Awaiting Departure

Not long to go now.

In less than two hours I'll be stepping into a taxi and journeying
to Heathrow where at around 5pm we'll be leaving to head Stateside.

Not too far from the airport itself Chris Chilvers has just finished
presenting his last ever breakfast show at 91.8 Hayes FM where
the last record played was "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls.

At least it wasn't Ronan Keating's cover of the song.

Although times are difficult in radio these days, I'm pretty certain
that Chris will eventually find the big earner, although more
of the money tends to come from the producing side of things these
days if companies such as Wise Buddah and Somethin' Else
are anything to go by.

Definitely looking forward to hearing some of the radio stateside,
in particular Z100 and the soul station WBLS, although I'm also pretty
keen on hearing some of the speech, or "news/talk" stations on AM
in particular Don Imus's programme on WFAN.

Overall it's all about seeing the sights and getting what I can
out of it all as I've never been to the city in the warmer months
and it's going to be quite something.

I'll hopefully post a few photos when I get back.

An Unexpected Tangent

Well this is a bit premature.

You know the excitement of leaving on holiday hits you,
when you can't even feel the need to go to bed.

At least it gives me a better chance of falling asleep on the plane.

When it comes to curing depression in the short term, a way
of getting over it is reliving (and blogging about)
a television programme you haven't seen in years, ideally over a decade
and in this case it happens to be a few episodes of Eastenders
broadcast around this time in 1996, when the Atlanta Olympic Games
were in full circle.

This was probably the time when I was at my most obsessed
with Eastenders and the climax of the final episode I have
was definitely the peak of the plotlines from that period.

One of the key areas dealt with is the inquest of Arthur Fowler
and how in spite of a strong case from his family into the causes
of his death possibly inherited whilst in prison, the jury rules
the death to be accidental.

This results in Mark reacting furiously and Pauline becoming
depressed to the point of refusing to sue the home office.

Elsewhere, ever popular character Nigel Bates and Sanjay organise
a seventies night to take place at the newly opened nightclub
"The Cobra".

The night becomes very successful leading to a fortnightly residency,
as well as the pair running a disco/talent contest for the children of
Albert Square.
I can specifically remember a scene with Nigel's daughter Claire,
and Sonia Jackson dressed up as and miming to Eternal.

And on that very same subject, this must have been one of the
final appearances of the original Martin Fowler AKA Jon Peyton-Price
who only 3 months later transformed into the more familiar
James Alexandrou who was very stubborn to start off with.

I can remember on Channel 4's RI:SE of all places where
James had to spot Jon from a Buzzcocks style line up,
which was amusing to an extent.

On a similar note it's a tiny bit bizarre seeing Ben Mitchell
as a baby, but there we go.

Anyway, another storyline was the continuing on-off relationship
between Carol and Alan Jackson who despite only being married
for two months were having problems, with Alan being seen
with Frankie, an attractive woman who sang to customers
in the Cafe on Alan's night shift.

Carol is upset when spotting them together in the caff,
but to make things more awkward Alan recieves a visit
from the Trading Standards informing him about hiring
musicians to perform at the cafe without an entertainments
license.

Alan openly admits to having no idea that such a document
was required and owner Kathy Mitchell receives a formal warning
causing husband Phil to pay Alan a visit,
who sacks Alan and shuts down the caff for the night.

Kathy on the other hand isn't happy about Phil's overzealous
handling of the situation and rehires Alan who having reconciled
with Carol, decides not to go about the license.

Phil however isn't happy and gives him an ultimatum,
where I seem to remember Alan getting sacked a few months later
for putting the prices up, despite claiming that he wasn't pocketing
the bob.

The main plotline which evolves near the end of the three episodes
I've been viewing, involves the playground being shutdown by the council
to give builders permission to build luxury flats on the site.

Peggy has been on at the council against it, as has Carol Jackson
and the timing couldn't be worse considering the school holidays
have started.

Ultimately it leads to a six year old Steven Beale getting
knocked down by a car due to a game of football being played
in the square itself and Ian answering his mobile just at the wrong time.

It emerges that the driver of the car happens to be the man overseeing
the flat building, causing Carol to make a visit to Pauline's house
in hope of getting her to form a protest.

However with Pauline still on a downer because of the inquest
result, Carol along with Ruth Fowler, Lorraine Wicks, and many
of Albert Square's residence confront the councillors at the fenced up
playground, ultimately leading to 6 arrests.

Them being Carol and Lorraine for leading the whole fracas,
Alan for shouting at the policemen to let Carol go,
Cindy Beale for destroying the car of the man who hit Steven,
Pauline for assisting her in the process and Nigel
for accidentally pushing a policeman.

Whilst I currently don't have the following episode at hand
they get let out a day after their arrest with Pauline pleading not guilty
despite being to do otherwise.

Let's just say that it's probably a good thing that I'm not as into
Eastenders as I was fourteen years ago, as my blog in terms of
density would be the same sort of volume as it was in March 2009.

However, come Christmas I'm sure I'll have something to say
on what's been going on in Walford then.

As for the rest of the night, more reminiscing this time of a more
recent nature by re-viewing series 2 of Screenwipe and episodes
of 8OO10C from early 2010, taking notes of time codes of any jokes
that make me laugh.

That being for this year's Xmas comedy compilation and to think
that there's 5 more months of stuff to come has me hoping that
an MP will fuck up, or...

Well to be honest, anything that makes me laugh is ultimately
down to the misfortune of public figures in very important positions.

Uninspired Moaning

The departure time for New York is getting closer, but I'm barely
feeling that excited about things.

