Another London outing was on my agenda last night,
this time to a workshop organized by Careershifters where
those who want a change of direction attend to get ideas
and to share recommendations of where to go and related contacts.
The coaches Sonia and Sarah who lead the session were amazing
and full of enthusiasm, whilst the session itself was very inspiring,
particularly the part on finding personal values, which can be taken
into account when finding a job that you are happy with, even
if it's not your desired occupation.
I hope to attend more similar sessions and festivals
in 2013 as unlike those that I'm forced into at the job centre
I can walk out of them feeling really inspired, and that I've actually
learnt something useful and valueable.
Not to mention a warmth, felt throughout.
Certainly a cut above the crap I get forced on from Kennedy Scott
and so on, where I was meant to be going to this afternoon
for an appointment, but due to a shortage of staff it has had to
be postponed until the new year.
I suppose I could call it a blessing in disguise, though the rest
of the day will be rather quiet as it's not until tomorrow evening
when I'm next out on the tiles in Canterbury.
I may see if I can get some Christmas shopping done.
The second night of my crazy week of nights out saw me bound for
Elephant and Castle and an event known as "Hollyfireween"
attempting to blend Halloween, Bonfire Night and my friend
Holly's 28th birthday party into one.
The birthday girl herself was dressed up as "Carrie"
with a blonde wig and a dressed covered in a special concoction
of not just fake blood, but cocoa and golden syrup.
The main highlight of proceedings was a fireworks display on the roof
of the very big house, and quite frankly I'm surprised no one got hurt.
Other memorable moments can be seen below.
And I bet Andrew, the guy in the above photo is thinking,
"Let go of my girlfriend or I'll slaughter you".
On the drinking front, I was rather mellow in intoxication,
and by midnight I was starting to feel a bit knackered within
a kitchen with the garden doors wide open causing more than
a bit of a chill.
I spent the rest of the night laid down on the front room sofa
with a bean bag as a duvet, making my way back to Canters
just after 7am via St Pancras International.
With a bit of spare time, I got a photo of the piano that is
on display at the station, as played by a fair few individuals
including one Jon Snow earlier this week.
Having not touched an upright for 18 years however,
I opted to resist the temptation of having a go myself,
though I wouldn't mind learning again, in private of course
as I am rubbish.
No rest for the wicked, as tonight's my final live Blam Jam show
of 2012, and I'll follow that up by lying back in front of the
X Factor final, which for all it's flaws this series,
has absolutely shot by.
My favourite time of the year by far.
My week (and a bit) of fun festive nights out commenced last night with CSR's Xmas Karaoke do at the Run Of The Mill pub on Canterbury's Sturry Road,
where just about all of us took part, either off our own accord,
or through being set up by others.
Notable performances include Al from the Alternative Classics show, subjected to performing 50 Cent's "In Da Club"
Not forgetting a duet with head of speech Shona on "Fairytale Of New York".
The duet of the night came courtesy of Dan Gibson and Elliot Crush,
taking on Elton and Kiki,
Whilst my contribution was a more than shouty rendition
of The Swinging Blue Jeans.
Every participant who took part got to have a go on a makeshift
Play Your Cards Right, where I ended up winning a shot
as a result of getting the joker.
I wasn't too sure about pairs being counted, mainly because it meant
we couldn't shout out that infamous catchphrase.
I went easy on the booze last night, although later this evening
I will more than likely be in a far worse state as it's Holly from
the CMP course's birthday party in South London tonight,
which I'm really looking forward to as I haven't seen her for nearly
two years.
It promises to be more than eventful, and I'm certain there will
be many fancy dress items a-plenty.
As I was rather down last night, I ended up making the most simple
move to dispel my depression.
Closing the lid of my laptop, and going to bed with a book.
And a good one at that.
"The Element" by Sir Ken Robinson was purchased on the back
of viewing arguably the best TED talk ever, and many of the
ideas and subjects covered, are also included in the book itself
and although I've only reached the second chapter so far, there's
some very valid thoughts of the narrow minded attitudes towards
schools and the education system overall.
I didn't fully realise I had a genuine love for music despite
it always being in me, until I was around 12 or 13 mainly
and the passion certainly wasn't triggered through what
I was taught in the classroom.
If that sort of education is meant to teach you skills for life
then the only ones taught in music appeared to be those
for when round a campfire.
One of the most important areas covered by the book is how
established figures, masters of their professions, didn't realise
what they were good at, and how good they were until they left
school and started to properly fuel their passions.
