding their teacher, this shows how good teachers can have positive effects. It also touches on the nature of early friendships and loyalty between children and adults."
TEENAGE ANGST
Gregory's Girl (1981) 15
"This is all about teenage uncertainties and indecision about potential relationship. The adolescents suffer angst, showing they are not ready for full adult relationships. It's a great film to show teenagers what their limitations may be, but in a way they can identify with."
TEENAGE RELATIONSHIPS
A Taste Of Honey (1961) 15
"It's an old film but its topics are still relevant today: teenage pregnancy, mixed race relationships, how members of society treat minorities differently.
DIVORCE
Kramer Vs Kramer (1979) PG
"Some parents find it very difficult to talk to their children when they are going through divorce, but this shows that both parents still care. It can help encourage communication at a difficult time."
HUMANITY
The Magnificent Seven (1960) PG
"This is THE film to teach older children about ethics and behaviour," says Dr Weeks. "The gunfighters, rejected by respectable society, are transformed when given the chance to come to the aid of poor villagers."
I cried for weeks after watching ET, would prefer my kids to see the original Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and not the Michael Jackson-esque Johnny Depp one. Also from the age of these films most of these will be on tele over Christmas, Big always seems to be on.
posted by EMW | 2:41:00 PM
links to this post
Thursday, June 15, 2006
The Unvailing of the Meccano Liver Bird
As we know I missed it so just had to depend on the Liverpool Echo to tell me how it went:
Artist goes back to nuts and bolts for design classic
Jun 15 2006
Liverpool Echo
"THE mythical Liver bird has been recreated in one of Liverpool's most famous exports - Meccano. The image by Chris Vine is one of several works of art in the new Artworks Capital of Culture series.
It was unveiled last night in the atrium of the Royal Liver Building, home to Liverpool's two iconic 18ft Liver birds. Guests who were invited to cast a beady eye over the mechanical bird included photographer and cultural ambassador for Wirral, Mike McCartney, and ECHO arts editor Joe Riley.
A spokeswoman for Artworks said: "We recently commissioned a number of talented local artists to produce a series of stunning images for a new Capital of Culture series.
"The collection is inspired by Liverpool '08 and aims to support artists and the community in celebrating Liverpool's spectacular cultural renaissance."
The collection also includes art by Alex Corina, who created the Mona Lennon image.
Liverpool's Frank Hornby took out a patent for Meccano in 1901, first calling it Mechanics Made Easy. Over the 20th century it became the world's most famous toy based on engineering principles"
Artist goes back to nuts and bolts for design classic
Jun 15 2006
Liverpool Echo
"THE mythical Liver bird has been recreated in one of Liverpool's most famous exports - Meccano. The image by Chris Vine is one of several works of art in the new Artworks Capital of Culture series.
It was unveiled last night in the atrium of the Royal Liver Building, home to Liverpool's two iconic 18ft Liver birds. Guests who were invited to cast a beady eye over the mechanical bird included photographer and cultural ambassador for Wirral, Mike McCartney, and ECHO arts editor Joe Riley.
A spokeswoman for Artworks said: "We recently commissioned a number of talented local artists to produce a series of stunning images for a new Capital of Culture series.
"The collection is inspired by Liverpool '08 and aims to support artists and the community in celebrating Liverpool's spectacular cultural renaissance."
The collection also includes art by Alex Corina, who created the Mona Lennon image.
Liverpool's Frank Hornby took out a patent for Meccano in 1901, first calling it Mechanics Made Easy. Over the 20th century it became the world's most famous toy based on engineering principles"
posted by EMW | 12:47:00 PM
links to this post
The Devil and Daniel Johnson & the 24 Hour Museum
Oh my word, I am suffering from a severe culture guilt, sleep deprivation and unfinished flat at the moment, after yesterday's faux pas where I fell asleep and missed everything, today had a similar dance to it. I was planning to go to a discussion at FACT organised for Downtown Week. 'Talk Architecture', an open discussion about how the people of Liverpool envisage their city developing over the next ten years. Featuring a panel of key thinkers, John Elcock and Wayne Colquhoun, this event was a participatory dialogue between the panel, members of the public and not me. Then a picnic, again for Downtown week, where we where to meet at the new Paradise Street Bus Station and the team behind the ‘Elemental Journeys’ , a series of regeneration walks last August, would take us to a mystery venue to eat our butties. How intriguing.
I missed these as I was at home running late having seriously slept in. I did plan to see the "Devil and Daniel Johnson", at FACT/in fact, I was verily excited about this, but I got the dates wrong...... But it starts on Saturday and runs until Wednesday, showing at 6pm.
I found this on Sony Classics........
....Daniel Johnston is a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, revealed in this film of madness, creativity and love. 'The Devil and Daniel Johnston' is a stunning portrait of a musical and artistic genius who nearly slipped away.
Director Jeff Feuerzeig exquisitely depicts a perfect example of brilliance and madness going hand in hand with subject Daniel Johnston. As an artist suffering from manic depression with delusions of grandeur, Daniel Johnston's wild fluctuations, numerous downward spirals, and periodic respites are exposed in this deeply moving documentary. As a reclusive teenager growing up in New Cumberland, VA, Johnston began showing signs of unusual artistic ability at an early age. He religiously recorded his thoughts and stories onto cassette tapes, directed intuitive Super- 8 films starring himself in multiple roles ala Peter Sellers, and created expressive comic book-style drawings and animation in the basement of his family's home. However, in the eyes of his fundamentalist Christian family, Daniel simply wasn't contributing to society in a useful or productive way. After running off on a moped and joining a carnival, he landed in Austin, Texas, broke and alone. It was there he began to hone his musical career, recording folk songs on a series of homemade, lo-fi cassettes, which Daniel handed out free to fans, friends and journalists in the early 80s. With the help of a timely break and the thriving Austin music scene, Daniel managed to secure a brief spotlight on MTV making him a minor celebrity. But just as he was beginning to make a name for himself, his inner demons began to surface and Daniel's ongoing struggle with manic depression became more and more evident in his songs and drawings.
'The Devil and Daniel Johnston' artfully molds current footage, vintage performances, home movies, and dozens of recorded audiotapes from Daniel's life. Testimony from supportive friends and a deeply committed family add a rich layer to his personal history, but it is Daniel's poetic songs interwoven throughout the film, that tell their own passionate, haunting, and truly unforgettable story.
Now in his mid 40s, Daniel Johnston has grown into a prolific visual artist. His expressions have earned him worldwide recognition and critical praise, producing international exhibits where he continues to sell his vibrant and intimate sketches. He has recorded over ten full length albums, and his supporters have included Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain, who was often seen wearing a Daniel Johnston t shirt, Matt Groening, The Butthole Suffers, Sonic Youth, noted Minutemen/Firehouse bassist Mike Watt, David Bowie, Tom Waits, Beck, The Flaming Lips, and an ever-growing international cult audience.
I sounds Coolio.
By the way, a great cure for culture guilt and for those on a different time zone, ie night workers, I thoroughly recommend the 24 Hour Museum. The National Virtual Museum, celebrates UK culture with news, listings and features from 3000+ museums, galleries and heritage sites. What more could you want at 4 am, apart from your bed?
I missed these as I was at home running late having seriously slept in. I did plan to see the "Devil and Daniel Johnson", at FACT/in fact, I was verily excited about this, but I got the dates wrong...... But it starts on Saturday and runs until Wednesday, showing at 6pm.
I found this on Sony Classics........
....Daniel Johnston is a manic-depressive genius singer/songwriter/artist, revealed in this film of madness, creativity and love. 'The Devil and Daniel Johnston' is a stunning portrait of a musical and artistic genius who nearly slipped away.