There's continuing concerns about home life as both Mum and Dad
want me to move out as much as I want to, but I haven't got
the job and ultimately the money to move where I want to.

I'm hoping that the time between myself and them getting back from
the US will allow me to consider my options, and as I've got
a meeting with the people from the NAS to talk about the possible
Transitions scheme, it can only be just a step on the ladder
back to London.

I also feel as if I'm being bullied about me being obsessed with radio,
but at the same time being negative about it as well.

The way to go about it in my case is to simply carry on as if more
people give a convincing and positive attitude towards what they do
on-air, it will pay off.

I've been told in the past that no one personally is to blame,
if I am feeling depressed, and it's just a load of thoughts merging
together.

Bollocks.

Utter crap.

If such situations are responsible for these thoughts, than I don't think
question is "what is to blame?", it should be "who is to blame?".

Although should the case fall on the former, then said individuals
should just fucking well get over it if it's pouring heavily with rain,
or the thermometer's close to breaking.

Treat the whole thing like an adventure, or a blockbuster movie scenario
because you seem to be obsessed with such trash.

The sensation of rushing through a heavy shower!


After that rather exhaustive set of sentences, I doubt I would
be that good as a positive motivational speaker.
But at times, you have to be real and have the ability to tell it straight
because there's far too much moaning and stupid decisions being made.

I don't intend to be a miserable individual, but if I happen to
be in the company of others who simply don't give a shit,
then I end up being part of it.

We may still be in tough times but cutting costs doesn't have
to mean cutting corners.

I'll continue blogging when I get back over from what
will be a memorable visit to New York at least.

"No. Yawning."

The overall excitement has now reached a point where I don't know if
it's Tuesday or Wednesday.

Given that it's Thursday we're leaving, it's not the best position to be in,
but on the plus side, it's probably the one time I'm happy about
not having a proper job.

In exactly a month away, I'll be back to desperately begging for one,
that fits in to my preferred lifestyle of course.

We can never have it all.

The day we depart also happens to be Mum's birthday, so I'll need
to head into Canterbury tomorrow to buy her a present.
It will most likely involve a visit to The Merchant Chandler,
but I won't be sinking as low into buying an "I Love NY" t-shirt
or along those lines.

I've already learnt my lesson from Kate, constantly ribbing into
me after she didn't like my iTunes voucher on the basis she
doesn't use the software.

Packing Up Anxieties

Only two more days now before jetting off, and I'm starting to realise
that I maybe underestimating just how good this visit
to New York could be.

I'll really need to take all the good stuff in whilst I'm there,
whether it's the food on offer, the very big record shops,
and simply walking through Central Park if I get round to it.

Almost everything's packed and I just need to sort out what t-shirts
I'll be taking with me.

As I type however, there's a lot that's frustrating me, and further
proof that when this internship comes up in August, I won't
be wasting my time raging about others and their circumstances
which are making my life a bugger to deal with.

I've got to start changing things, no questions.

Better Thought-Through Cutbacks

It's not like me to quote a posting from the otherwise cesspool
that is the Digital Spy forums, but this posting from "spencer1973"
was too good not to quote with regards to the Mercury FM
Heart rebranding;

"Dear Global,
Now you have killed a radio station that had been around for 26 years,here are some more money saving tips ;

1) Turn off your (now Pointless) 102.7 Reigate Hill transmitter and save ££££ on electric every year Any .. Listeners you keep can tune to 102.4 or 106.2 if they want to hear Heart .

2) Stop broadcasting at night-time 00.00 to 05.00

3) Sack Emma Bunion (sorry, Bunton)

4) Re-locate offices to Swindon

The same could be said about the 97 Reading transmitter for
what used to be 2-Ten FM, 96.3 in Southend and of course 103.1
in West Kent which must have the highest transmission range out of any
I've known of in the UK.
Even when living in East London back in the late 80s, Invicta FM
could easily be picked up.

That would certainly make sense, especially considering that
operations such as the UK Film Council are to be folded
as part of the continuing cutbacks, and I'm fearing that other
independents and podcast based companies could also end up
disbanding.

Apologies if all my blogs are looking negative, but that's what holidays
are supposed to relieve.

In fact, this will make Mum and Dad happy.

I won't be taking my laptop with me, as blogging, Tweeting and
most of all Facebook will just remind me of the crap that
unintentionally irritates me.

There will be photos however.

The residents in Manhattan won't be able to escape my camera shots.

Good Night.

In Dire Need Of A Holiday

I was lying a tiny bit when saying that I wasn't up to anything for
the rest of this week before jetting off, as tomorrow I'm heading
over to the Chaucer Homecare place for a day of interview training
and improvement on how to write a C.V.

Somewhere within then, I need to get some bob out of the bank
and convert it into dollars although it's more likely I'll be able
to do so on Wednesday with regards to spare time.

I'd prefer to spend Wednesday packing my bags which I'm hoping will
be light altogether, although I'll be wanting to take my MD recorder
to dub a bit of radio from the city.

Then again there's stuff I haven't even listened to from my
previous visits there, but anyone's welcome to dubs if they ask
nicely.

On a similar note, Tony Stoller was a guest on Roger Day's Evening Show
on the South-wide BBC Local show tonight, where we got a rather
interesting perspective on the origins of independent radio in the UK
which forms the main part of his book "Sounds Of Your Life"
which I'm still meaning to buy.

It was actually a big no-no to refer to it as "commercial radio" as
the IBA didn't want to suggest that commercials were at the backbone
of their BBC clone stations.

One part of the interview I liked was about the remit to provide
specialist music shows, and how the classical programme was normally
presented by the radio station's managing director.

