I still can't summon up the enthusiasm to write a blog post myself, but I want to share this great piece by Curtise of The Secondhand Years on the Sheffield music scene.
By mad coincidence, on that very same night, I saw Heaven 17 in Birmingham at the Only After Dark club night. Jasmine Storm has written a fab review of our adventures here.
I didn't quiz Martyn Ware about the milk bottle story. Oh well, next time ...
Irritable Owl Syndrome
Sunday, 24 March 2013
Saturday, 29 December 2012
In the Bleak Midwinter
The Montol Festival is a revival of the traditional Winter Solstice celebrations of West Penwith, Cornwall. It is the counterpoint to the Golowan Midsummer Festival, which I have written about previously. Montol takes place on 21 December in Penzance, and celebrates the death and rebirth of the Sun.
A lantern-lit procession meets at St John's Hall before walking, accompanied by traditional music, up to Lescudjack Hillfort, an ancient fortress site, to watch The Lord of Misrule light the beacon. This is followed by dancing, drumming, and other mischief.
Participants are encouraged to dress in 'posh tatters' and Venetian style masks.
The Lord of Misrule is chosen rather differently to Midsummer's Mock Mayor. Anyone in full Montol costume can ask the Master of Revels for a bean, and if you chose the 'Montol Bean', you are the Lead Guiser for the night's festivities. (You may be as delighted as I was to hear that members of local authorities, MPs, and members of the House of Lords are ineligible.)
Of course, it was absolutely peeing down with rain. Cornwall has once again been battered by storms and floods recently. The Cornish are no strangers to the heartache the weather can bring at this time of year. 19 December marks the anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster. Frugal Queen wrote a beautiful and moving post about this last year. (A word of caution; if you are going to listen to the audio link, have a box of tissues to hand, and be aware it will stay with you forever.)
On a lighter note, I already have my next trip to Penzance planned, along with a lot of other cool stuff for next year. I really need to focus and raise my game in various areas though, and sadly, I can't see blogging making the cut. But I wish everyone all the very best for the coming year, and fervently hope we will indeed see the rebirth of the Sun in the UK in 2013!!
A lantern-lit procession meets at St John's Hall before walking, accompanied by traditional music, up to Lescudjack Hillfort, an ancient fortress site, to watch The Lord of Misrule light the beacon. This is followed by dancing, drumming, and other mischief.
Participants are encouraged to dress in 'posh tatters' and Venetian style masks.
 |
| Very wet 'tatters'! |
The Lord of Misrule is chosen rather differently to Midsummer's Mock Mayor. Anyone in full Montol costume can ask the Master of Revels for a bean, and if you chose the 'Montol Bean', you are the Lead Guiser for the night's festivities. (You may be as delighted as I was to hear that members of local authorities, MPs, and members of the House of Lords are ineligible.)
 |
| The Master of Revels on the left, the Lord of Misrule on the right |
Of course, it was absolutely peeing down with rain. Cornwall has once again been battered by storms and floods recently. The Cornish are no strangers to the heartache the weather can bring at this time of year. 19 December marks the anniversary of the Penlee Lifeboat disaster. Frugal Queen wrote a beautiful and moving post about this last year. (A word of caution; if you are going to listen to the audio link, have a box of tissues to hand, and be aware it will stay with you forever.)
On a lighter note, I already have my next trip to Penzance planned, along with a lot of other cool stuff for next year. I really need to focus and raise my game in various areas though, and sadly, I can't see blogging making the cut. But I wish everyone all the very best for the coming year, and fervently hope we will indeed see the rebirth of the Sun in the UK in 2013!!
Sunday, 2 December 2012
Walk Like A Man
Braving the freezing temperatures, I headed off to the city centre last night.
I was in town last weekend for a fabulous day rummaging around the 'vintage quarter' of Digbeth with blogging babes Vix of Vintage Vixen, and Jo of Joyatri. Being the useless twerp that I am, I forgot my camera, but you can read about our adventures (with photos!) on my girls' blogs via the links.
Last night I did take my camera with me, for a gig at a city centre pub.
Before leaving the house, I fortified myself with a cocktail from Peetee's Palace. This was a blend of mango, passion fruit and pineapple juice, with a good measure of vodka. I did think it might be a bit too sweet, but the vodka cuts through and makes for a delicious, refreshing, and rather too quaffable drink.