Director Jeff Feuerzeig exquisitely depicts a perfect example of brilliance and madness going hand in hand with subject Daniel Johnston. As an artist suffering from manic depression with delusions of grandeur, Daniel Johnston's wild fluctuations, numerous downward spirals, and periodic respites are exposed in this deeply moving documentary. As a reclusive teenager growing up in New Cumberland, VA, Johnston began showing signs of unusual artistic ability at an early age. He religiously recorded his thoughts and stories onto cassette tapes, directed intuitive Super- 8 films starring himself in multiple roles ala Peter Sellers, and created expressive comic book-style drawings and animation in the basement of his family's home. However, in the eyes of his fundamentalist Christian family, Daniel simply wasn't contributing to society in a useful or productive way. After running off on a moped and joining a carnival, he landed in Austin, Texas, broke and alone. It was there he began to hone his musical career, recording folk songs on a series of homemade, lo-fi cassettes, which Daniel handed out free to fans, friends and journalists in the early 80s. With the help of a timely break and the thriving Austin music scene, Daniel managed to secure a brief spotlight on MTV making him a minor celebrity. But just as he was beginning to make a name for himself, his inner demons began to surface and Daniel's ongoing struggle with manic depression became more and more evident in his songs and drawings.
'The Devil and Daniel Johnston' artfully molds current footage, vintage performances, home movies, and dozens of recorded audiotapes from Daniel's life. Testimony from supportive friends and a deeply committed family add a rich layer to his personal history, but it is Daniel's poetic songs interwoven throughout the film, that tell their own passionate, haunting, and truly unforgettable story.
Now in his mid 40s, Daniel Johnston has grown into a prolific visual artist. His expressions have earned him worldwide recognition and critical praise, producing international exhibits where he continues to sell his vibrant and intimate sketches. He has recorded over ten full length albums, and his supporters have included Nirvana lead singer Kurt Cobain, who was often seen wearing a Daniel Johnston t shirt, Matt Groening, The Butthole Suffers, Sonic Youth, noted Minutemen/Firehouse bassist Mike Watt, David Bowie, Tom Waits, Beck, The Flaming Lips, and an ever-growing international cult audience.
I sounds Coolio.
By the way, a great cure for culture guilt and for those on a different time zone, ie night workers, I thoroughly recommend the 24 Hour Museum. The National Virtual Museum, celebrates UK culture with news, listings and features from 3000+ museums, galleries and heritage sites. What more could you want at 4 am, apart from your bed?
posted by EMW | 11:26:00 AM
links to this post
Wednesday, June 14, 2006
Omega-3
New research by Flora reveals the nation's consumption of Omega 3 is low because we are struggling to encourage our families to eat more of the foods containing this important nutrient. With over 80% of people concerned that no one in their family is eating enough, both adults and children urgently need help to boost the Omega 3 in their diet. Including Omega 3, found in foods such as oily fish and dark green leafy vegetables, in our diets is important for heart health and brain function.
Although further research is needed, some experts believe it may also help learning, concentration and mental wellbeing and some research shows it could play a role in joint health but the jury is still out. To help give the nation an Omega 3 boost, Flora has launched a new range packed with Omega 3 and have also teamed up with yummy mummy and ex Liverpool resident, Louise Redknapp, to develop a Boost Guide packed full of practical help to encourage the whole family to eat more Omega 3. Over a third of women and nearly half of their partners rarely eat meals that contain oily fish and less than a third (31 %) eat the recommended one portion per week. When it comes to our children the picture is even worse with over a half (58%) of children eating oily fish less than once a month and only a measly quarter (26 %) eating the recommended one portion a week. Over half of adults and over 40% of children are not eating enough dark green leafy vegetables, only eating them less than once a week.
Nutritionist Fiona Hunter explains: "Although the 'five a day' message is getting through to people, with over 80% actively trying to boost their family's intake of fruit and vegetables, only 36% of people are trying to boost their family's intake of foods that contain Omega 3. The research by Flora clearly indicates that the nation urgently needs practical help and advice on how to boost their intake."
Why is our consumption of Omega 3 so low? The Flora research indicates that perhaps we don't enjoy foods rich in Omega 3.
- 58% of mums said they found it hard to get their children to eat oily fish - 60% found it hard to get them to tuck into dark green leafy vegetables And, it's not just kids who don't like Omega 3 rich foods. Over 40% of women also find it hard to encourage their partners to include these foods in their diet.
To help the nation boost their Omega 3 intake busy mum Louise Redknapp and nutritionist Fiona Hunter have teamed up to produce the Flora Omega 3 Boost Guide. Packed full of practical advice to increase the Omega 3 in your family's diet the Boost Guide contains an informative booklet, seven day meal planner, Omega 3 recipe cards and a fun Omega 3 place mat. Like most mums, Louise Redknapp is always looking for help to ensure her family eat the right things to stay healthy, "Kids can be picky when it comes to what they will and won't eat. Fish in particular isn't always a favourite so parents need help to find ways to increase the Omega 3 in their diets and the Boost Guide has some great practical advice."
Louise's husband and former Liverpool footballer Jamie Redknapp stresses that it's not only children who need Omega 3 to stay healthy, "Adults can be just as fussy as kids when it comes to what they will eat but both mums and dads will benefit from a diet rich in Omega 3 too. As a former professional football player I always did, and still do, make sure I eat a healthy balanced diet."
The Omega 3 Boost Guide is available free by calling 0845-260-4498, emailing mega3boost@motivityuk.com or by sending your address to
Omega 3 Boost, P.O.BOX 426, HAYES, UB4 0WX.
Government guidelines state we should eat 450mg of fish Omega 3 (EPA/DHA)
each day.
I am, de de de de de lovin' these soft and chewy Multi-Vitamins with added Omega 3, they are like sweets (surely I don't have to put a disclaimer on here, saying tablets ARE NOT sweets) so your children won't mind taking one a day and it won't be a chore for you either. They are available from Boots and most other leading chains. The ones depicted are made by Bassett's but Haliborange, Boots, Seven Seas and all the usual suspects make them too in 30 day or 60 day packs.
I was advised unofficially by a herbal nutritionalists that is you have a cold, are run down, tired or have exams or essays it's ok to take a number of these chewable vitamins at one time just to give your immune system a quick boost. This is not backed up by the blurb in the Vitamin packs though.
** FLORA are in Williamson Square, liverpool this week promoting their new Omega-3 range (there's freebies) and giving advice on a healthy heart.
Although further research is needed, some experts believe it may also help learning, concentration and mental wellbeing and some research shows it could play a role in joint health but the jury is still out. To help give the nation an Omega 3 boost, Flora has launched a new range packed with Omega 3 and have also teamed up with yummy mummy and ex Liverpool resident, Louise Redknapp, to develop a Boost Guide packed full of practical help to encourage the whole family to eat more Omega 3. Over a third of women and nearly half of their partners rarely eat meals that contain oily fish and less than a third (31 %) eat the recommended one portion per week. When it comes to our children the picture is even worse with over a half (58%) of children eating oily fish less than once a month and only a measly quarter (26 %) eating the recommended one portion a week. Over half of adults and over 40% of children are not eating enough dark green leafy vegetables, only eating them less than once a week.
Nutritionist Fiona Hunter explains: "Although the 'five a day' message is getting through to people, with over 80% actively trying to boost their family's intake of fruit and vegetables, only 36% of people are trying to boost their family's intake of foods that contain Omega 3. The research by Flora clearly indicates that the nation urgently needs practical help and advice on how to boost their intake."
Why is our consumption of Omega 3 so low? The Flora research indicates that perhaps we don't enjoy foods rich in Omega 3.
- 58% of mums said they found it hard to get their children to eat oily fish - 60% found it hard to get them to tuck into dark green leafy vegetables And, it's not just kids who don't like Omega 3 rich foods. Over 40% of women also find it hard to encourage their partners to include these foods in their diet.
To help the nation boost their Omega 3 intake busy mum Louise Redknapp and nutritionist Fiona Hunter have teamed up to produce the Flora Omega 3 Boost Guide. Packed full of practical advice to increase the Omega 3 in your family's diet the Boost Guide contains an informative booklet, seven day meal planner, Omega 3 recipe cards and a fun Omega 3 place mat. Like most mums, Louise Redknapp is always looking for help to ensure her family eat the right things to stay healthy, "Kids can be picky when it comes to what they will and won't eat. Fish in particular isn't always a favourite so parents need help to find ways to increase the Omega 3 in their diets and the Boost Guide has some great practical advice."
Louise's husband and former Liverpool footballer Jamie Redknapp stresses that it's not only children who need Omega 3 to stay healthy, "Adults can be just as fussy as kids when it comes to what they will eat but both mums and dads will benefit from a diet rich in Omega 3 too. As a former professional football player I always did, and still do, make sure I eat a healthy balanced diet."