That was certainly the case with County Sound in the 80s with
their's being presented by the much renowed programmer Mike Powell.

Why is it that some of the best programme controllers have moved
onto other business ventures?
Whereas those getting into the industry from a managerial
side of things, probably haven't even heard radio at it's most exciting.

With Paul Chantler as another example, the state of radio
especially from an independent side of things could be in
a much better shape, and could be inspire those
to provide a product that you can't get on an iPod at first hand
blending really good music, and fantastic speech content at the same time.

Still, there's always the aircheckdownloads site for those
who still have faith.

Further Heart Conditions

It was an enjoyable show tonight where one of the personal highlights
was playing the Incognito cover of Banda Black Rio's "Expresso Madureira"
which comes from the album "Transatlantic RPM" due for release tomorrow.

It's not the only cover included as Boz Scaggs' "Lowdown"
also happens to given the Cog treatment.

Not a good night for radio on the whole, as the first wave
of Heart mergers is taking place tonight with bases in Crawley, Harlow,
and Colchester to name a few, finally shutting down.

And the individual overseeing overseeing the technical side of things
tonight happens to be one Chris Chilvers so I'm sure he'll be proud
to be part of a company that has quite frankly fucked several
stations and heritage brands that I really loved listening to
and in some cases treasured a lot more than I ever could for Radio 1.

Certainly around 10 years ago when I thought Vibe FM in East Anglia
(now Kiss 105-108) was far better for dance than Radio 1, and
this was around the time when BBC Radio 1 was dominated by
that music genre.

Even though the records may have dated, I've still got tape
recordings of such stations proving that such stations don't
have to be run so tightly in order to pull in listeners and
the interaction can clearly be heard from simple
phone calls put to air to big live outside broadcasts from different
parts of the broadcast area.

As well as broadcasting a wider rotation of music which I'm
certain would reduce stress levels within a working environment.

But what do I know?

Nah let's leave it to the focus groups and all that bollocks mumble mumble...

Honestly, despite the mergers, Global Radio's list of stations
must be more packed than this weekend's Love Parade.

There's not really a lot going on up to my New York departure
on Thursday, apart from a visit to the building near the Westgate Towers
to discuss finding work and so on.

I hope I've got my forms up to date.

And then after that it's further rummaging, and hopefully finishing
off the chicken stew I made earlier today, with some freshly boiled
basmati rice.

But to finish with tonight, the original Radio Mercury theme from 1984
as composed by David Arnold and Paul Hart, with hints of John Miles'
"Music" and Danny Elfman's theme to the Batman movies.

RIP "The Heart Of The South" (1984-2010)

Two Weeks Until Wrecked

I'm not so much looking forward to the visit to New York,
as I am with regards to the few days I'll have back in Canterbury
on my own whilst Mum and Dad continue travelling.

There's far too much getting in the way of things, although
by the time I do get back, I'll probably be longing to be back
in the city.

Although there's the weekend in London to come after that of course,
including what I hope will be a superb pub crawl that I actually hope
to complete this time round.

Already we've had a few bottlers (to use an ironic word) but without
naming anyone, I'm not too fussed about their absence and
that Denis, Tudor, Shana etc will help to make it an amazing day.

Tomorrow sees my last radio show before taking a two week break
for my excursions and like last week it will be a pretty loose sort
of show, but hopefully no interruptions or anything like there
were last week.

I really have to lighten the load, to put it in one way as
I seem to be overworking myself with stuff that doesn't really need
prioritising on.

I.E seperating MP3 tracks, arranging folders on my hard drive and so on.

But if you can't be bored stiff one way, then why not take another option?

Unlimited Storage Space?

It's still pretty dull in all honesty, still preserving and rummaging
stuff that if it was in physical condition, I would have to move
to a bigger house.

I must be buying a bigger external hard drive each year,
at the same rate that everyone else would upgrade their mobile
phones, but then again I prefer to spend my time either listening
to music or watching various television, as opposed to talking
bollocks about stupid things that don't mean anything, for hours on end.

That's what the blog's designed for.

As for the rest of tonight, IT Crowd, followed by Stand Up For The Week
later on, as well as continuing with my rummage of series 38 of
HIGNFY from Autumn 2009 which I don't think I've seen in
full as far as extended episodes go.

I hope to have the Spring series from earlier in the year viewed
before the all important series 40 airs this autumn.

The Continuing Mockery

I need to get back into the habit of not going to bed at the most
stupid of times, normally very late.

The one cause for that I guess would be to have a very productive
and busy day to make me tired enough to do so, but with the
New York visit less than a week away and my work placement
at Enterprise Opps quite a while away, there's plenty of time yet.

Mock The Week was at it's funniest tonight with what has to be
the best episode so far in the series, which was helped by a strong
guest line up of Ed Byrne, Chris Addison, and the ever witty
Stewart Francis who was brilliant in the stand up round.

One of this week's Scenes We'd Like To See was the return of
the "Rejected Exam Questions" one, but it didn't stop pause button
moments firing out, such as this one from Andy Parsons;

""If you mix blue and yellow, how crap is your government?"

We've got a few visitors here for the weekend arriving tomorrow
as one of Mum's friends from school is staying over with her husband
and Dad's making a paella which should be good.

Along with one of the spare Breezers from last Sunday, I should
be covered, although apart from the last radio show before New York,
it will be quite an empty one.

No Time To Complain

Don't expect anything to get any more interesting before my visit
to New York.

The only thing I can do is just carry on with things as normal,
although I just know that by the end of this year, my long term situation
will either be stable, or just on the grasp of becoming stable with
positive things just waiting to take place.