Though I have still have a few bolts to tighten, I feel
that I've been getting better at radio presenting and audio
producing since leaving university, as with CSR I'm presenting
every week, rather than just semester time so it has allowed
me to develop further.
As well as branching out beyond the station itself and meeting
up with other radio insiders at events and conferences and
gradually getting round the networking route by telling
them what I have been doing, and sharing ideas.
I'll have another read of the book tonight, and in a climate
where too many people are telling me what I can't do,
it's refreshing to have a viewpoint from a more open and
influential figure.
My plan for tonight was to go out to a live performance at the Cherry Tree pub in Canterbury, but in the last few minutes I have been struck down
with another instance of feeling melancholy.
It's little thoughts over things that are meant to help, but ultimately
have me feeling sad and close to tears.
It all came about when reading this blog from The Pips website
about the steps to take when wanting to get into radio, and
one of the things covered is the grey area of part time jobs.
My big worries about part time jobs are the stresses that
await as part of proceedings, other colleagues that simply
don't care, and most of all, I'll be thinking about the downsides
towards the job itself, rather than getting better at what I do in radio.
It doesn't help that the advisors at Kennedy Scott in Canterbury
where I attend every month, are quite frankly no bleeding help at all.
Every time I send a draft application letter or C.V update to
my advisor via e-mail I get no response.
Are they actually doing what they're paid for themselves?
I honestly doubt it.
The issue I need to sort out is to become the lively, polite
and enthusiastic person I am when in the company of either
radio people, or punters at soul nights out, when talking either
job advisors or potential employers.
To gain more confidence and to have more bottle, and
to stop worrying would be something I would really like
to improve on.
But having re-read the blog, the top paragraph highights
about only changing a few things, rather than everything
all at once.
When I attend Kennedy Scott next Tuesday, I will try
and politely explain my situation, and ask the advisors
what they can do and how I can try and improve my
situation.
Normally when watching or listening to a lengthy music documentary
(even one on an area of interest) I end up falling asleep
halfway through.
That wasn't the case with Spike Lee's celebration of Michael Jackson's
last great album, in "Bad 25" as shown last Saturday on BBC 2
and under my surveillance earlier today.
It managed to cover all the songs and accompanying videos of
the 1987 LP and revealed previously unseen footage of choreography
rehearsals and unused takes from the "short films" to accompany
the songs released as singles.
Most revealing of all was how the amazing organ solo on "Bad"
itself was played by Hammond-master Jimmy Smith, and it
also revealed who "Annie" was in "Smooth Criminal".
I won't spoil it, as it's best to watch the documentary itself.
Almost any of Whacko's follow up albums to "Bad" would have
been welcome on the "Disasterpieces" documentary
broadcast tonight on BBC Radio 1, where to coincide with Zane Lowe's
annual festive "Masterpieces" strand, Scott Mills probes the factors
that go into making a disastrous follow up LP.
Whether it's band members falling out, indulgence of illegal
substances, or in the case of Duffie, selling out to Coca-Cola
following up a succesful album is always a tough task,
and when it doesn't go to plan, the humilation knows no bounds.
Scott Mills is a fantastic choice of presenter, and not afraid
to give an honest critique on some of the shambles profiled
in the programme.
As far as Radio 1 documentaries go, this one's far from being
a "disasterpiece" of its own.
My first blog of the final month of 2012, and it looks set to be a good one.
Though as is normally the case, it will be a melancholy one at the same
time as there may be a fair few energy drinks involved and,
well, I can't help getting a bit blubbery when I'm happy,
and with other people who are also happy.
Luckily tomorrow it will be a relatively solitary situation as I'll
be hosting my third birthday edition of Blam Jam at CSR FM.
Rather scary to think it's three years now, but the show's in
a lot better shape than it was when it started.
I say that every year don't I though...
To mark the occasion I'll be doing a special showcase celebrating
40 years of the Philadelphia International label and artists such
as The O'Jays, Lou Rawls, Harold Melvin And The Bluenotes and so
on, and in the second hour I'll be doing something special called
"The Jazz Dial" showcasing the finest stuff from an otherwise
overlooked music genre.
In fact I've barely prepared anything at the studio so it will
probably be an early start tomorrow morning sticking all the songs
and segues onto Myriad.
Later on in the week I plan to head over to the Cherry Tree
to see Tyrannosaurus Alan play their final gig in Canterbury,
and on Friday CSR will be having their Christmas do with a
karaoke night at the Run Of The Mill bar.