The Omega 3 Boost Guide is available free by calling 0845-260-4498, emailing mega3boost@motivityuk.com or by sending your address to
Omega 3 Boost, P.O.BOX 426, HAYES, UB4 0WX.
Government guidelines state we should eat 450mg of fish Omega 3 (EPA/DHA)
each day.
I am, de de de de de lovin' these soft and chewy Multi-Vitamins with added Omega 3, they are like sweets (surely I don't have to put a disclaimer on here, saying tablets ARE NOT sweets) so your children won't mind taking one a day and it won't be a chore for you either. They are available from Boots and most other leading chains. The ones depicted are made by Bassett's but Haliborange, Boots, Seven Seas and all the usual suspects make them too in 30 day or 60 day packs.
I was advised unofficially by a herbal nutritionalists that is you have a cold, are run down, tired or have exams or essays it's ok to take a number of these chewable vitamins at one time just to give your immune system a quick boost. This is not backed up by the blurb in the Vitamin packs though.
** FLORA are in Williamson Square, liverpool this week promoting their new Omega-3 range (there's freebies) and giving advice on a healthy heart.
posted by EMW | 8:46:00 PM
links to this post
Liverpool in Fashion
"Street Life: Liverpool in Fashion", a photography exhibition celebrating inimitable scouse style, opens at National Conservation Centre on 16 June to 20 August 2006.
North West photographers Mark McNulty and Victoria Spofforth have documented the unique “look” of Liverpool fashion. Subjects young and old are included in the exhibition, revealing a candid portrait of the city’s famous confidence and style.
Over t
wenty colour ( a lot of orange tan I would imagine) photographs convey the character of Liverpool’s “pavement catwalks”. From young men in designer tracksuits and trainers to a sharp-suited businessman in front of classic architecture the images cover the spectrum of Liverpool society and fashion. A particularly striking photograph shows a sassy-looking young girl jutting her hip in a pink-trimmed mini skirt and matching head-band. Another strong image contains a man in front of his house wearing the ever-popular tracksuit, but more unusually finishing his outfit with a flat-cap.
Street Life explains how fashion can signal many things from individual identity, membership of a particular group, allegiance to a favourite football team or love of a type of music. The exhibition captures the rich mixture of styles on Liverpool’s streets as the city prepares to be European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Accompanying the exhibition is a display on the future of fabrics and 'smart materials'. Concentrating on the latest design and structure of contemporary textiles, the display reveals how modern garments can accommodate a wide range of needs and circumstances. The display also looks at how these innovative materials are analysed at the National Conservation Centre when making choices on their collection and preservation.
The first exhibition for the new National Conservation Centre, Street Life is a collaboration between Peppered Sprout Design Company (not me unfortunately), National Museums Liverpool, and supported by the Liverpool Culture Company.
North West photographers Mark McNulty and Victoria Spofforth have documented the unique “look” of Liverpool fashion. Subjects young and old are included in the exhibition, revealing a candid portrait of the city’s famous confidence and style.
Over t
wenty colour ( a lot of orange tan I would imagine) photographs convey the character of Liverpool’s “pavement catwalks”. From young men in designer tracksuits and trainers to a sharp-suited businessman in front of classic architecture the images cover the spectrum of Liverpool society and fashion. A particularly striking photograph shows a sassy-looking young girl jutting her hip in a pink-trimmed mini skirt and matching head-band. Another strong image contains a man in front of his house wearing the ever-popular tracksuit, but more unusually finishing his outfit with a flat-cap.Street Life explains how fashion can signal many things from individual identity, membership of a particular group, allegiance to a favourite football team or love of a type of music. The exhibition captures the rich mixture of styles on Liverpool’s streets as the city prepares to be European Capital of Culture in 2008.
Accompanying the exhibition is a display on the future of fabrics and 'smart materials'. Concentrating on the latest design and structure of contemporary textiles, the display reveals how modern garments can accommodate a wide range of needs and circumstances. The display also looks at how these innovative materials are analysed at the National Conservation Centre when making choices on their collection and preservation.
The first exhibition for the new National Conservation Centre, Street Life is a collaboration between Peppered Sprout Design Company (not me unfortunately), National Museums Liverpool, and supported by the Liverpool Culture Company.
posted by EMW | 6:50:00 PM
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Wednesday Faux Pas
Well after the big Wednesday dilemma of this week, didn't I end up staying in and watching the World Cup (Germany V Poland). Obviously being a quarter Polish myself (around the midriff I think) I have to support Polska!!
Having been on nights last night I finished at 8am, had a nice breakfast at the Cafe Union in Bold Street, went to the library in an attempt to scan my hand written 'blog' entries in and ended up being late for the my half day session at the Tate Gallery, the reason I was still in town and not tucked up in my favourite place, bed.
I am really into courses at the Tate, this one was called, 'Opening Doors: The Impact’ and was about using art in the community, art as a therapeutic too and particularly using modern art and the gallery as both a resource and inspiration for groups from various sectors of society. We went round the amazing Bruce Nauman: Make Me Think Me exhibition and did a small workshop there. Watched two presentations of how modern art has helped the service users of Parthenon House Day Centre and Beaumont Special School, which were both very inspiring case studies. Then we had a discussion with Sandy D’Silva, a doll like Janet Street Porter with pink hair who is an Independent consultant in child centered training, again very encouraging. A nice lunch and networking opportunity followed. I personally think that people can tell you so much more through drawing; they can express themselves without being in fear of sounding stupid or getting embarrassed. Drawing is so much better than referrals, social workers and counseling.
After this I went up to the Philharmonic Hall to see what there ticket refund policy was, Ok I could have rang, but my poor mummy is not well and couldn't make their concert tonight. Of course being less than 24 hours away from the event the refund policy was ‘give the ticket to a friend’, understandable but unfortunate seeing as none of our friends like Classical Music.
Then I found myself in Oasis trying on beautiful dresses for my friends wedding, window shopping for the shoes to match and then finally I locate myself on the bus home which got stuck behind a loading lorry on Chapel Street, then changed drivers and got stuck in a jam. Needless to say, when I got home, I fell asleep on the couch, had a dream about Countdown (it was on the TV as I slept) Richard Whitely, God bless his soul, was still presenting it and I could get good words from the numbers game. So I woke up too late for the Mecano Liver Bird event at the Liver Buildings and if I predicted correctly I would have been 15 minutes late (public transport permitting) for Lloyd Grossman's talk city's cosmopolitan past and its cultural future. at the glorious synagogue in Princes Road. If I remember rightly this synagogue was over booked in last years heritage week when it was opened to the public and rightly so it's wonderful inside, so in my wisdom I figured I may be turned away due to it’s capacity, if I turned up at least 15 minutes late. Not sure who I was trying to convince here, but I was disappointed with myself.
It was a shame, especially as I had already excused myself from Sign Language again. Feeling guilty I sat down to the match with beer and some Jaffa Cakes, Poland lost one nil and I missed 3 good things. Damn.
Having been on nights last night I finished at 8am, had a nice breakfast at the Cafe Union in Bold Street, went to the library in an attempt to scan my hand written 'blog' entries in and ended up being late for the my half day session at the Tate Gallery, the reason I was still in town and not tucked up in my favourite place, bed.
I am really into courses at the Tate, this one was called, 'Opening Doors: The Impact’ and was about using art in the community, art as a therapeutic too and particularly using modern art and the gallery as both a resource and inspiration for groups from various sectors of society. We went round the amazing Bruce Nauman: Make Me Think Me exhibition and did a small workshop there. Watched two presentations of how modern art has helped the service users of Parthenon House Day Centre and Beaumont Special School, which were both very inspiring case studies. Then we had a discussion with Sandy D’Silva, a doll like Janet Street Porter with pink hair who is an Independent consultant in child centered training, again very encouraging. A nice lunch and networking opportunity followed. I personally think that people can tell you so much more through drawing; they can express themselves without being in fear of sounding stupid or getting embarrassed. Drawing is so much better than referrals, social workers and counseling.
After this I went up to the Philharmonic Hall to see what there ticket refund policy was, Ok I could have rang, but my poor mummy is not well and couldn't make their concert tonight. Of course being less than 24 hours away from the event the refund policy was ‘give the ticket to a friend’, understandable but unfortunate seeing as none of our friends like Classical Music.