Until then it's best to let the little positive things go past,
where tomorrow I plan to make a spag bol and later on enjoy
the last Mock The Week before the Edinburgh break,
where Stewart Francis will be guesting.

After New York however, I really need to let myself go with
spending and start saving.

I keep saying that every month but when all your mates are in
London and I'm trapped here, it's a nightmare sticking to
your sentiments.

With my work placement at Enterprise Opportunities approaching
however, at least it will give me something of use to be getting
on with.

In Need Of That Lift

I'm not feeling myself.

It's probably due to the period of nothing taking place up to the visit
to New York next week, and also because I haven't made my own meal
tonight resulting in me having to endure another flavourless,
dare I say burnt attempt from my Dad.

Early start tomorrow, as I'm making a visit to Hersden once again
although that's starting to feel like less of a priority with all
these other placements coming in.

Even better is that I have a meeting with Prospects lined up,
the day after I get back to London, so the possibility of finding
work in London could be nearing even closer.

Right now as I type I'm listening to Lee Matthews' Departures
on CSR FM, proving to be as unpredictable as ever with it's set of
global beats.

Winning the gold at the 2007 SRAs certainly hasn't had any effects
in quality declining.

I really need to take a few hints from him in being a hell of
a lot more clear when speaking, and not bundling my sentences
together.

Then again Lee's show is a lot more laid back than mine
but as always in radio, the message needs to cut through.

My Balance In Balance

I don't know what to write about tonight.

My only outing was to the Job Centre where it appears that whilst
I'm on holiday, my allowance will be suspended until I ring up a
telephone number that allows me to request a repeat claim.

Knowing the trouble I had ringing the Job Centre up when trying
to start signing on in the bleeding first place, I know that this will
be a dreadful post holiday comedown.

It shouldn't be too bad however as in the run up to the Jazz Cafe
and Denis's pub crawl I'll be meeting up with Joey for a few drinks
and hopefully the weather will be as superb as it was today.

It looks set to get worse by Wednesday however, and very humid
and all if the temperatures are anything to go by.

I guess that all that can be done at the moment is to carry on my
record rummaging, and trawling through vintage library LPs
that are actually starting to become available to the public.

Even on Spotify and all which is certainly not a bad thing.

"Sharing It's Technology With You!"

On getting back from CSR tonight, I had a listen to a new show with
an almost familiar sounding title, "Chart The Week" on BBC 5 Live
where Richard Bacon and his guests count down the 10 most
talked about stories of the last 7 days.

The host himself mentioned on Twitter that it needed more production,
in particular a bed to run down the news stories up to number 1
with Mark Goodier reading it.

Other than that, the show has potential to do well and I'd say
it's a lot better than Chris Addison's 7 Day Sunday which normally
fills that timeslot.

The subject of charts leads nicely onto this superb podcast
from James Masterton that was originally uploaded back in
October 2008 called "Counting Down The Hits" "charting"
appropriately enough, the supposed decline of chart countdowns
on the radio in the last decade or so.

Contributing are Simon Hirst who hosted Hit40UK for two years,
successor Lucio who spent an equal amount of time up to 2008,
and Joel Hogg from JK & Joel who held the reigns on BBC Radio 1
between 2005 and 2007.

There's some very interesting points mentioned which I'll try
not to give away to many of, but Wes Butters' comment about the
Radio 1's Chart Show going downhill after his tenure is spot on.

Not because of it suffering without him hosting it, but the idea of making
the presenters bigger than the chart itself, which was certainly the case
during JK and Joel's time and even moreso with Fearne and Reggie.

I certainly disagree with JKs condoning of skipping the obscurer
records at the lower end of the chart, because as a listener it was
my main source of discovering new stuff without a pretentious disk jockey
of a specialist demeanour.

They certainly didn't get featured on Top Of The Pops, and when
the ITV Chart Show disappeared in 1998, Radio 1's Top 40 was more or less
the only shop window, apart from certain commercial stations who would
more than happily give the artists the airtime, regardless of their
lack of celebrity status.

I really think that it's had a serious effect on the current state of
the Top 40, and with millions of records old and new available to download
at a users disposal, it's just not being made exciting and unpredictable
as it potentially can be.

Commercial radio has also suffered, with mergers and ridiculous fucking
focus groups limiting the size of playlists to what they believe will
draw in listeners, when there was never even a bleeding problem
in the first place before the takeovers.

A few things have changed since the audio was made available,
as Hit40UK has now changed to "The Big Top 40" which at times even limits
itself to voice tracking from what I've heard, therefore defeating the idea
of the fun and immediacy associated with a chart countdown on the radio.

James also makes a valid point about, hinting about what became the
Heart rebranding, and how the commercial radio chart fits in with
their AC format that's dominant the rest of the time on the station.

The KMFM group in my neck of the woods took note of this pretty early on
as around this time in 2007 they dropped the Hit40UK and started
broadcasting a show hosted by Tony Blackburn in the exact timeslot
which is still present on the station today.

Radio 1 now minus Fearne (although she was hardly fucking there as an
official presenter of the chart) still relies on chavvy text messages
of people saying who they want to be Number 1 as if it's life or death situation
which I personally find to be a turn off along with many other factors
within the station and it's pretences.

Anyway, those are my thoughts and there's no better way to finish this
blog post than by quoting from the chart master himself (in my eyes anyway)
Bruno Brookes;

"Whatever you're doing tonight, Have a nice night!"

(Greenwich time signal)

The Magic Of Maidstone

A Sunday well spent with the afternoon involving a barbecue at Concha's
house where I had quite a few orange Breezers which lead to a visit
to the nearby Two Doves pub which in all the 19 years I've lived here,
I've never visited until today.

