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The incremental gardener
Apr. 8th, 2017 02:10 pmAnother sunny day prompted me to further glorification of the spaces out front and back of the house.
Today it was, by way of the famed stall at the top of Walthamstow High Street, the planting out of French Marigolds, Sage, Thyme and Lavender. I try to keep the front of the house as the 'low maintenance' space - wherein things that either grow like crazy or require minimal watering are to be found.
Right now the "right hand" side of the front garden is about to erupt in its annual show of colour by the self-seeded Bluebells. The left hand side was the recipient of the new Thyme and Lavender. Definitely upping the fragrant profile out front - just hope the Wild Marjoram/Oregano does as well this year as it did in the last...
Today it was, by way of the famed stall at the top of Walthamstow High Street, the planting out of French Marigolds, Sage, Thyme and Lavender. I try to keep the front of the house as the 'low maintenance' space - wherein things that either grow like crazy or require minimal watering are to be found.
Right now the "right hand" side of the front garden is about to erupt in its annual show of colour by the self-seeded Bluebells. The left hand side was the recipient of the new Thyme and Lavender. Definitely upping the fragrant profile out front - just hope the Wild Marjoram/Oregano does as well this year as it did in the last...
On not being a total book Junkie
Apr. 7th, 2017 07:48 pmThe past two days have been another test of character.
Yesterday, I had occasion to walk between two points - the line connecting them went past both Judd Books and Skoob... Of course I went in and looked around both - but - bought none of the volumes therein that interested me.
Today, it was the lunchtime stroll through Bloomsbury - again - book shops were entered, the contents examined - but nothing was bought.
Such small steps, but they perceptibly lifted my spirits.
Yesterday, I had occasion to walk between two points - the line connecting them went past both Judd Books and Skoob... Of course I went in and looked around both - but - bought none of the volumes therein that interested me.
Today, it was the lunchtime stroll through Bloomsbury - again - book shops were entered, the contents examined - but nothing was bought.
Such small steps, but they perceptibly lifted my spirits.
The Pigeon Tunnel
Jan. 14th, 2017 02:43 pmThe Pigeon Tunnel is the latest book by John Le Carre, and a complete change from his previous output, being a non-fiction work.
Reading this book addresses a *very* long hiatus on my part, since my previous binge reading of JLC was prompted by the first screening of the BBC adaptation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Oh yes, so taken was I by Arthur Hopcraft's adaptation, and Alec Guinness's personification of George Smiley, that I immediately read the book and quickly followed it up by buying and reading all of his remaining output up to that time (c.1979-80).
Having subsequently neglected the rest of his output for a few decades, I was curious enough to see how his writing style stood up outside a fictional narrative. Also, I was prompted by a professional interest in items that garner a good number of library issues. Quite impressed by these memoirs for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the serious effort that he put into researching the background for his works, which has taken him into the dodgier corners of Lebanon, the Congo and Russia.
Glad to say that the quality of his prose remains as high as ever, and that the memoirs recount things and people even more remarkable than their fictional counterparts. Perhaps, I might now get round to reading the rest of his output from the last twenty-five or so years?
Reading this book addresses a *very* long hiatus on my part, since my previous binge reading of JLC was prompted by the first screening of the BBC adaptation of Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy. Oh yes, so taken was I by Arthur Hopcraft's adaptation, and Alec Guinness's personification of George Smiley, that I immediately read the book and quickly followed it up by buying and reading all of his remaining output up to that time (c.1979-80).
Having subsequently neglected the rest of his output for a few decades, I was curious enough to see how his writing style stood up outside a fictional narrative. Also, I was prompted by a professional interest in items that garner a good number of library issues. Quite impressed by these memoirs for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the serious effort that he put into researching the background for his works, which has taken him into the dodgier corners of Lebanon, the Congo and Russia.