Whether I'll end up singing is another thing, but I hope it won't
be as bad as my Doobie Brothers rendition at my graduation three
years ago.
Earlier tonight I was watching what will be my final live
Saturday X Factor this series due to a birthday do I'm attending
next week.
As always, I watched it alongside Yapp Factor, hosted by radio
presenter Jake Yapp giving a sideways view on proceedings
during the show's ad-breaks.
The highlight this week being a caption competition
with a picture of Gary Barlow and his one surviving act Chris Maloney
with one suggestion being "Take That meets Fake Twat".
I doubt my sense of humour will ever advance from that.
The day's finally arrived, the Leveson report is made public
and only one song is fitting enough for the unveiling.
Thankfully it's not a cover of the song as recorded by
The Jam and now the theme tune of a very popular
comedy panel show.
No, this is by a Folkestone based band who I saw at the
punk weekender at the Westcoast Bar a few weeks ago
and they pretty much stole the event with not just this song
but a hilarious offering called "I Hate Football" which even
those who love the sport also found hilarious.
Anyway, returning to the issue in hand, I'm really hoping
it lays into the Murdoch empire for their quite frankly
despicable acts, and shoddy journalism.
I guess a shorter way of saying this is that I despise
News International and their profit lead regimes, where
their method of making money is by pissing people
off and getting away scot-free.
Kay Burley still has a job at Sky News despite this horrendous
display of live reporting that happened a couple of months ago.
I had no idea they used Chris Morris' "The Day Today"
as a training manual at the channel but it appears to be the case.
All the same tonight's PM on BBC Radio 4 and tomorrow's
Have I Got News For You may be important appointments.
I slept better last night than I have in over a week so hopefully
that is a sign of day-to-day life slowly improving.
Just a case of being prepared for any setbacks so that I
find them easier to deal with.
But there's not just setbacks that are bothering me, bigger
irritations are making me feel melancholy what with every single
tab on my web browser being invaded by incessant adverts.
Even my own blog is affected with certain words highlighted
and underlined, linking to a sponsored website.
This will explain why I have to distinguish my own links
to websites by putting them in bold, although I have always
thought it makes my writing look pompous.
Which I guess I am to a point.
I may spend today going into one of the two Waterstones
in Canterbury to find any books worth buying that will help
me to build some sort of structure to getting by.
Tuesdays are always a struggle to get through, so
hopefully I'll make this one meaningful.
It always happens to me as a radio listener.
Just as I am really getting attached to something on a daily basis
it suddenly goes away and moves to pastures new.
Well, at the time of writing that's not yet the case, but earlier
today it was announced that Sam Walker, one half of Sam and Lorna's
"Feel Good Breakfast" on the North West's Real Radio is departing
after less than a year to move to a mid-morning show on BBC Radio Manchester.
In the last week or so I have become attached to what I believe
is the only female double-headed breakfast show which I initally
listened to just to get an better idea of the radio up north,
ahead of my visit to the Radio Festival last week.
I have ended up being hooked every morning however, even writing
a review of it on my radio website blog.
I shouldn't be too surprised however, as Walker already presents
the Sunday morning news review Double Take on BBC 5 Live
and the former GMG stations ahead of the Global merger
are losing more and more talented people by the week.
It's easy to compare this to what happened four years ago
when Global took over GCap but unlike the former it looks like
we're losing something that really is fantastic, brings warmth
out of the speaker and sounds like both those in the studio
and listening at home are sharing the enjoyment.
Not to mention a fantastic news team that has won awards
and made amazing documentaries, and may possibly be
reduced to one minute on-the-hour speed bulletins.
I'd best not dwell too much on it.
There's too much positive things outside the noise box set to
take place this week, including another soulful outing
to Margate on Saturday and further on from that, I'm thinking
of attending a "Career Shifters" evening in London in December.
In fact forget thinking about it, I'm going.
If it costs money to be motivated, then so be it.
One of of the things I was told at Foot In The Door last week
was that I have to spend money in order to travel to places
and events that can lead to positive prospects.
It will take time, but I know it can pay off.
I've been trying to work out how I can lighten the load of visits
and more importantly money spending over the next month or so
as I feel as if I have been rather excessive in the last few weeks.
Still sort of recovering from Friday's outing, I had planned
to go to another recording of Richard Herring's Leicester Square
Podcast in December but I'll probably give that a miss,
so if anyone wants the e-mail link for my ticket PDF
then first come, first served.