I then made my way to CSR for my first show after Lounge which
went pretty well until my mobile rang near the end of the show.

Knowing that this could be important due to the number of things
going on in the last month or so I took the call and by the time I'd
got back into the studio, the emergency loop had started.

With it being unable to switch off via the playout, it meant I had to go off
then online and finished the show, and with no more appropriate
than Matt Bianco's "Good Times" with the line "Never ever let them go".

The phone call itself was from someone at ITV Meridian in Maidstone
regarding a placement which I had an interview for just a couple of weeks ago.

It turns out I haven't got the placement, but I have been offered
to attend the studios for a few days to look at the technical side
of things, which will possibly take place in September if I can
sort out the potential dates.

I got to have a look round the building on my visit and it
was so good to see the insides of where some of my favourite
television programmes have been made over the last 25 or so years,
so to spend more time there will be just as exciting.

The next couple of months really are going to be productive.

Why We Go Out On Saturdays (Or "Would Like To" At Least)

It's more or less official that both mainstream terrestrial channels
have both broadcast the worst line up this year.

And that's taking Paddy McGuinness's "Take Me Out" into account,
or as Sean Lock quite rightly put it "Take Me Out and fucking shoot me".

BBC 1 continued to wheel out their 101 Ways To Leave A Gameshow
which contains many of the flaws that ruin my enjoyment of a gameshow
in the present day, i.e inappropriate use of orchestral stings,
Steve Jones's knowing/unfunny presenting manner, and as always;
the strung out nature of it all, where what could be done in half an hour
ends up being done for twice as long.

This was followed by the unwelcome return of John Barrowman's
Tonight's The Night continuing it's vow of getting C-list "celebrities"
to fulfill the public's ambitions.

Sir Jimmy Savile would be spinning in his grave or whatever
the equivalent is for those that are still living.

ITV1 weren't any better either with their "Magic Numbers" show
hosted by Stephen Mulhern and rehashing the phone number concept
as used by Winning Lines and Talking Telephone Numbers.

Both shows were presented by Phillip Schofield, only this time we
had his This Morning co-host and Stephen's ex MOM/Saturday Showdown
partner Holly Willoughby lending a helping hand this week, along
with more ITV fodder from The X Factor, BGT etc.

It's at times like this that I'm fucking glad I've got concerts booked,
pub crawls arranged, but at the same time I'm certain we'll be remembering
these television shows albeit in a cynical manner.

Provided you're one of those who is obsessed with the medium.

Departures From The Airwaves

Just before getting some shut eye last night I found out that
SunTalk, the online radio station for the newspaper has shut down
after just over a year.

Radio Today Article

I feel rather bad about this, but in no way would I have any sympathy
towards it's sole presenter Jon Gaunt.
No, no, Westminster alumni Sam Gregory was hired by News Corporation
to help set up the station and produce their only programme and it will
be interesting to see what happens after this episode.

But knowing Sam's determined persona, he'll do well and he's a good
guy too having seen him at many drinking dos and hopefully more in the future.

Tonight should be a good night in after last week's chaos at Lounge,
with the main highlight being the final Friday Night With Jonathan Ross.

The show was definitely a weekly viewing staple during college
although it became more on and off around the time I started University.
Overall there's been no other chat show I have made an effort to watch
on such a regular basis over that long a length of time and it looks
set to go out on top.

Unwanted Outage

The last couple of days haven't been easy, mainly due to the internet
buggering up but at least it's assured me that most of my friends
are right about BT's inconsistency.

On the plus side I have managed to get a 2-3 week placement at
Enterprise House in Herne Bay from the 9th of August and with
the first of that month's Incognito gigs happening after the second
week, it will definitely give me something to work towards
and give me a buzz about it all.

I also went out to Cafe Mauresque once again where Laura my cousin
was having a pre-graduation meal with her Mum and Dad and boyfriend Josh.

I went for the lamb shank tagine but Josh was nice enough to let me
try some of his roast pork belly meal and it was horrible.

It was all down to it being drenched shall I say, in sherry and I really
don't like meaty meals made with sweet liquids with bitter after-tastes.

That aside it was a really good night out.

As for tonight, it will be more laid back with a brand new episode
of Mock The Week being the highlight with Milton Jones guesting.

Even better is that next week they've got Stewart Francis although
he's not really as fresh with one liners as Milton and doesn't have
as exciting a dress sense.

I'd best make the next couple of weeks productive but not too exhaustive
as it can only ruin me, and I certainly wouldn't want that to happen
before a holiday.

A very short one nonetheless.

Money Making Discipline

So Gaunty has been given the big E from the High Court regarding
his challenge towards OFCOM over his talkSPORT sacking
back in November 2008.

The man himself was on Richard Bacon's 5 Live show this afternoon
and as you'd expect, seemed as if he wanted to take over the show,
and not let the presenter get a word in edgeways.

To be fair there were times when he managed to put Bacon
on the spot as you have to admit that he sounds weak at the worst
of times, but it was interesting when Jon Gaunt questioned
whether the rules of broadcasting should be governed by the law,
as opposed to a company being set up to make money
out of setting guidelines.

Overall, with Jon Gaunt being a key example, even if you don't
agree with a presenter with strong opinions, there's not doubt
that they can make radio that grabs attention.

I'm nervous about the next couple of days due to the possible placements
and how I'm going to arrange my time around them if successful.
I.E buying my own house or whathaveyou.

However, once they're out of the way I can be a bit more relaxed
and have myself more geared towards the New York visit, and the
London pub crawl in early August.