Glad to say that the quality of his prose remains as high as ever, and that the memoirs recount things and people even more remarkable than their fictional counterparts. Perhaps, I might now get round to reading the rest of his output from the last twenty-five or so years?
'Tis a a gift to be simple
Jan. 14th, 2017 09:09 amNo, not going into a rendition of the well-known Shaker tune.
After having neglected this channel for a *long* time, my first impression is of how much easier on the eye is the plain layout here.
Unlike some more, er, recent social media channels.
After having neglected this channel for a *long* time, my first impression is of how much easier on the eye is the plain layout here.
Unlike some more, er, recent social media channels.
Mr Highstone's Sunday Afternoon service
Oct. 13th, 2013 10:09 pmSpent another pleasant afternoon in what-is-rapidly-becoming the musical centre of North East London - Gants Hill.
The monthly rehearsal of the NMC saw me trying to shake off the influence of a certain Canadian Astronaut, and actually read what is written in the arrangement. I even managed to consistently substitute 'hours' for 'times' in the lyrics, although I only once substituted 'Dustmen' for 'Doctors' in another piece.
The monthly rehearsal of the NMC saw me trying to shake off the influence of a certain Canadian Astronaut, and actually read what is written in the arrangement. I even managed to consistently substitute 'hours' for 'times' in the lyrics, although I only once substituted 'Dustmen' for 'Doctors' in another piece.
Boycotting as a by-product of frugality
Oct. 12th, 2013 01:36 pmLike so many folk in these straitened times , I have taken a good long hard look at monetary outgoings, and acted to reduce same.
One of these was to switch my big food buys from Tesco (nearest to the house), and switch to Lidl and Iceland. Basically this was just down to simple price comparisons - (same/similar goods) - and I decided that Tesco had crossed the border into what is colloquially known as "taking the piss". Nothing, I might add to do with LRH's infamous Science of Diuretics.
Anyway, having changed my retail behaviour, I found that I had unknowingly fulfilled another desired change: boycotting the Government's pernicious 'Workfare' scheme partners. This being a scheme whereby the Taxpayer subsidises the wage bill of participating firms. Touted as a way of getting people back into work, it means that the unemployed have to take part in order to get their assistance money. All very well, but if the work is being paid for de facto by the Taxpayer, (you and I), why is it that Tesco (or whoever) cannot pay wages for these jobs - and make the 'unemployed', employed?
Found about participants in the scheme via the handily titled 'Boycott Workfare' website: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/
Looking down the list of the Guilty, I was pleased to see that Lidl and Iceland were *not* among the National Companies so listed:
http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?page_id=16
Although it might be added that Tesco currently have 3,000 placements that we know about.
Rather than bang on about all the participants, it is perhaps heartening to mention the retail firms *not* listed: Aldi, The Co-Op, Waitrose, and as I said, Lidl and Iceland. Of course, my own small grocery bill might not amount to much, but how many more people acting on this might cause a change of policy? Dare one hope that thousands of people changing their buying behaviour would have a noticeable effect - one less taxpayer hand-out for HMG's corporate friends and sponsors.
One of these was to switch my big food buys from Tesco (nearest to the house), and switch to Lidl and Iceland. Basically this was just down to simple price comparisons - (same/similar goods) - and I decided that Tesco had crossed the border into what is colloquially known as "taking the piss". Nothing, I might add to do with LRH's infamous Science of Diuretics.
Anyway, having changed my retail behaviour, I found that I had unknowingly fulfilled another desired change: boycotting the Government's pernicious 'Workfare' scheme partners. This being a scheme whereby the Taxpayer subsidises the wage bill of participating firms. Touted as a way of getting people back into work, it means that the unemployed have to take part in order to get their assistance money. All very well, but if the work is being paid for de facto by the Taxpayer, (you and I), why is it that Tesco (or whoever) cannot pay wages for these jobs - and make the 'unemployed', employed?