This is henceforth to be known chez moi as 'Krista's Tropical 'Tini'
Back to the gig. This was in aid of Movember, when guys grow moustaches through the month of November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Richard from Midlands Metalheads had his beard shaved off on stage. Good man!
There were loads of people there and they raised about £480 for the charity, which is a very good thing.
But I must admit I was a bit disappointed by the quality of 'taches on display. Obviously there was a plethora of metal facial hair ...
but I was hoping to see at least a Poirot
or better yet, a Magnum P.I.
or the ulitmate, a Jason King
Thankfully, my mate and I were prepared, and determined to ensure standards were met. Unfortunately, I had had a couple of pints by the time I put my 'tache on, so it's a bit skew-whiff. Oh well!
The faux fur collar I am wearing was made for me by Vix, and I have not taken it off all week. It goes with everything and keeps my neck toasty.
Apparently Jason King was the inspiration for Mike Myers' Austin Powers wardrobe. I have a sudden fancy to watch some of the old Department S tv series, but for now I will settle for this.
I was in town last weekend for a fabulous day rummaging around the 'vintage quarter' of Digbeth with blogging babes Vix of Vintage Vixen, and Jo of Joyatri. Being the useless twerp that I am, I forgot my camera, but you can read about our adventures (with photos!) on my girls' blogs via the links.
Last night I did take my camera with me, for a gig at a city centre pub.
Before leaving the house, I fortified myself with a cocktail from Peetee's Palace. This was a blend of mango, passion fruit and pineapple juice, with a good measure of vodka. I did think it might be a bit too sweet, but the vodka cuts through and makes for a delicious, refreshing, and rather too quaffable drink.
This is henceforth to be known chez moi as 'Krista's Tropical 'Tini'
Back to the gig. This was in aid of Movember, when guys grow moustaches through the month of November to raise funds and awareness for men’s health, specifically prostate cancer and testicular cancer.
Richard from Midlands Metalheads had his beard shaved off on stage. Good man!
There were loads of people there and they raised about £480 for the charity, which is a very good thing.
But I must admit I was a bit disappointed by the quality of 'taches on display. Obviously there was a plethora of metal facial hair ...
but I was hoping to see at least a Poirot
 |
| Photo - Wikipedia |
or better yet, a Magnum P.I.
 |
| Photo - magnumtv.com |
or the ulitmate, a Jason King
 |
| Photo - Wikipedia |
Thankfully, my mate and I were prepared, and determined to ensure standards were met. Unfortunately, I had had a couple of pints by the time I put my 'tache on, so it's a bit skew-whiff. Oh well!
The faux fur collar I am wearing was made for me by Vix, and I have not taken it off all week. It goes with everything and keeps my neck toasty.
Apparently Jason King was the inspiration for Mike Myers' Austin Powers wardrobe. I have a sudden fancy to watch some of the old Department S tv series, but for now I will settle for this.
Monday, 12 November 2012
And I'm Far, Far Away
On Saturday, armed only with a map and compass, I set off for the furthest reaches of the Black Country. Wolverhampton.*
My first stop was a vintage fair at a pub in the town centre. The fair was very well done, with great stalls, retro cocktails and music. But I'd really dropped by to see the lovely Vix from Vintage Vixen, who was selling some fabulous vintage wares. After trying on a couple of beautiful dresses which unfortunately didn't quite fit me properly, I struck gold with this. (The photo doesn't do it justice, the colours are really vibrant, and it's a gorgeous lightweight fabric.)
I also got this lovely leather cuff. It was made locally at the Walsall Leather Museum. I think Vix said it was some sort of second, but I can't see anything wrong with it.
It was lovely to meet up with Vix again. You can read about her day at the fair and check out her fab stall here.
For me, it was across town to The Slade Rooms for a gig by some local metal bands.
The Slade Rooms are named after Wolverhampton rockers Slade, whose photos adorn the bar. I've always thought Slade were a bit underrated. I blame it on that Christmas song. Anyway, it was good to get out to some live music again. For various reasons, my gig-going this year has been woeful. The last gig I went to was back in September when I saw the wonderful Marc Almond at Birmingham's Symphony Hall. (That gig is worth a blog post itself, but fortunately I don't have to do it because The Baron at The Hearing Aid has already done an excellent one here.) I don't have any photos from Saturday because I only had my phone with me, but it was a good night.