I hope this will save me money but my bigger worry is that
if I do end up finding work, even though I will be earning more
money I won't have the time to spend it.
Yes there will be the opportunity to book holidays, but the
prolonging thought of having to return to soul-destroying
positions will refuse to go away.
It's as if I have forgotten about a video I posted on
my blog many months ago called "Who Moved My Cheese?"
which is all about the idea of dealing with change and gradually
working towards making it work so at the end, you don't
want to go back to how things were, and you thought were better.
If there is anything new I would like to do, it would be able to
write and talk to people better.
I can go on for ages about things I am passionate about,
but when it comes to talking about what I am really like
I get really scared and worried that what I present myself
to people as, is a big lie.
Or is it the other way round?
Am I trapping myself in a glum, forlorn lifestyle, and
not being brave enough to present myself as outgoing all the time?
I want help in dealing with setbacks and not letting them
turn into permanent stopgaps.
And I also want help in making myself more independent
as I may find it easier living away from home with parents.
I keep being told that I can just move out like that, but
without a proper financial plan, it's more difficult.
I've seen others manage to do so, and would like to try myself.
Another outing to London was on the agenda and hopefully the first of many
radio outings, as organised by the amazing Emma Corsham
who I previously met at the Next Radio conference,
and has an amazing CV layout.
Through Twitter she managed to gather a great set of attendees
ranging from SRA Marketing Officer Callum Clark, programming consultant
Paul Easton who I'd previously at "Talking Dirty"
last year, and radio ad coach Lenja who's travelled to London from Slovenia.
A few Uni alumni also turned up, them being Steven McIntosh
and Ross Powell who I haven't seen for a long time.
The plan was originally to go to Waxy O'Connors but with too many
reserved tables we ended up at O'Neils just off Gerrard Street
where a rather superb live band were playing some amazing covers
from the likes of the Beatles and The Dandy Warhols.
The excitement prompted Callum to sing into his wine bottle
resulting in him passing a near resemblance to the "Secret
Lemonade Drinker", which unsurprisingly only I found hilarious.
As the night got older, myself, Ross and Steven made our way to
a clothes shop near Old Street where fellow alumni Sarah Thompson
had put on a Filthy Disco live bands night and in her crazy manner
covered us all in glitter with me being hit the worst.
The three of us made ourselves at home in a changing cubicle
during the night which was surreal to say the least.
I headed back home at around midnight from St Pancras station
and it was then that the booze started to hit me and I felt really
bad for being too enthusiastic, not just tonight but at the
Foot In The Door event on Wednesday.
I fear that I may be having too much of a good time begin
to start worrying about what others think of me, when I'm sure
it's not that bad in the long run.
Especially as Lenja wants us to attend next week for a radio peeps
karaoke night!
That could be interesting.
I am quite frankly knackered after my visit to Manchester and
the Foot In The Door event as part of the Radio Festival.
It was essentially radio speed dating spending 10 minutes
on a table with two or three radio pros before moving onto the next
and there were 10 tables in total.
Although I was nervous about it I was amongst really lovely people
and none more so than those who I went round with including
Aisling who I first met at the Brixton event in June where she was also
the compere.
Amongst those giving advice were Christian Spooner the group
head of news for Real and Smooth Radio, Kate Cocker who along with
radio producer Sarah Grun gave some no-nonsense advice on
what and what not to do when attempting to climb the radio ladder.
Best of all however was getting to see Karen P from Folded Wing
again, who helped make the day that extra special.
Not least when she burst out laughing because I had brought
over my puppet of Gordon The Gopher with me, following
a conversation we had on my work placement last year.
It was a struggle to stop her playing with the puppet!
I headed back pretty swiftly that afternoon and managed to hear
Damon Albarn's fantastic audio collage networked on all the BBC
radio stations to celebrate 90 years of radio.
Not too happy about the reaction however.
Yes it was abstract, yes it was bizarre but surely it's a
forward thinking approach towards the future of radio?
It's certainly been influential on a personal level, for
someone who loves messing about with echo and EQ.
Overall I had an amazing time, and it looks set to continue on Friday
with another outing with more radio peeps, this time in Central London,
Quite a crazy week has passed, certainly in the last couple of
days where I made a return visit to Margate's West Coast Bar
for the "Faceful Of Punk" event that took place on Friday
and Saturday.
Whilst it was a fun event it's safe to say I'm missing the
soul boys (and girls) but luckily a fair number of them
will be returning to their in two weeks as there's a
night at Kabuki on the 24th.