Found about participants in the scheme via the handily titled 'Boycott Workfare' website: http://www.boycottworkfare.org/
Looking down the list of the Guilty, I was pleased to see that Lidl and Iceland were *not* among the National Companies so listed:
http://www.boycottworkfare.org/?page_id=16
Although it might be added that Tesco currently have 3,000 placements that we know about.
Rather than bang on about all the participants, it is perhaps heartening to mention the retail firms *not* listed: Aldi, The Co-Op, Waitrose, and as I said, Lidl and Iceland. Of course, my own small grocery bill might not amount to much, but how many more people acting on this might cause a change of policy? Dare one hope that thousands of people changing their buying behaviour would have a noticeable effect - one less taxpayer hand-out for HMG's corporate friends and sponsors.
Post Boxing Day photos
Dec. 27th, 2012 07:28 pmWas out following Chingford Morris (again) yesterday, as they did their traditional Boxing Day tour...
Took a number of pictures, and have posted up a selection thereof here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrydart2001/sets/72157632353455193
Took a number of pictures, and have posted up a selection thereof here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/larrydart2001/sets/72157632353455193
The Mikado redux - on Video!
Sep. 24th, 2012 12:10 pmGlad to say I finally got my DVD of 'The Mikado' I sang in May this year with Chapel End Savoy Players.
Here is an extract from same, wherein I get to be one quarter of the Act 2 quartet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM8qa-P43eE&feature=plcp
Here is an extract from same, wherein I get to be one quarter of the Act 2 quartet:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XM8qa-P43eE&feature=plcp
Diction Fail
Sep. 24th, 2012 11:19 am"Sea Kelp! Sea Kelp!" said a loud voice behind me.
I turned round and saw a woman confronting a gentleman who was sartorially and hygienically challenged.
Did she mean "Seek Help" I wonder? I thought, this could be another example of Care in the Community, but these days the Community
does not care...
I turned round and saw a woman confronting a gentleman who was sartorially and hygienically challenged.
Did she mean "Seek Help" I wonder? I thought, this could be another example of Care in the Community, but these days the Community
does not care...
My current project - "The Mikado"
Apr. 27th, 2012 09:57 pmAs you might have guessed from this link, my current musical project is as a cast member of "The Mikado", the main Chapel End Savoy Players production for 2012.
I get to play 'Pish Tush' who sings a rather fun plot-explanation song in Act 1 - just one part of a diverting evening for those who have the ticket money. For your outlay, you will get the full deal (orchestra, full lighting rig, costumes) and CESP doing the business with Gilbert and Sullivan's best known work...
www.flickr.com/photos/larrydart2001/6973380212/in/photostream
I get to play 'Pish Tush' who sings a rather fun plot-explanation song in Act 1 - just one part of a diverting evening for those who have the ticket money. For your outlay, you will get the full deal (orchestra, full lighting rig, costumes) and CESP doing the business with Gilbert and Sullivan's best known work...
www.flickr.com/photos/larrydart2001/6973380212/in/photostream
The Therapy
Feb. 10th, 2012 10:49 amLike a number of folk, I seem to be currently in thrall to a post-Convention viral ghastly, which leaves me alternating between bed and this keyboard.
Rather than enliven your day with a description of my symptoms, I thought my therapy would be of more interest; the current diversionary fix being a DVD set, The Mind of Mr J. G. Reeder. I have inamac to thank indirectly for this, since she pointed out in her own journal a 40% off sale by Network TV, and I duly went for the above and Nigel Kneale's Beasts.
As many of you know, the J.G. Reeder stories were part of Edgar Wallace's copious output, and said DVDs are the first appearance of these TV adaptations in any format since they were last shown in the 1970s. Since I only read the EW stories once, many years ago, I have no way of quickly checking how much the TV adaptation adds to the original text. But what I see is a rounded and engaging set of dramatisations that seem to live in a very credible Britain of the 1920s. The team of adapters and directors had taken trouble to frame events in a time line that informs the bits of dialogue around the main plot. For instance, we see Mr Reeder on his commuter train reading a newspaper with headlines about the election of the first Ramsay MacDonald administration; later on the blustering Sir Jason Toovey (the DPP) is heard complaining about having to be pleasant to a socialist Home Secretary.