Interestingly, The Little Civic referred to on my backstage pass closed a few years ago, but Vix reminded me that it was the venue of today's fair - now the Numa Bar, which is named after electro pioneer Gary Numan. He is playing Wolverhampton next month, so I may be forced to return soon!
*I'm just kidding. Wolvo is fine, and I go there quite often. It's just that there's an urban myth around these parts that Brummies will never venture into The Land of the Yam Yams, and vice versa. I'm also joking about being a ligger. Even if I have a backstage pass I always pay for a ticket. Need to support our musicians! :)
My first stop was a vintage fair at a pub in the town centre. The fair was very well done, with great stalls, retro cocktails and music. But I'd really dropped by to see the lovely Vix from Vintage Vixen, who was selling some fabulous vintage wares. After trying on a couple of beautiful dresses which unfortunately didn't quite fit me properly, I struck gold with this. (The photo doesn't do it justice, the colours are really vibrant, and it's a gorgeous lightweight fabric.)
 |
| Dollyrockers! |
I also got this lovely leather cuff. It was made locally at the Walsall Leather Museum. I think Vix said it was some sort of second, but I can't see anything wrong with it.
It was lovely to meet up with Vix again. You can read about her day at the fair and check out her fab stall here.
For me, it was across town to The Slade Rooms for a gig by some local metal bands.
 |
| Ligger alert! |
The Slade Rooms are named after Wolverhampton rockers Slade, whose photos adorn the bar. I've always thought Slade were a bit underrated. I blame it on that Christmas song. Anyway, it was good to get out to some live music again. For various reasons, my gig-going this year has been woeful. The last gig I went to was back in September when I saw the wonderful Marc Almond at Birmingham's Symphony Hall. (That gig is worth a blog post itself, but fortunately I don't have to do it because The Baron at The Hearing Aid has already done an excellent one here.) I don't have any photos from Saturday because I only had my phone with me, but it was a good night.
Interestingly, The Little Civic referred to on my backstage pass closed a few years ago, but Vix reminded me that it was the venue of today's fair - now the Numa Bar, which is named after electro pioneer Gary Numan. He is playing Wolverhampton next month, so I may be forced to return soon!
*I'm just kidding. Wolvo is fine, and I go there quite often. It's just that there's an urban myth around these parts that Brummies will never venture into The Land of the Yam Yams, and vice versa. I'm also joking about being a ligger. Even if I have a backstage pass I always pay for a ticket. Need to support our musicians! :)
Wednesday, 10 October 2012
Let us be inspired by like and love
I was going to do a post on the Birmingham Book Festival, which is now in full swing, but something came up. The vile Conservatives decided to besmirch my fair city with their annual conference (again!). Such things are not to be taken lying down, and so off I trundled on Sunday to take part in a protest demo (which predictably did not make the national news. Quelle surprise).
There were dhol drummers and a colliery band. (This is what happens when you have the Musicians Union on your team.)
And I managed to catch up with old comrades.
Anyway, the unspeakable Tory swine have buggered off now, and tonight I went to my third Book Festival event.
I've already had a rhyming prescription from The Emergency Poet, 'Dr' Deborah Alma, who operates out of a vintage 1960s ambulance.
And I've also been to a talk and reading by the lovely poet Simon Armitage, who was actually talking about his latest prose book 'Walking Home'
Tonight, it was a talk by the philosopher Ray Tallis on the defence of Wonder Much food for thought. One of the questions asked of him was along the lines of whether capitialism had corrupted the 'communal mind energy' of the people. I wonder what Billy would think!
There were dhol drummers and a colliery band. (This is what happens when you have the Musicians Union on your team.)
And I managed to catch up with old comrades.
Anyway, the unspeakable Tory swine have buggered off now, and tonight I went to my third Book Festival event.
I've already had a rhyming prescription from The Emergency Poet, 'Dr' Deborah Alma, who operates out of a vintage 1960s ambulance.
 |
| Photo from Birmingham Book Festival |
And I've also been to a talk and reading by the lovely poet Simon Armitage, who was actually talking about his latest prose book 'Walking Home'
Tonight, it was a talk by the philosopher Ray Tallis on the defence of Wonder Much food for thought. One of the questions asked of him was along the lines of whether capitialism had corrupted the 'communal mind energy' of the people. I wonder what Billy would think!
Tuesday, 18 September 2012
Listen to the Voice of Buddha
Just dropping by because I promised Desiree at Pull Your Socks Up! that I would post a photo of my 'Royal Garden'. Stop sniggering at the back, I mean of course my Sassy Vamps headband.