Then I found myself in Oasis trying on beautiful dresses for my friends wedding, window shopping for the shoes to match and then finally I locate myself on the bus home which got stuck behind a loading lorry on Chapel Street, then changed drivers and got stuck in a jam. Needless to say, when I got home, I fell asleep on the couch, had a dream about Countdown (it was on the TV as I slept) Richard Whitely, God bless his soul, was still presenting it and I could get good words from the numbers game. So I woke up too late for the Mecano Liver Bird event at the Liver Buildings and if I predicted correctly I would have been 15 minutes late (public transport permitting) for Lloyd Grossman's talk city's cosmopolitan past and its cultural future. at the glorious synagogue in Princes Road. If I remember rightly this synagogue was over booked in last years heritage week when it was opened to the public and rightly so it's wonderful inside, so in my wisdom I figured I may be turned away due to it’s capacity, if I turned up at least 15 minutes late. Not sure who I was trying to convince here, but I was disappointed with myself.
It was a shame, especially as I had already excused myself from Sign Language again. Feeling guilty I sat down to the match with beer and some Jaffa Cakes, Poland lost one nil and I missed 3 good things. Damn.
posted by EMW | 9:45:00 AM
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Tabitha Kyoto Moses
I am excited by a new artist, well she's new to me. I have seen Tabitha Kyoto Moses in AN magazine and as I delve further I see she is based in the land of Liverpool. Like me she loves to scour junk shops and flea markets all in the name of art and likes Poland. Tabitha has a touring exhibiton called 'Art of the stitch' which has another fragment called, 'Scholar' .Tabitha uses found objects and is inspired by themes such as rememberance. She uses human hair as embroidery thread, such as in her self-portrait, left. Tabitha's exhibition is currently in Bristol until today, it moves to Sleaford on the 7th July until 28th Auguest and then the Williamson Art Gallery, Birkenhead from 17th September to 19th November.
AN magazine show's Tabitha's 'Two Lists' as part of their Artist's story feature. The lists are 'What I like about being an artist' and 'What I don't like about being an artist'. Two lists that I could relate to and instantly drew me to Tabitha Kyoto Moses. Her website is still under construction, but is well worth a look.
What I don't like about being an artist:
1) It has to fit into the rest of my life. Or does life happen around it? Is there a distinction?
2) Financial insecurity
3) The rates of pay are so inconsistent. And I'm tired of saying 'the pays crap but it's a great opportunity'
4) I sometimes wonder if it is of any use to the world
5) The emotional wonder of the the freelance life
6) Autonomy. Control. Sole responsibility.
7) The lack of routine. One can never be bored. There is laways something to to.
I feel your pain girl.
N.B. points 5-7 are also on her 'What I like about being an artist' list.
posted by EMW | 9:42:00 AM
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Refugee Week
This week from 19th-25th June is Refugee Week. There are lots of events going on Nationwide, including plenty in the North West such as Allotment Picnics, Singing and Cooking Workshops and discussion in the BBC QUestion Time format at Blackburne House, Liverpool.
Check out Sola Arts a non-for profit Community Arts Project which specialises in empowerment, social inclusion and integration to enhance the individual and the community using art as a tool. Sola works with a wide variety of people with a primary focus of supporting the integration of Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
Refugees and the Arts Initiative is an initiative formed in 1999 and London based but UK wide as well as international initiative. 'Connecting Cultures' is a newly formed group of refugees and asylum seekers artists based in Liverpool that aims to bring different communities together and facilitate opportunitiies such as showcasing, exhibitions, sales...
'Connecting Cultures' exhibition and performances as part of Refugee Week 2006. Check out Refugee Week website website Also,there will be another performance with music, dance, poetry and more on the 28th June at the 52, Roscoe St. Gallery!!
Exodus Festival in Manchester are involved in a quite big project that involves artists from the Manchester area. This is on 24th June but is part of Refugee Week.
Check out Sola Arts a non-for profit Community Arts Project which specialises in empowerment, social inclusion and integration to enhance the individual and the community using art as a tool. Sola works with a wide variety of people with a primary focus of supporting the integration of Asylum Seekers and Refugees.
Refugees and the Arts Initiative is an initiative formed in 1999 and London based but UK wide as well as international initiative. 'Connecting Cultures' is a newly formed group of refugees and asylum seekers artists based in Liverpool that aims to bring different communities together and facilitate opportunitiies such as showcasing, exhibitions, sales...
'Connecting Cultures' exhibition and performances as part of Refugee Week 2006. Check out Refugee Week website website Also,there will be another performance with music, dance, poetry and more on the 28th June at the 52, Roscoe St. Gallery!!
Exodus Festival in Manchester are involved in a quite big project that involves artists from the Manchester area. This is on 24th June but is part of Refugee Week.
posted by EMW | 7:21:00 AM
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Tuesday, June 13, 2006
English Snob
Maybe, I'm a snob, but I hate nothing more than when people write 2 u in txt 4mat. It seems to be getting more and more prelific and, I know I am not the greatest speller, but children are suffering because of it. The decline of handwriting and the rise of e-mail and text messaging has been highlighted in a new survey of media consumption in the digital age.
It suggests that half of written communication is by e-mail, 29% by text message and just 13% by pen and paper. This is such a shame, there's nothing better than a hand written letter or card. Among the over-65s, pen and paper remained popular at 39%, but among the young, the figure was much lower.
The IPA TouchPoints survey was based on 5,000 people who updated an electronic diary every half-hour for a week. The research cost a £1m and is backed by the BBC, ITV and national newspaper groups.
The results among those aged 15 to 24 who took part showed only 5% of their communications were by pen and paper, a lot lower than the older people. Yet despite the growing use of the internet and other new media, most people still spend more time watching television and listening to the radio.
On a similar note, another study has suggested that primary schools could be limiting pupils by not devoting enough time and effort to teaching handwriting, a study suggests. Though more than half of the teachers interviewed at 39 schools in south-east England said they had not received enough training in the area. London University's Institute of Education also found most schools did not work on improving writing speeds.
But a government spokesman said "clear, well-paced objectives" were in place.
Researchers found most of the schools had member of staff responsible for handwriting and a formal handwriting policy However, a quarter had one without the other. Two-thirds of teachers had not been shown how to teach handwriting during their initial training. Less than half of schools set aside time for practice. Only a fifth of those with handwriting policies taught children ways of increasing their speed, which could affect their future performance in exams.
Schools had "very limited awareness" of the needs of pupils used to writing in a different script, with only one in four catering for these.
Researcher Rhona Stainthorp said: "Unless children learn to write legibly and at speed, their educational achievements may be reduced and their self-esteem affected.
"Handwriting is an essential skill for everyone, even in this age of computer technology."
A Department for Education and Skills spokesman said the national curriculum stated that all pupils "should be taught key handwriting skills that enable children to write fluently and legibly". He added: "We support schools in meeting these requirements through the primary national strategy, which provides clear, well-paced objectives on developing handwriting and the correct formation of letters. "Schools can also consult experts in their local authorities to help them develop effective approaches to teaching handwriting."
I went to a very traditional school where handwriting was taught in a 40 minute lesson each week. It meant that we all wrote in the same way but we developed are own styles as we got older. I taught myslef calligraphy at the age of 10, which is such a novalty now it actually makes me money. I find 'the art of handwriting' invaluable and see far too many children some adults everyday who cannot even hold a pen properly.
It suggests that half of written communication is by e-mail, 29% by text message and just 13% by pen and paper. This is such a shame, there's nothing better than a hand written letter or card. Among the over-65s, pen and paper remained popular at 39%, but among the young, the figure was much lower.
The IPA TouchPoints survey was based on 5,000 people who updated an electronic diary every half-hour for a week. The research cost a £1m and is backed by the BBC, ITV and national newspaper groups.
The results among those aged 15 to 24 who took part showed only 5% of their communications were by pen and paper, a lot lower than the older people. Yet despite the growing use of the internet and other new media, most people still spend more time watching television and listening to the radio.
On a similar note, another study has suggested that primary schools could be limiting pupils by not devoting enough time and effort to teaching handwriting, a study suggests. Though more than half of the teachers interviewed at 39 schools in south-east England said they had not received enough training in the area. London University's Institute of Education also found most schools did not work on improving writing speeds.
But a government spokesman said "clear, well-paced objectives" were in place.