And of course Down To The Bone at the Jazz Cafe the night before
the boozing takes place.

Summer Uncertainties

As always, getting back on the ground after an amazing weekend
can be difficult, but in my case it's even more so when there's a lot
of uncertainties going around.

Not least with the number of offers I've had for interns and the
possibility of a role at a national station based in London
and I'm worried that it's going to be too much to take in.

Mainly because of how I'm going to be able to manage
my money and find somewhere to live.

Nothing is 100 percent of course and I need to keep in mind that
I do not have to agree to any final decisions.

And in no way do I want any job to mess up my social calendar
as I've got quite a few gigs in August, and plenty of stand up
performances in the Autumn including Richard Herring's
"Christ On A Bike" at Christmas.

I just like to be kept in the picture of things with regards
to how things will change.

Lounge Revisited

Here we go then, the photos from that amazing weekend at
Lounge On The Farm 2010.



The hallowed Pigshed.



James Waters in a slightly calmer mode.



The hard workings in the left hand side of the shed.



And the same room after a day of broadcasting.



Alongside the delightful Jo Heron.



And me stealing the shot with herself and
presenting partner Rupert.



Lucy gets a tanning from Charlotte.



Rhiannon's duvet dress.



Andrew Venning takes centre stage.



Lucy's special present.



Charlotte, Alex, Rhiannon and Venning.



The Crazy Man that is Arthur Brown.



Arthur's attractive keyboard player.



Paul from Hot Club De Paris.



Lekkido AKA the 2010 answer to Mr Motivator.



Stood next to the man himself for a second time.



Seriously, this is the best shot I could
get of Buster Bloodvessel.



The Cowshed inhabitants.



The award-winning Lee Matthews
sorts out his next disc.



Rhiannon and Peter.



Very exhausted, but proud of such
an amazing weekend.

Lounge 2010: Day 3 - Fatty Reggae

The madness and overall excitement of Lounge has reached a point
where the World Cup final is a sugarcube in size comparison.

We had got the sofas back outside the pigshed today as
they were given to Martha and the Vandellas yesterday, allowing
an even more laid back manner to proceedings.

I didn't see many acts, but the crowd outside the Playhouse
where Phill Jupitus was performing was immense, that it extended
quite a few yards outside the tent, and because the sound system
was crap, we couldn't hear him very clearly.

It didn't stop the station from getting an interview with the
great man to add to our list including Hot Club De Paris,
and Martha Reeves to name a few.

The best performance of the night was Bad Manners who really
lifted things up in the Cowshed where they performed just about
all their best known tunes, as well as a cover of
"Can't Take My Eyes Off Of You" and a medley of theme tunes
such as "Call My Bluff" and "Animal Magic".

Whist the Cowshed was pretty full with skanking a-plenty,
in no way was it to the extent of the Specials which was only a good thing.

The proceedings at CSR were on brilliant form with James Waters
kicking things off, including an embarrassing but entertaining
re-creation of the Radio 1 Roadshow.

Not to mention station manager Andrew Venning, dancing
to the Jackson 5 and still being unable to shake off the
excitement of Hot Club De Paris from last night.

Finishing the weekend off, was the ever super, award-winning
in fact, Lee Matthews spinning the vinyl outside the pigshed
with his Departures show.

It was good to chat with him too and yet another of those
individuals who you can have a chat about music at an incredible length.

I'll stick the photos up tomorrow, but this weekend has really
been brilliant for the station, and allowing me to know a few
more of the people who are superb to work with.

Whatever happens between now and next year, I will definitely
be around for the 2011 Lounge at least.

More Madness At Merton

The final day of Lounge 2010 awaits and I'm pretty certain it's going
to finish in style.

In fact on of the early acts, performing at the Bandstand at 10am
happens to be an act who I haven't heard from in quite a while,
Lekkido who made a visit to Smoke Radio four years ago as
part of Smoke Aid and had a fantastic sense of humour.

And it appears that he still has an obsession with lobsters.

I'll head over at around 9am and will definitely be looking forward
to the Hot Club interview that the guys recorded after the set.

I should have stood with the radio lot during the performance,
but as is always the case I like to be near the front during a live set,
and also because I'd prefer to be spared from station manager
Andrew Venning's dancing.

And you thought I was an embarrassing sight.

Lounge Day 2: Quality From The Cow Shed

Today was slightly more civilised in terms of how things were run
radio-wise, but that didn't mean we weren't having fun, oh no,

Not least during James Waters "breakfast show" or around that time
as we were basically pissing about with some vintage BBC Local Radio
jingles from the 80s much to my embarrassment but to the hilarity of
others.

There will be plenty more where that came from tomorrow, guaranteed.

I also got some photos and videos taken although I'll save them
for later on. You'll be able to know what was taken when as
I hope to look a tiny bit more tidier tomorrow than I did today.

In terms of bands and interviews, we got some really good material
including from a skiffle/ska band who did a fantastic cover of
"Jilted John" and I actually think it sounds better as a duet,
adding more of a conversational manner to the song.

On a lower note, the two sofas from yesterday had gone,
but the recliner was still present, and it was on there
I had a delicious American pizza from the Pizza Express
stand.
The dough balls on the other hand were rubbish.

The bands I saw today included the Crazy World of Arthur Brown
who lived up to expectations and proved that they were far from
one hit wonders, and Hot Club De Paris who the station
managed to get an interview with.

The set was on top form although it could have been longer than
the time given which was a minor disapointment as a lot of
us where wanting them to perform the legendary
"Sometimes It's Better" etc.

On the plus side they performed my favourite "Shipwreck"
and I'm really looking forward to listening back to the audio
of the set as recorded.