The, dramatisers, directors and script editors do well, but the eponymous lead by Hugh Burden - one of his finest roles - really carries the show. Mr Burden does the self-effacing civil servant to a T, albeit one who suddenly blazes with intent when eliciting the truth from a suspect, or unexpectedly wielding a hand gun when a point *really* has to be made. HB's Reeder is nicely counterpointed by the considerable presence of Willoughby Goddard's Sir Jason Toovey (Director of Public Prosecutions and Reeder's boss).
Even the theme tune is memorable and of the period: 'Banjo Boy' rendered on the instrument you might expect, accompanied by proper 1920s percussion. I would recommend the set, although I fear the sale is over, and you will pay more for it than I did!
Rather than enliven your day with a description of my symptoms, I thought my therapy would be of more interest; the current diversionary fix being a DVD set, The Mind of Mr J. G. Reeder. I have inamac to thank indirectly for this, since she pointed out in her own journal a 40% off sale by Network TV, and I duly went for the above and Nigel Kneale's Beasts.
As many of you know, the J.G. Reeder stories were part of Edgar Wallace's copious output, and said DVDs are the first appearance of these TV adaptations in any format since they were last shown in the 1970s. Since I only read the EW stories once, many years ago, I have no way of quickly checking how much the TV adaptation adds to the original text. But what I see is a rounded and engaging set of dramatisations that seem to live in a very credible Britain of the 1920s. The team of adapters and directors had taken trouble to frame events in a time line that informs the bits of dialogue around the main plot. For instance, we see Mr Reeder on his commuter train reading a newspaper with headlines about the election of the first Ramsay MacDonald administration; later on the blustering Sir Jason Toovey (the DPP) is heard complaining about having to be pleasant to a socialist Home Secretary.
The, dramatisers, directors and script editors do well, but the eponymous lead by Hugh Burden - one of his finest roles - really carries the show. Mr Burden does the self-effacing civil servant to a T, albeit one who suddenly blazes with intent when eliciting the truth from a suspect, or unexpectedly wielding a hand gun when a point *really* has to be made. HB's Reeder is nicely counterpointed by the considerable presence of Willoughby Goddard's Sir Jason Toovey (Director of Public Prosecutions and Reeder's boss).
Even the theme tune is memorable and of the period: 'Banjo Boy' rendered on the instrument you might expect, accompanied by proper 1920s percussion. I would recommend the set, although I fear the sale is over, and you will pay more for it than I did!
Back on BBC4
Jan. 30th, 2012 07:31 pmTonight, I make a return appearance on 'Only Connect' - however brief and insignificant - for the Wall Night knockout...
To be sure, I am very much playing second (or third) fiddle to Ken B and Catherine A, but, I have now made it onto the "cultural" channel (BBC4) for a second time!
To be sure, I am very much playing second (or third) fiddle to Ken B and Catherine A, but, I have now made it onto the "cultural" channel (BBC4) for a second time!
Christmas musicks (again)
Dec. 31st, 2011 02:29 pmActually managed to make it to Ilford Hospital Chapel nicely ahead of time for the CESP gig, (for a change!)
We were doing a goodly mixed bag of stuff for the Friends of the Chapel - traditional carols *were* there - but we managed to cover a fair amount of stylistic ground for the rest. Liked the way we could point up contrasts, such as setting Rutter's arrangement of 'Here we come a-wassailing' before a distinctly Folkie rendition of the Somerset Wassail done with beat of drum and ad-lib Steeleye-type harmonies.
Oh yes, we did Victorian sentimentality by way of 'The Broken Slate', Hollywood a-capella (close harmonies) for 'Have yourself a Merry little Christmas', and getting vaguely swinging with 'Jingle Bell Rock'.