Researchers found most of the schools had member of staff responsible for handwriting and a formal handwriting policy However, a quarter had one without the other. Two-thirds of teachers had not been shown how to teach handwriting during their initial training. Less than half of schools set aside time for practice. Only a fifth of those with handwriting policies taught children ways of increasing their speed, which could affect their future performance in exams.
Schools had "very limited awareness" of the needs of pupils used to writing in a different script, with only one in four catering for these.
Researcher Rhona Stainthorp said: "Unless children learn to write legibly and at speed, their educational achievements may be reduced and their self-esteem affected.
"Handwriting is an essential skill for everyone, even in this age of computer technology."
A Department for Education and Skills spokesman said the national curriculum stated that all pupils "should be taught key handwriting skills that enable children to write fluently and legibly". He added: "We support schools in meeting these requirements through the primary national strategy, which provides clear, well-paced objectives on developing handwriting and the correct formation of letters. "Schools can also consult experts in their local authorities to help them develop effective approaches to teaching handwriting."
I went to a very traditional school where handwriting was taught in a 40 minute lesson each week. It meant that we all wrote in the same way but we developed are own styles as we got older. I taught myslef calligraphy at the age of 10, which is such a novalty now it actually makes me money. I find 'the art of handwriting' invaluable and see far too many children some adults everyday who cannot even hold a pen properly.
posted by EMW | 6:38:00 AM
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More on 3345
Today was a bad day for Liverpool. Hit And Run Music served eviction orders on all the tenants at Parr Street Studios ( picture left) to be out by 31st July 2006. After a long and tiring battle to get the monies asked for they put the sale price up verbally to £1.6 million. 33-45 Parr Street can't afford this and the studios now look set to be .....wait for it....luxury apartments. They have said they will keep the studios open but they have been sealed off since the beginning of June.PRESS RELEASE ACT NOW TO SAVE PARR STREET STUDIOS: Labour Councillors, Joe Anderson, Paul Brant and Steve Munby have sent an open letter to the Leader and Acting Chief Executive of Liverpool City Council calling on them to take urgent steps to save Liverpool’s Parr Street studios and associated businesses at 33-45 Parr Street. The call follows the shock notice today from the owners, Hit and Run, to all tenants advising them to quit the building by July 31st.
The Councillors have also tabled a motion for tomorrow night’s Waterfront Neighbourhood Committee and the July Council meeting calling on the Council to find £250,000 to enable a consortium of tenants and local businesses to acquire the building from Hit and Run.
Councillor Joe Anderson said “Two decades of music history are wrapped up in the studios. It’s not just Liverpool’s history: music fans all over the world identify with it.”
Councillor Paul Brant said "As ward councillors we know the level of support for keeping the building open. We’ve been buried in letters and e-mails from residents and local businesses. Support for Parr Street stretches across the social, political and business spectrum.” Councillor Steve Munby added “How can we go forward to European Capital of Culture if we lose this? The Council has a moral duty and a businesses and cultural incentive to protect Parr Street. Genesis and Hit and Run have been playing cat and mouse with the tenants, Liverpool and music fans. The consortium of tenants and local businesses has spent all year negotiating with them to buy the businesses for a price agreed back in January. Now they’ve jacked the price up to £1.6 million and issued eviction notices to the tenants. We need to call their bluff. The Capital of Culture Company spent around a quarter of a million on a one-off event at the Royal Court. Surely they can find the same amount to save the Parr Street studio?”
Local MP, Louise Ellman is supporting the campaign to protect the studios and 33-45 Parr Street and said today “It’s vital that every effort is made to protect the Studios and associated businesses. The Council has a duty to act.”
For further information ring Councillor Steve Munby on 0776 967 8749
posted by EMW | 1:02:00 AM
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Monday, June 12, 2006
Professional Artists Looking for A Publishing Contract?
Indigo art are looking for abstract contemporary art for a wide range of interior design projects.See the Indigo website for examples of art work they use already.
If you think your work is suitable contact Kaye Kent on 0151 933 9779 or
email her at kaye@indigoart.co.uk
posted by EMW | 12:29:00 PM
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Stripes at the Tate
People who have not got a clue about Contemporary Art always moan to me about paintings of squares and piles of bricks. They ask me to explain it but most of the time I can't, it's about the colour, the decision, the form, the space....I say, it's rubbish they say.......there is an exhibition of Stripes at the Tate to excite some and irritate others......... 
Kenneth Noland is one of the most important American painters of the post-war period. His experiments with form, medium and scale radically redefined the notion of painting and his technical and formal innovations have remained influential to succeeding generations of artists around the world. This exhibition brings together a critical body of work created by Noland in the late 1960s.
The exhibition at Tate Liverpool which runs from 13 May – 28 August 2006, concentrates on the horizontal striped paintings, widely acknowledged as Noland's most conceptually-evolved works. Ranging from the intimate to the large-scale panoramic, the exhibition will present seven paintings, and includes several of his major large-scale works.
ENTRY IS FREE
Kenneth Noland is one of the most important American painters of the post-war period. His experiments with form, medium and scale radically redefined the notion of painting and his technical and formal innovations have remained influential to succeeding generations of artists around the world. This exhibition brings together a critical body of work created by Noland in the late 1960s.
The exhibition at Tate Liverpool which runs from 13 May – 28 August 2006, concentrates on the horizontal striped paintings, widely acknowledged as Noland's most conceptually-evolved works. Ranging from the intimate to the large-scale panoramic, the exhibition will present seven paintings, and includes several of his major large-scale works.
ENTRY IS FREE
posted by EMW | 12:27:00 PM
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Spoil Sports
How shameful that World Cup matches are now banned from Liverpool, Manchester and Canery Whalf's big screens after riots broke out during England's clash with Paraguay.
According to the Liverpool Echo, it emerged police had predicted violence and advised city leaders not to show the game in the city centre on Saturday.
In Liverpool, a Supermarket and nearby licensees were criticised for selling alcohol to fans who then took it to Clayton Square, an alcohol-free zone.More than 2,500 supporters descended on the area to watch the match but trouble began after a group of fans threw beer cans and bottles at the screen which was then switched off. Violence erupted with fans angry they were missing the final 10 minutes of England's 1-0 opening match victory.
Shops around Clayton Square were forced to close as police tried to control the chaos. Clayton Square and St John's shopping centres both shut their doors to protect their staff, with one glass door being kicked in by yobs. The fighting spilled out on to Williamson Square and into the fountain. Police arrested two people during the incident, in which nobody was injured, but last night shop staff and witnesses to the riot said it could have been much worse. It is understood that the majority of the troublemakers were teenagers.
Many were seen coming out of the adjacent Tesco's supermarket with bags of alcoholic drinks.
Despite the square being an alcohol-free zone, football fans were also seen leaving nearby pubs with beer bottles and glasses.
One eye witness reported "The police decided to turn off the footy and that just made it worse with loads more bottles getting thrown at the screen. Then the riot police turned up with the dogs and it just went nuts. I've never seen anything like it."
A Big screen organiser last night spoke out against trouble-makers who marred fans' enjoyment of England's victory over Paraguay. Transmissions in Liverpool city centre and at Canary Wharf in London were shut down before the end of the match after violence in sections of the crowd.
Bill Morris, project director for live events at BBC Radio and Music, part of a consortium behind a network of big screens, said that a tiny minority were behind the trouble.
"We were a bit disappointed for the people whose enjoyment was disrupted at the end of the game on the two sites but you have to put it in context. We were operating nine screens and some 50,000 people enjoyed the game on the screens, all but probably 20 or 30 had the most wonderful time and behaved perfectly well."
As ever, the trouble in Liverpool made the national press and emphasised the hooligan reputation that we seem to be unable to shake off thanks to a minority.
Luckily, Live tennis from Wimbledon, live performances from the Royal Opera House and the Queen's birthday celebrations will still be shown on the Liverpool screen.
According to the Liverpool Echo, it emerged police had predicted violence and advised city leaders not to show the game in the city centre on Saturday.
In Liverpool, a Supermarket and nearby licensees were criticised for selling alcohol to fans who then took it to Clayton Square, an alcohol-free zone.More than 2,500 supporters descended on the area to watch the match but trouble began after a group of fans threw beer cans and bottles at the screen which was then switched off. Violence erupted with fans angry they were missing the final 10 minutes of England's 1-0 opening match victory.