It arrived just in time for my trip to Ibiza.
Anyway, since I missed the blogger meet-up when Krista was over here, I am off to see what every-one has been up to. Adios for now.
Friday, 10 August 2012
She reads Simone de Beauvoir
Flighty creature that I am, I have lost interest in this blogging lark already. Partly this is because I have other things I want to put my energy into. But also, I have come to the conclusion that I much more enjoy reading other people's blogs than writing one.
I read a lot, but in spite of having a huge backlog of books to get through, I can't stop buying more. This is my latest batch.
I thought the Solzhenitsyn might be hard going, but I had a quick glance through and it seems a pretty easy read. Though perhaps not as easy as Tintin.
And on Monday night I met local bestselling crime writer R J Ellory and so have added another book to my stash, and even more to my 'must-read' list. At the rate I'm going, I will end up in a Channel 4 documentary before long. *Sigh*
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I was browsing Oxfam's online website when I came across this book.
The blurb on the back says "During the last six years of her life, the philospher, feminist, novelist and author of the landmark work The Second Sex, gave Deirdre Bair her unqualified co-operation and time. In interviews she provided new insights and material that are central to understanding her life and work".
I've always been fascinated by Beauvoir. It's true she didn't always practice what she preached, but then neither do I. And she always looked so stylish. (Yes, I am that shallow.)
In her excellent biography of Beauvoir, Lisa Appignanesi describes her own feelings growing up about the relationship between Beauvoir and Sartre, saying "They were the Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall of the intellectual world, partners in a gloriously modern love affair". Just how I felt. So you can imagine my disappointment when the book turned up, and the text was in the tiniest font imaginable. Glasses, I hear you say? Glasses? I would need the bloody Hubble Telescope to read it!
So for now at least, Beauvoir's new insights will have to remain a mystery to me. However, there's another mystery. Whilst I was flicking through the book and muttering darkly, a loose photograph fell out.
There's no date or name on the back, but I would love to know who had the book before me, and whether this is a photo of them or a relative, and were they using the photo as a bookmark, or did it get in there by accident?
I was in two minds whether I should post some-one's photo without their permission. But a check of the bus in the background reveals it dates back to the 1960s, and the woman looks happy, so I thought it would be OK. But if you know this woman, or indeed are she, let me know and I will take it down.
Anyway, that's it, at least for the time being. Take it away Lloyd!
I read a lot, but in spite of having a huge backlog of books to get through, I can't stop buying more. This is my latest batch.
I thought the Solzhenitsyn might be hard going, but I had a quick glance through and it seems a pretty easy read. Though perhaps not as easy as Tintin.
And on Monday night I met local bestselling crime writer R J Ellory and so have added another book to my stash, and even more to my 'must-read' list. At the rate I'm going, I will end up in a Channel 4 documentary before long. *Sigh*
Anyway, a couple of weeks ago, I was browsing Oxfam's online website when I came across this book.
The blurb on the back says "During the last six years of her life, the philospher, feminist, novelist and author of the landmark work The Second Sex, gave Deirdre Bair her unqualified co-operation and time. In interviews she provided new insights and material that are central to understanding her life and work".
I've always been fascinated by Beauvoir. It's true she didn't always practice what she preached, but then neither do I. And she always looked so stylish. (Yes, I am that shallow.)
In her excellent biography of Beauvoir, Lisa Appignanesi describes her own feelings growing up about the relationship between Beauvoir and Sartre, saying "They were the Humphrey Bogart and Lauren Bacall of the intellectual world, partners in a gloriously modern love affair". Just how I felt. So you can imagine my disappointment when the book turned up, and the text was in the tiniest font imaginable. Glasses, I hear you say? Glasses? I would need the bloody Hubble Telescope to read it!
So for now at least, Beauvoir's new insights will have to remain a mystery to me. However, there's another mystery. Whilst I was flicking through the book and muttering darkly, a loose photograph fell out.
There's no date or name on the back, but I would love to know who had the book before me, and whether this is a photo of them or a relative, and were they using the photo as a bookmark, or did it get in there by accident?
I was in two minds whether I should post some-one's photo without their permission. But a check of the bus in the background reveals it dates back to the 1960s, and the woman looks happy, so I thought it would be OK. But if you know this woman, or indeed are she, let me know and I will take it down.
Anyway, that's it, at least for the time being. Take it away Lloyd!
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