Some items really scored with the audience, such as JackieM singing 'What Child is This?' whilst accompanying herself on the harp; Keith was also a hit with his very *authentic* rendering of 'All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth' - the audience enthusiastically joining in the chorus. A few of the choral bits were a bit rough round the edges, (lack of rehearsal time), but the audience didn't seem to notice; and the Friends did not stint the interval hospitality!
Such an amount was left over, that they were urging us to take away bags of cakes and tarts as we headed out to the Pub afterwards. Definitely worth going to a Friends concert as an audience member too - you *will* get fed.
We were doing a goodly mixed bag of stuff for the Friends of the Chapel - traditional carols *were* there - but we managed to cover a fair amount of stylistic ground for the rest. Liked the way we could point up contrasts, such as setting Rutter's arrangement of 'Here we come a-wassailing' before a distinctly Folkie rendition of the Somerset Wassail done with beat of drum and ad-lib Steeleye-type harmonies.
Oh yes, we did Victorian sentimentality by way of 'The Broken Slate', Hollywood a-capella (close harmonies) for 'Have yourself a Merry little Christmas', and getting vaguely swinging with 'Jingle Bell Rock'.
Some items really scored with the audience, such as JackieM singing 'What Child is This?' whilst accompanying herself on the harp; Keith was also a hit with his very *authentic* rendering of 'All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth' - the audience enthusiastically joining in the chorus. A few of the choral bits were a bit rough round the edges, (lack of rehearsal time), but the audience didn't seem to notice; and the Friends did not stint the interval hospitality!
Such an amount was left over, that they were urging us to take away bags of cakes and tarts as we headed out to the Pub afterwards. Definitely worth going to a Friends concert as an audience member too - you *will* get fed.
Another Shameless Plug
Dec. 28th, 2011 02:47 pmThis Friday, 7.30 pm at Ilford Hospital Chapel, Chapel End Savoy Players will be giving a concert of Christmas music and Carols.
Here is a link for the venue: http://www.ilfordhospitalchapel.co.uk/index.html
As you will see, despite having some charming pictures and a location map, the site doesn't actually give details of the concert in the 'forthcoming events'! I contacted the secretary of the Chapel Friends, and she confirmed the following:
"The concert is on sale to the general public and tickets can be bought on the door.Ticket price is £7.50 and accompanied children under 12 are free. The concert will start promptly at 7.30 pm."
Of course, the monies will mostly go to Chapel maintenance, although CESP do get a consideration too. All helps towards the cost of our next production...
Here is a link for the venue: http://www.ilfordhospitalchapel.co.uk/index.html
As you will see, despite having some charming pictures and a location map, the site doesn't actually give details of the concert in the 'forthcoming events'! I contacted the secretary of the Chapel Friends, and she confirmed the following:
"The concert is on sale to the general public and tickets can be bought on the door.Ticket price is £7.50 and accompanied children under 12 are free. The concert will start promptly at 7.30 pm."
Of course, the monies will mostly go to Chapel maintenance, although CESP do get a consideration too. All helps towards the cost of our next production...
Lincolnshire, er, Norfolk Whisky
Dec. 25th, 2011 09:24 amDiscovered this last night.
Was with my next-door-neighbours, Lynn and Norman, for Christmas Eve drinks - and we talked long and animatedly.
As the evening wore on, N showed me his new malt whisky acquistions - one of which was from 'The English Whisky Company'. Having never known or sampled this, I was only too ready to take up an offer of a taste. *Really* rather good, had never imagined that England would be a producer of quality single Malt, but there it was - and from Lincolnshire too...
Oh, and to everyone near and far on the list -hope you are all having a similarly self-indulgent time!
Was with my next-door-neighbours, Lynn and Norman, for Christmas Eve drinks - and we talked long and animatedly.