Shops around Clayton Square were forced to close as police tried to control the chaos. Clayton Square and St John's shopping centres both shut their doors to protect their staff, with one glass door being kicked in by yobs. The fighting spilled out on to Williamson Square and into the fountain. Police arrested two people during the incident, in which nobody was injured, but last night shop staff and witnesses to the riot said it could have been much worse. It is understood that the majority of the troublemakers were teenagers.
Many were seen coming out of the adjacent Tesco's supermarket with bags of alcoholic drinks.
Despite the square being an alcohol-free zone, football fans were also seen leaving nearby pubs with beer bottles and glasses.
One eye witness reported "The police decided to turn off the footy and that just made it worse with loads more bottles getting thrown at the screen. Then the riot police turned up with the dogs and it just went nuts. I've never seen anything like it."
A Big screen organiser last night spoke out against trouble-makers who marred fans' enjoyment of England's victory over Paraguay. Transmissions in Liverpool city centre and at Canary Wharf in London were shut down before the end of the match after violence in sections of the crowd.
Bill Morris, project director for live events at BBC Radio and Music, part of a consortium behind a network of big screens, said that a tiny minority were behind the trouble.
"We were a bit disappointed for the people whose enjoyment was disrupted at the end of the game on the two sites but you have to put it in context. We were operating nine screens and some 50,000 people enjoyed the game on the screens, all but probably 20 or 30 had the most wonderful time and behaved perfectly well."
As ever, the trouble in Liverpool made the national press and emphasised the hooligan reputation that we seem to be unable to shake off thanks to a minority.
Luckily, Live tennis from Wimbledon, live performances from the Royal Opera House and the Queen's birthday celebrations will still be shown on the Liverpool screen.
posted by EMW | 12:26:00 PM
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Saturday, June 10, 2006
La Cage aux folles
"Outsiders" are celebrating their third birthday with a screening of the classic French comedy La Cage aux folles at the Philharmonic Hall in Liverpool next Tuesday.
Their patron Sir Derek Jacobi KBE sent them a little birthday message: “Happy Birthday Outsiders, keep up the good work and enjoy La Cage aux folles!" Woo hoo!
It promises to be a great night out - the Lady Sian, Dave the organist (in a kilt) and the Outsiders podium people will all be there to welcome and entertain you! Tickets are now on sale at www.outsidersfilmfestival.com or you can call the Philharmonic box office direct on 0151 709 3789.
La Cage aux folles [15] Tuesday 13th June, 8.00pm, Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, L1
Director Edouard Molinaro. France 1978. 96 mins Starring Michel Serrault, Claire Maurier, Ugo Tognazzi, Remi Laurant.
In French with English subtitles.
The fi
rst screening in the UK of a new print of the original and best Birdcage - in which a gay couple must pretend to be straight when their conservative future in-laws come to dinner – not to mention conceal their ownership of the notorious drag bar downstairs! Triple Oscar-nominated, box office record-breaking and higher rated on the Internet Movie Database than the Robin Williams re-make, La Cage aux folles promises to be a perfect summer’s evening entertainment.
£6, (£5) Boxes, £5, (£4) Stalls (Concessions) Boxes are available to reserve, all other seats remain unreserved.
Their patron Sir Derek Jacobi KBE sent them a little birthday message: “Happy Birthday Outsiders, keep up the good work and enjoy La Cage aux folles!" Woo hoo!
It promises to be a great night out - the Lady Sian, Dave the organist (in a kilt) and the Outsiders podium people will all be there to welcome and entertain you! Tickets are now on sale at www.outsidersfilmfestival.com or you can call the Philharmonic box office direct on 0151 709 3789.
La Cage aux folles [15] Tuesday 13th June, 8.00pm, Philharmonic Hall, Hope Street, L1
Director Edouard Molinaro. France 1978. 96 mins Starring Michel Serrault, Claire Maurier, Ugo Tognazzi, Remi Laurant.
In French with English subtitles.
The fi
rst screening in the UK of a new print of the original and best Birdcage - in which a gay couple must pretend to be straight when their conservative future in-laws come to dinner – not to mention conceal their ownership of the notorious drag bar downstairs! Triple Oscar-nominated, box office record-breaking and higher rated on the Internet Movie Database than the Robin Williams re-make, La Cage aux folles promises to be a perfect summer’s evening entertainment.£6, (£5) Boxes, £5, (£4) Stalls (Concessions) Boxes are available to reserve, all other seats remain unreserved.
posted by EMW | 9:09:00 PM
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Hangin on the Telephone
You know how it is. You ring your bank or an airline hoping for human contact at the other end, and all you get is one of those infuriating automatic answering machines that offer an endless list of options.
These zombies have two particularly hair-tearing phrases in their lexicon. One is: “All our customer service advisers are busy at the moment; you will be held in a queue until one becomes available.” The other, even more calculated to drive the caller into a paroxysm of rage, is: “Please hold; your call is important to us.”
Perhaps just a bad is the hold music they use. My workplace had a competition for employees to choose the new hold music after hundreds of complains about the original meandering electronic twang. You could guess the ridicule work opened itself up to, my suggestions, the 'land of make believe' and I’d lie to you and that's the truth, where dismissed and some dreadful Japanese style cowboy music won. No body found out who suggested it, I hope they where taking the piss, I would shake them by the hand, although I have just listened to it for 2 minutes trying to put someone through to another department and feel irate and would imagine the customer has been so bamboozled by the hold 'noise' that she has forgotten why she called. To add insult to injury an email came round the other day saying if we or any customers want to buy the hold music the CD is available from the following website...I won't name and shame.
Now computer hackers have at last done something useful, finding pathways that bypass the infernal filtering machinery and put the caller in immediate and direct contact with real humans, even if they happen to be in Bangalore.
Cheapflights, a British-based internet travel company, has come up with a “cheat sheet” — a list of codes for getting straight through to a real person at dozens of airlines, travel companies and hotel groups, and avoiding pre-recorded menus that can cost up to 65p a minute to listen to. David Soskin, the company’s chief executive, said: “We believe that, despite the increasing use of the internet, there are times when customers need to talk to a real person. We have all been frustrated and annoyed by automated telephone systems.”
Cracking the codes has not been easy, as each automated system requires a different trick to circumvent it. To get through to a real Thomas Cook person, for example, you press 1, then 2, then 5 as soon as the automatic machine answers. To indulge in person-to-person blarney with Aer Lingus, you quickly press 2, then 2 again.
Some companies are worse than others and some, as the cheat sheet admits, are excellent. When calling British Airways there seems no option but to listen to all the options until an operator comes on the line. But at Emirates Airlines, according to the list, “they put you straight through”.
Dodging the drone of the automated answer was pioneered last year by Paul English, an American computer expert from Boston, who has cracked the cheat route for hundreds of US companies and government departments.
“I don’t believe all IVR (interactive voice response) systems are bad, but people should not have to tap in their bank account numbers when all they want to find out is when their local branch closes,” Mr English said.
He has extended his research to Britain and has found that simply pressing zero several times in quick succession will circumvent the answering systems of many institutions, including American Express, Bank of Scotland, Barclays, BUPA, the DVLA, NatWest, NHS Direct and Sky.
Sometimes the trick is to ignore the recorded instructions and press nothing. Some systems will then assume that you don’t have a touch-tone phone and will put you straight through to a live operator. According to Mr English, such systems include Carphone Warehouse, Onetel, Southern Water and Virgin Holidays.
Mr English has discovered other dodges if pressing buttons does not work. He suggests selecting to be put through to sales or accounts, which always seem to answer faster than other departments, then ask to be transferred. “Sometimes they put you ahead of the queue, although sometimes they will send you to the end — and thus in those cases this tip is useless.”
Most importantly, when you do get through to a human, pretend to be concerned that you might get accidentally disconnected, and ask how to connect directly next time. It might just let you keep your THE days of waiting on hold, phone in hand, stuck in a maze of repeated messages and push-button options, could soon be at an end. The backlash against anonymous call centres has been given a boost by two new websites which offer advice on beating the computerised system.
A computer answered call will cost a company between 4.5 and 9p per minute, while a call dealt with by a UK-based member of staff would cost between 36 and 55p. Consumer website saynoto0870.com highlights the expensive 08 numbers used by businesses to increase profits.