Hopefully I'll be given the job of editing it, but whatever happens
I'm sure I'll find it amongst the unamed WAV files on the intranet.

Reluctantly I decided to leave at around 9:30pm meaning
that I'm missing Martha and The Vandellas, but because the final
day's going to be so chaotic in terms of gigs, and radio stuff
I reckon I need to pace myself.

Not to mention the fact that I'm weary of walking back from
Merton Farm at 1am in the morning due to Martha starting at 11.

Monday's going to be such a tough recovery.

A Tiny Bit Poorly

Well tonight's been rather interesting.

I had initially planned to have an all nighter with the BBC News Channel
switched on but decided to turn in the towel after about 12:15am
as I was getting rather depressed over the embarrassing behaviour
from fellow CSR members last night which I will be having words
about in a calm civilised manner.

It turns out on waking up that Raul Moat has shot himself after
the stand off with policemen in his house.

From a personal point of view, at least it's all done with
although there will still be the usual snide gags popping up
on Twitter.

It was a big enough story for many of the radio stations
in the North East to switch from their normal output to rolling
news coverage, although tellywise, it's just a shame
Charlie Brooker's Newswipe isn't being transmitted as Sky News
felt the need to bring the ever popular Kay Burley into the studio
to report on the goings on.

I'm sure the Guardian columnist will write some sort of dissection
pretty soon mind.

I'm glad I'm not camping over at Lounge as it allows you to get
used to the comedown manner of a festival more than once
and I'm pretty sure today will not be an exception.

Especially as they are more bands playing and possibly
more people helping out with radio stuff, but I wouldn't want
to come across as lazy or negligent.

I'm sure it will be fine provided certain people don't
get too big for their boots.

Lounge 2010: Day 1 - A Little Overexcited?

It's been an almost mixed start to proceedings to Lounge radio wise
but luckily most of it has been on the positive side.

I've been allowed to have a hand in editing whenever no one else
is about and all the team are on good form with a really nice atmosphere.

This was helped by the donation of two sofas and a recliner outside
our pigshed where most of us were quite literally "lounging" for
most of the day and quite a few of the punters were joining us
including two really lovely women who I chatted to for quite
a long while earlier this evening.

One of them happens to know my Mum as her son has Asperger's
and it was really good getting to know her and look for the positive
side of things.

Unfortunately things were ruined slightly when they were rudely
told to leave the area by one of the senior station members
when they put the sofas back in the shed, but timing wise
it allowed us to see one of the headliners, that being the superb
Example who definitely raised the roof of the Cowshed.

Whilst we were enjoying the performance, it got even more chaotic
with one of the presenters accidentally spilling beer
near the studio desk which didn't go down well.

I'm really hoping this doesn't have a severe effect on
tomorrow's proceedings, as if things start running more tightly
with in a discliplinary manner, then I will be a bit disapointed.

As for the festival itself, the stalls look superb with my favourite
quite possibly being the one for Pizza Express where I will
definitely be grabbing hold of an Americano with dough balls
if that's what it's called.

And the music was on top form including a ska band who performed
a few of their own songs, and covers such as "The Bad Touch" by
The Bloodhound Gang.

It was also good to meet ex-college mates Laura, and Paul once again
who are both getting on well and I'm sure I'll see more of them
later in the weekend.

Hopefully things will have calmed down by tomorrow morning and
I really don't want to be discouraged from enjoying myself on
Canterbury's exciting weekend of the year.

Canterbury's "Special Weekend"

It's finally arrived, the 2010 Lounge Weekender where this time
I'll be lending a hand to CSR's live broadcast.

What exactly I'll be doing I've no idea but what's more important
is that I've got a ticket for the event itself so if things don't go to plan
I can always go to see one of the acts playing.

Today will probably be my busiest day as there's no one I'm
really wanting to see in such excitement as tomorrow and Sunday
where taking to the stage will be Hot Club De Paris, Martha Reeves
and The Vandellas, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, and Toots and The
Maytals.

I'll do my best to balance my time although most of the acts take place
in the later hours so it shouldn't be too much of a struggle.

Today should be an "anything goes" sort of day and
there may be a few acts who will end up being mentioned on
the next blog post who are new to me.

Which is what makes it all exciting and with the weather
on top form, I'm trying to handle the excitement.

Here Or Where?

Inconsistent would be the right word to describe the goings on
at the BBC as they've postponed Jason Manford's ONE Show debut
until August as it turns out that Christine Bleakley won't be returning
next week to present what's left of her contract.

If they do find a successor, anyone but Myleene Klass or Fiona Phillips.

But far worse is that BBC 2 is repeating last Thursday's Mock The Week
tonight instead of the next edition in the series which
as a fan of the show is unthinkable.

They must be getting desperate, although in all fairness I don't
think Frankie Boyle's departure has done that much to ruin the show.

You'd think that the others would be relieved that they
can get a word in edgeways.

Still next week looks good with Milton Jones making a return
to the panel.

To be honest I'm making a few changes to my intial plans
for tonight, only minor of course as I've opted to use a weird
shaped pasta that I bought from M&S earlier today.

It will hopefully be an ideal pre-Lounge anticipation setter.

"Boing"

The last of Chris Moyles and Comedy Dave's alternative commentaries
took place tonight in the second World Cup semi final, which saw
Spain managing to knock out the Germans with the only goal scored.

The commentary was as you'd expect with random subjects
such as what viewers were having for their main meals that evening,
theme tunes being played at regular intervals, and many jokes about
the German coach looking like Mike Read the disk jockey.