As the evening wore on, N showed me his new malt whisky acquistions - one of which was from 'The English Whisky Company'. Having never known or sampled this, I was only too ready to take up an offer of a taste. *Really* rather good, had never imagined that England would be a producer of quality single Malt, but there it was - and from Lincolnshire too...
Oh, and to everyone near and far on the list -hope you are all having a similarly self-indulgent time!
Back from the Wake
Dec. 22nd, 2011 05:41 pmYesterday - another sad and beautiful day.
Went down on the train to Salisbury to attend Marisa's funeral and wake. Thought I was going to be my usual incoherent funeral self, and for a while this was so, but I was gradually able to draw myself together and make some small contribution...
Don't think many people on the list here knew Marisa - but for those who did and were there, I think we made a proper and fitting farewell for her. Music was lead by Talis and Chantelle who truly showed great resource in staying on the task in hand - the whole thing was framed in beautiful neo-pagan ceremony conducted by members of M's local circle.
Was most struck by *how* many people attended - it got to the stage where people were being urged to come and fill the seats left up at the front - even so there were still a couple of rows standing once all were inside. I was also attending on JanetJ's behalf, who so wanted to be there, - but December air fares across the pond and other factors prevented her heart-felt wish. Even so, J was there by way of a very moving tribute poem that was read out,
When time came for personal tributes, I felt the sudden urge to get up and say something. Despite having wept my way through most of the ceremony to that point, I was able to get up and string some sentences of vague coherence and reasonable projection; must have got something across, since more than a few people complimented me at the Wake afterwards.
Certainly the Wake was needed and appreciated, a chance to finally talk at length with all of M's relations and friends: dancers, pagans, fen, medievalists and many others. There was talk of some Eastern dancing happening, but as it was, we were all so caught up in talking, eating and drinking that we never got round to it - although there was a rather good doumbek player giving a rhythmic feed to the proceedings. Can see why the venue (Conrans in Salt Lane ) was chosen - aside from being M's "local" - it is a genuine Irish bar and friendly space, only seemed natural to be going from table to table talking and sharing memories.
Fortunately, Simon and Talis had kindly offered me a lift and crash space - so I could drink my fill and not worry about the means of getting home...
Went down on the train to Salisbury to attend Marisa's funeral and wake. Thought I was going to be my usual incoherent funeral self, and for a while this was so, but I was gradually able to draw myself together and make some small contribution...
Don't think many people on the list here knew Marisa - but for those who did and were there, I think we made a proper and fitting farewell for her. Music was lead by Talis and Chantelle who truly showed great resource in staying on the task in hand - the whole thing was framed in beautiful neo-pagan ceremony conducted by members of M's local circle.
Was most struck by *how* many people attended - it got to the stage where people were being urged to come and fill the seats left up at the front - even so there were still a couple of rows standing once all were inside. I was also attending on JanetJ's behalf, who so wanted to be there, - but December air fares across the pond and other factors prevented her heart-felt wish. Even so, J was there by way of a very moving tribute poem that was read out,
When time came for personal tributes, I felt the sudden urge to get up and say something. Despite having wept my way through most of the ceremony to that point, I was able to get up and string some sentences of vague coherence and reasonable projection; must have got something across, since more than a few people complimented me at the Wake afterwards.
Certainly the Wake was needed and appreciated, a chance to finally talk at length with all of M's relations and friends: dancers, pagans, fen, medievalists and many others. There was talk of some Eastern dancing happening, but as it was, we were all so caught up in talking, eating and drinking that we never got round to it - although there was a rather good doumbek player giving a rhythmic feed to the proceedings. Can see why the venue (Conrans in Salt Lane ) was chosen - aside from being M's "local" - it is a genuine Irish bar and friendly space, only seemed natural to be going from table to table talking and sharing memories.
Fortunately, Simon and Talis had kindly offered me a lift and crash space - so I could drink my fill and not worry about the means of getting home...