Log on and you'll find hundreds of geographical numbers of well known companies which enable callers to speak to a member of staff quicker and less expensively.
Visit http://gethuman.com/ and www.saynoto0870.com for more information.
There's no cheat for the speaking clock though
These zombies have two particularly hair-tearing phrases in their lexicon. One is: “All our customer service advisers are busy at the moment; you will be held in a queue until one becomes available.” The other, even more calculated to drive the caller into a paroxysm of rage, is: “Please hold; your call is important to us.”
Perhaps just a bad is the hold music they use. My workplace had a competition for employees to choose the new hold music after hundreds of complains about the original meandering electronic twang. You could guess the ridicule work opened itself up to, my suggestions, the 'land of make believe' and I’d lie to you and that's the truth, where dismissed and some dreadful Japanese style cowboy music won. No body found out who suggested it, I hope they where taking the piss, I would shake them by the hand, although I have just listened to it for 2 minutes trying to put someone through to another department and feel irate and would imagine the customer has been so bamboozled by the hold 'noise' that she has forgotten why she called. To add insult to injury an email came round the other day saying if we or any customers want to buy the hold music the CD is available from the following website...I won't name and shame.
Now computer hackers have at last done something useful, finding pathways that bypass the infernal filtering machinery and put the caller in immediate and direct contact with real humans, even if they happen to be in Bangalore.
Cheapflights, a British-based internet travel company, has come up with a “cheat sheet” — a list of codes for getting straight through to a real person at dozens of airlines, travel companies and hotel groups, and avoiding pre-recorded menus that can cost up to 65p a minute to listen to. David Soskin, the company’s chief executive, said: “We believe that, despite the increasing use of the internet, there are times when customers need to talk to a real person. We have all been frustrated and annoyed by automated telephone systems.”
Cracking the codes has not been easy, as each automated system requires a different trick to circumvent it. To get through to a real Thomas Cook person, for example, you press 1, then 2, then 5 as soon as the automatic machine answers. To indulge in person-to-person blarney with Aer Lingus, you quickly press 2, then 2 again.
Some companies are worse than others and some, as the cheat sheet admits, are excellent. When calling British Airways there seems no option but to listen to all the options until an operator comes on the line. But at Emirates Airlines, according to the list, “they put you straight through”.
Dodging the drone of the automated answer was pioneered last year by Paul English, an American computer expert from Boston, who has cracked the cheat route for hundreds of US companies and government departments.
“I don’t believe all IVR (interactive voice response) systems are bad, but people should not have to tap in their bank account numbers when all they want to find out is when their local branch closes,” Mr English said.
He has extended his research to Britain and has found that simply pressing zero several times in quick succession will circumvent the answering systems of many institutions, including American Express, Bank of Scotland, Barclays, BUPA, the DVLA, NatWest, NHS Direct and Sky.
Sometimes the trick is to ignore the recorded instructions and press nothing. Some systems will then assume that you don’t have a touch-tone phone and will put you straight through to a live operator. According to Mr English, such systems include Carphone Warehouse, Onetel, Southern Water and Virgin Holidays.
Mr English has discovered other dodges if pressing buttons does not work. He suggests selecting to be put through to sales or accounts, which always seem to answer faster than other departments, then ask to be transferred. “Sometimes they put you ahead of the queue, although sometimes they will send you to the end — and thus in those cases this tip is useless.”
Most importantly, when you do get through to a human, pretend to be concerned that you might get accidentally disconnected, and ask how to connect directly next time. It might just let you keep your THE days of waiting on hold, phone in hand, stuck in a maze of repeated messages and push-button options, could soon be at an end. The backlash against anonymous call centres has been given a boost by two new websites which offer advice on beating the computerised system.
A computer answered call will cost a company between 4.5 and 9p per minute, while a call dealt with by a UK-based member of staff would cost between 36 and 55p. Consumer website saynoto0870.com highlights the expensive 08 numbers used by businesses to increase profits.
Log on and you'll find hundreds of geographical numbers of well known companies which enable callers to speak to a member of staff quicker and less expensively.
Visit http://gethuman.com/ and www.saynoto0870.com for more information.
There's no cheat for the speaking clock though
posted by EMW | 9:03:00 PM
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Summer in the City
Summer is here and there’s lots going on in the land of Liverpool.
The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament 2006 starts on 13th June at 11am at
Calderstones Park and will finish on the 18th June 2006, parking is scarce but you can get the number 176 or 177 (Sunday) from Paradise Street which will drop you off at the junction of Beaconsfield Road. Tennis legends such as Pat Cash and Goran Ivanisevic (left) will be playing together with future legends including Andy Murray’s baby brother, Jamie.
The best free African Live Music festival in the UK, Africa Oye (meaning 'it') will be happening in Sefton Park on June 17th and 18th. See their funky website for details.
The Liverpool Comedy Festival which brought a lot of big comedy names to Liverpool last year including Paul Merton and erm Tom O’Connor returns from 13th to 23rd July, Jimmy Carr and Barry Crier will perform and there will be something called bus stop stand up, which if it anything like the Comedy Duck Tour last year comes highly recommended.
With effect from 3rd August and throughout all of August, all the shops in the city centre will be open until 7pm. Cool and the gang!!
There will also be a roller skating rink in Williamson Square so keep your ‘witch hazel’ handy and lets hope the good weather lasts!!
The Liverpool International Tennis Tournament 2006 starts on 13th June at 11am at
Calderstones Park and will finish on the 18th June 2006, parking is scarce but you can get the number 176 or 177 (Sunday) from Paradise Street which will drop you off at the junction of Beaconsfield Road. Tennis legends such as Pat Cash and Goran Ivanisevic (left) will be playing together with future legends including Andy Murray’s baby brother, Jamie.The best free African Live Music festival in the UK, Africa Oye (meaning 'it') will be happening in Sefton Park on June 17th and 18th. See their funky website for details.
The Liverpool Comedy Festival which brought a lot of big comedy names to Liverpool last year including Paul Merton and erm Tom O’Connor returns from 13th to 23rd July, Jimmy Carr and Barry Crier will perform and there will be something called bus stop stand up, which if it anything like the Comedy Duck Tour last year comes highly recommended.
With effect from 3rd August and throughout all of August, all the shops in the city centre will be open until 7pm. Cool and the gang!!
There will also be a roller skating rink in Williamson Square so keep your ‘witch hazel’ handy and lets hope the good weather lasts!!
posted by EMW | 8:31:00 PM
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Pi
I'm loving Kate Bush. After a 12 year absence to raise her daughter which is commendable enough Kate Bush returned looking as if she hadn't aged (much) with a album which contains the stranage sound world of her old music yet it remains very fresh, modern and typically eccentric.
Ariel is a double album and, like most doubles, it has its ponderous moments. Thankfully, it also contains half-a-dozen tracks that are as good as anything she has done, and its closing three songs, 'Somewhere In Between', 'Nocturn' and 'Ariel', represents the most joyous and euphoric finale to an album that you will hear all year.
If the recent single and opening track, 'King of the Mountain', showed perhaps there is a newfound maturity in her voice, it also confirmed the continuous sophistication of her lyrics. Who else inhabits the kind of twisted world where Elvis morphs into Citizen Kane? And who else would have written a homage to pi? “3.1415,” she coos over a rich bed of acoustic guitars. “926535,” she continues. I love this one, why haven't people sang numbers before. It takes me back to learning my times tables.
The second half of Ariel abounds with twittering birdscapes, melting suns, Rolf Harris's voice and artists who morph into their paintings, the whole shebang culminating with that extraordinary trio of songs in which Kate seems to merge with the birdsong. There really is no one quite like her.
I also like, 'Mrs Bartolozzi', in which a life of domestic drudgery is suddenly transformed into something magically sensual just by watching a blouse and a pair of trousers intertwining in a washing machine. That's the chorus by the way, 'Washing Machineeeeeeeeee'................only Kate Bush, I wish I was that imaginative.
Ariel is a double album and, like most doubles, it has its ponderous moments. Thankfully, it also contains half-a-dozen tracks that are as good as anything she has done, and its closing three songs, 'Somewhere In Between', 'Nocturn' and 'Ariel', represents the most joyous and euphoric finale to an album that you will hear all year.