They missed a trick with regards to the fact that the Spanish coach
looks like Rene from "Allo Allo" but with greyer hair and a tache to match.

This will very likely be the final match I'll see in the tournament due to
Lounge this weekend, but strangely I've found it a lot more
interesting than Germany 2006.

Possibly because there's fewer angsts troubling like last time
such as my laptop being repaired, returning to ASDA and so on.

Tomorrow see's a rather early start with a train journey to London
at 9am for an informal chat regarding an internship at a production
company who make online music matching applications.

For example there's one for die hard X Factor fans which suggests
songs that best suit their favourite finalists to perform in the live shows.

I'll do my best when I'm there, and whatever happens, I'll
sort myself out a shell bol when I get back later on.

Ever Exhausted

As the Lounge weekend approaches I'm getting even more nervous
as Andrew has sent out the details of what's going on including
an editing rota.

The only thing is I'm not listed on there, although I'm hoping that's
some sort of acknowledgement to the fact that I've got tickets to
the festival itself.

I would like to lend a hand in some way however and if the e-mail
was sent to me, then I'm 100% certain that I will be required to help
out in one way.

No time like the present, and tomorrow sees another visit to Hersden
and after that I may need to get some well earned rest before my
visit over to London on Thursday for a chat at an audio
production company.

By Monday morning I'll barely be able to lift an arm.

Just like any other day then.

6Music Survives

Well there's no prizes for guessing what this post will be about
as the news of 6Music's axing wasn't passed by the BBC Trust
therefore proving that the public can make a difference by taking action.

Unfortunately you can't please everyone as I've seen a barrage
of negative tweets from a certain producer at a commercial AM speech station
who really seems to have a chip on his shoulder about the whole issue.

His argument for the axing just seems to be an overall dislike towards
the station and suggesting that if the shows are that good, then
they can be spread out on the remaining BBC networks.

Then again I'd probably be eating my own words if the right wing
commercial station was under threat, but I wouldn't start a
campaign to get it axed for the sake of it.

I'd take my own advice of the 6music issue, that being
if you don't like it, don't listen.
But then again I let stupid things take over my life that are
easily avoidable, although they soon fade out after a while.

However my overall dislike for those with right wing opinions
will be something that will never disappear from me.

At least it gives me something to debate on.

With regards to the axing of the Asian Network, there's a more
valid reason for doing so as despite the station being aimed at a niche
audience which is fair enough, very few people within that demographic
are actually listening.

It was certainly the impression I got when listening to Nihal's
phone in show on the station this afternoon but it's fair to say
that more work will be needed to be taken by the corporation as a whole
to cater for Asian audiences.

But overall with 6music's reprieval, it can ensure that I'll still
have some sort of enthusiasm for radio listening on a good day.

And that it still gives Lauren Laverne to wipe the floor with just
about every other female DJ on national radio, i.e. Whiley, Cotton, Cox etc

Possible Hope

It's coming to the point where I'm starting to get fed up with things
and longing to be more productive.

Luckily that should be the case from Tuesday onwards when the
intern interviews take place, and from Friday when the Lounge festivities
will be happening just outside of Canterbury, where for one weekend
only, the city has a sense of credibility to it.

However, the other problem living here is that there's certain
individuals who are searching for aggro and I find it hard to
deal with in a calm manner because it's happened too many times.

I really want to move out but in terms of money, it's never that simple.

Especially when I'm bad at handling it.

The Pre Lounge Jam

Another empty day really, although Argentina beating Germany
in the World Cup quarter finals has lightened me up a bit.

I'm just finding it a struggle to sort out the playlist for tomorrow's
radio show as there's so many tunes I've managed to grab hold of
but my ability to remember their names is very poor.

Especially the really rare dance tracks from around 20 years ago.

Two artists who will be guaranteed to be featured on the show
as it's the last one before Lounge will be Bad Manners and Toots
& The Maytals, who 7 days later will be within my presence.

Back to tonight, and my main viewing tonight, will consist of
Russell Brand's "Scandalous" on Channel 4 which will definitely
get a few things straight about the UK's most stupid scandal
of recent years.

But to be fair, the whole society could be described as stupid
if you take the many decisions made by politicians, and television
bosses to name a few examples.

The Acoustic Alphabet

Following from the video of Elmo singing Beyonce and Alicia Keys,
I've found another one of the three year old monster, with a
vocalist who I'd place higher than those two performers, India Arie.

To hear her singing the "Alphabet Song" is something special,
although it will always remind me of another of Steven Wright's
superb one liners;

"Why is the alphabet in that order? Is it because of that song?"

All that aside, to find a cuter and wittier Muppet than Elmo
would be like finding a comedian more offensive than Jerry Sadowitz.

Near Productive

Considering I haven't done any that's worth blogging about for most of today,
I have managed to get two interviews regarding possible broadcasting
related interns next week so with them, and the Lounge weekend later on
it's going to be exciting times.

Today as always has been spent re-organising and arranging folders
and sorting out a bit of cooking which as always will involve the use
of stock cubes.

The big viewing priority of course will be Mock The Week, featuring
Ed Byrne as one of the guests, although Lee Nelson who follows
on BBC Three won't be getting an eyelid.

On a more positive note I enjoyed "Stand Up For The Week"
on Channel 4 last Friday which is another offering from the
team who do "Live At The Apollo" only this involves
the same set of stand ups each week adapting their act
to look at the week's topical events.

Rich Hall was the funniest last week with his gags about
Tony Hayward and the BP oil spillage, and he really
knows how to swear with hilarious results.

You could say that they're too many stand up shows on
television, but as long as they provide the laughs, that's
what's really important.