If the recent single and opening track, 'King of the Mountain', showed perhaps there is a newfound maturity in her voice, it also confirmed the continuous sophistication of her lyrics. Who else inhabits the kind of twisted world where Elvis morphs into Citizen Kane? And who else would have written a homage to pi? “3.1415,” she coos over a rich bed of acoustic guitars. “926535,” she continues. I love this one, why haven't people sang numbers before. It takes me back to learning my times tables.
The second half of Ariel abounds with twittering birdscapes, melting suns, Rolf Harris's voice and artists who morph into their paintings, the whole shebang culminating with that extraordinary trio of songs in which Kate seems to merge with the birdsong. There really is no one quite like her.
I also like, 'Mrs Bartolozzi', in which a life of domestic drudgery is suddenly transformed into something magically sensual just by watching a blouse and a pair of trousers intertwining in a washing machine. That's the chorus by the way, 'Washing Machineeeeeeeeee'................only Kate Bush, I wish I was that imaginative.
posted by EMW | 8:27:00 PM
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Crack is Wack Hola
I have still not recovered from my Pink Panther ring tone going off at a funeral. It was some years ago now, but it still, to this days makes me feel queazy. Ever since then I have had 'discreet' mode, my phone doesn't even ring it just bleeps once and vibrates as if it's going to take off.
I remember going to the Lake District and walking in a wood with my sister. I heard Peter Key's voice seemingly from behind a tree, "Can you hear me, can you hear me, now? said the familiar Bolton accent. I was stunned, what a coincidence, Peter Kay out in the sticks too. But then my sister got her phone out of her pocket and read the text she had been sent.
People's choice of ring tone, must speak volumes about them, a new method of psychology perhaps.
Last week when we where looking round houses in Bebbington, during a deep discussion about rent and council tax the Cricket theme started playing in it's full glory with drum and cymbal start, organ and maybe even a steele band. The conversation stopped dead and my sister (again) red faced fished the offending mobile phone from her bag and ended the call. Then 'Crack in Wack Hola' was shouted from the abyss of her bag, presumably a text saying, 'did you just hang up on me, or alternatively Tim Westwood had somehow pimped his ride into my sister's handbag.
This phr
ase was coined from an interview Westwood did with Big Brother presenter and ex cocaine addict, Russell Band. Throughout the interview Westwood kept referring to Brand's ex addiction, with comments like 'Rehab must have been very boring' and ended the interview by congratulating Brand on giving up the drug, saying as Whitney says, 'Crack is Wack Hola'.
Westwood's pearls of wisdom 'Crack is Wack Hola' or 'Strap it up before you lap it up' (oh gawd) can be heard at and downloaded from the following link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/scottmills/features/downloads.shtml
I remember going to the Lake District and walking in a wood with my sister. I heard Peter Key's voice seemingly from behind a tree, "Can you hear me, can you hear me, now? said the familiar Bolton accent. I was stunned, what a coincidence, Peter Kay out in the sticks too. But then my sister got her phone out of her pocket and read the text she had been sent.
People's choice of ring tone, must speak volumes about them, a new method of psychology perhaps.
Last week when we where looking round houses in Bebbington, during a deep discussion about rent and council tax the Cricket theme started playing in it's full glory with drum and cymbal start, organ and maybe even a steele band. The conversation stopped dead and my sister (again) red faced fished the offending mobile phone from her bag and ended the call. Then 'Crack in Wack Hola' was shouted from the abyss of her bag, presumably a text saying, 'did you just hang up on me, or alternatively Tim Westwood had somehow pimped his ride into my sister's handbag.
This phr
ase was coined from an interview Westwood did with Big Brother presenter and ex cocaine addict, Russell Band. Throughout the interview Westwood kept referring to Brand's ex addiction, with comments like 'Rehab must have been very boring' and ended the interview by congratulating Brand on giving up the drug, saying as Whitney says, 'Crack is Wack Hola'.Westwood's pearls of wisdom 'Crack is Wack Hola' or 'Strap it up before you lap it up' (oh gawd) can be heard at and downloaded from the following link:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio1/scottmills/features/downloads.shtml
posted by EMW | 8:20:00 PM
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Famous "Daniels's" on eBay
I bought an Ella Fitzgerald CD off eBay as I was feeling a little jazzy and it was only £1.00 with £1.00 postage and packaging. A bargain. The seller was called 'Pauline' and her tag pointed towards a mad Evertonian, middle aged, amusing scouser. I decided to send payment as my paypal is a bit iffy for some reason. Her payment address was somewhere posh in Birkenhead (this is not a contradiction in terms) and her surname was 'Daniels'. Could this be Pauline Daniels Liverpool Comedienne and actress, so I though I'd be cheeky and put a little note with my payment asking if she was THE Pauline Daniels of stage and screen and feedback from 'Pauline' said, 'cheers and yes, the very same!!'
Ha ha! So you never know who you could be trading with. I heard Paul O'Grady on his chat show saying that he was addicted to eBay, so with my addcition and his addiction, it's only a matter of time before our paths cross. I will keep you posted on what he's selling or perhaps more interestingly what he's buying!!
I was, however, verily scared to discover the following blog : http://pdet.blogspot.com/ 'Pdet' stands for Paul Daniels eBay transactions here is the blurb,
'Paul Daniels is regarded by many to be the best magician in the world. It's pretty hard to argue with that. He also uses ebay to buy and sell. This blog charts his ebay life, telling you what this most entertaining character has bought and sold.'
Whoever/whatever next???
Ha ha! So you never know who you could be trading with. I heard Paul O'Grady on his chat show saying that he was addicted to eBay, so with my addcition and his addiction, it's only a matter of time before our paths cross. I will keep you posted on what he's selling or perhaps more interestingly what he's buying!!
I was, however, verily scared to discover the following blog : http://pdet.blogspot.com/ 'Pdet' stands for Paul Daniels eBay transactions here is the blurb,
'Paul Daniels is regarded by many to be the best magician in the world. It's pretty hard to argue with that. He also uses ebay to buy and sell. This blog charts his ebay life, telling you what this most entertaining character has bought and sold.'
Whoever/whatever next???
posted by EMW | 8:17:00 PM
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Friday, June 09, 2006
Wednesday Bloody Wednesday Again!!
I can't believe it, two exciting events are being held again on Wednesday night, admittedly, if I run I could go to 30 minutes of one and all of the other, but it's Sign Language class night and I missed last weeks due to the Sir Peter Blake or Walk the Line Dilemma. Since when has Wednesday night been so popular? Firstly, we have Mike McCartney, Joe Riley the Echo Arts Editor, Professor John Ashton Regional Director of Public Health for the North West and Steve Burnett Chief Executive of the Royal Liver Assurance are joining Garston artist Alex Corina to launch Chris Vine's picture the Meccano Liver Bird. Anyone who has been to 3345 will have seen this gracing the wall, together with 4 other prints of Vine's Liverpool themed creations (including Mona Lennon, left). The event will take place in the Atrium of the Liver Building between 5-30 and 8pm.Then at 6 pm until 8pm at the Princes Road Synagogue (corner of Selbourne St L8) Lloyd Grossman will be in conversation with Professor John Belchem (editor of Liverpool 800 - Culture, Character and History) this is the final event in this series of Liverpool 800 'conversations' takes place in the glorious surroundings of the Princes Road Synagogue; one of the outstanding places of Jewish worship in the world. Lloyd’s guest is Professor John Belchem who is widely recognised as a leading expert on the cosmopolitan history of Liverpool and who has written widely on the subject. His much praised work 'Merseypride - essays on Liverpool exceptionally' has recently been re-printed and has again won widespread praise from the critics. As we celebrate our Capital of Culture status and yet reflect on the horror of Anthony Walker's murder, it is an appropriate moment to think about our city's cosmopolitan past and its cultural future. Liverpool was once undoubtedly 'the world in one city' and was hailed as 'Europe's New York', but it has become one of Europe's least ethnically and culturally varied cities. How did this happen, what does it mean for contemporary Liverpool and how will it impact upon the future of our city? There is plenty of room for everyone in the synagogue, but entrance is on a first come first served basis with no reservations and no tickets.
After this I could go for 1 hour of sign language and then a much needed alcoholic beverage. Phew!
posted by EMW | 10:12:00 PM
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