I headed back earlier than I thought last night at around
8pm, arriving home just as they announced the departure
of George Entwistle as director general of the BBC.
Again I'm in a muddled frame of mind about it all, as earlier
in the day I was angry over the situation due to his weak
responses to John Humphrys on the Today programme,
but now I feel rather bad about him leaving in the middle
of a storm taking place in the corporation.
The announcement of Tim Davie becoming the caretaker
director general means that he won't be attending the
Radio Festival on Monday, although luckily they have managed
to get Radio 2 controller Bob Shennan to take his place
in the opening.
But that maybe why I'm really in an uncertain mood as
on Tuesday I'm heading up to Manchester myself ahead of an
event on the Wednesday called Foot In The Door which
I'm nervous about.
To make it easier I have arranged to meet up with one
of the speakers on the "radio speed dating" event beforehand
and have been told that it will be fine on the day itself,
but in the run up to it the tension will build up and I am
concious that I will end up in a state when it finally arrives.
But having put it off for many years, I really want to give
it a go this time and do what I can to actually get somewhere
in radio.
Without the intrusion of those from university discouraging me,
I have found things far more easier to deal with, and if I
explain my worries beforehand, they normally end up vanishing
when the event finally happens.
Until then though, I'm guessing I'm just going to keep
waking up more and more earlier in the day feeling sorry
for myself for really stupid reasons.
Margate was my destination last night to celebrate the 10th anniversary
of the Westcoast Bar, and what better way to do so with a night
of the finest soulful house headlined by the one and only Joey Negro.
It was good to catch up with a few of those who attended
the Weekender in August including John, who many moons ago
worked as a tech op and O/B warm up man at Invicta Radio
and had many stories to share about the halcyon days of
the station.
Also present was Theresa, a lovely woman from Herne Bay
and a fellow lover of Leroy Burgess, which impressed me
no end.
And not forgetting Margate residents Paul and Jules McSweeney,
Paul as always living up to his name as the Westcoast's
most energetic shape puller.
The headline act was on fine form spinning some fantastic
soulful house anthems with highlights including the Masters At Work's
"Backfired", the Jazz 'N' Groove remix of David Bendeth's "Feel The Real"
and as far as the new stuff goes, the tune of the night for me was
Erin Leah's "Radio Billie Stereo Ella".
I'll definitely be giving that last one a spin on my radio show tonight.
The next soul night I'll be attending at the Westcoast will be on
New Years Eve where Roni O'Brien will be one of the disc spinners,
but I'll be back at said venue even sooner as next week will be
the "Faceful Of Punk" event where amongst those performing
will be the likes of Ted Dibiase, 7 Day Conspiracy and The Half-Wits.
As far as last night goes though, it will be a tough one to beat
with great music, and amazing people.
It's interesting how your brain goes bonkers all of a sudden after
writing a blogpost.
Whilst writing the last one I forgot that Danny Baker started
his show off with Queen's "Radio Ga Ga" and while it may
have been played many times, the lyrics of the first verse
managed to strike a chord;
"So don't become some background noise
A backdrop for the girls and boys
Who just don't know or just don't care
And just complain when you're not there"
No more is that a perfect description than for when
I attended the offices of Kennedy Scott on Tuesday
to discuss what to do next in my attempts to find work,
and I was in a foul mood not least because I was being
patronised by one of the staff members whilst the radio
was on tuned to Heart not making the situation better.
I was close to wanting to switch the receiver off as it
was making an already awkward situation even more so
but was scared of actually doing so, not wanting to upset
any of the other colleagues who cannot get enough of hearing
"I've Had The Time Of My Life" 5 times a day.
The contrast between that, and what Danny Baker had to offer
couldn't be stretched further apart, and if anything the former
is what develops an irrational hatred for what is otherwise
an amazing broadcast medium.
I have a genuine love for music and radio, but admittedly
there are times and places when both are not appropriate
for certain situations.
And especially in those when with individuals who in
Roger Taylor's words "just don't know or care".
Before anyone asks, I've no plans to take part in this year's
Movember.
Yes it's all for a good cause but I wouldn't want to make myself
look any uglier than I already am.
I may grow the odd stubble now and again but at the end of
the day I don't want to look like a direct double of my Dad.
Though actually, as he's away on his 10th visit to Cuba this
year I may stray slightly.
If I can put up with it while sleeping which seems unlikely.
Elsewhere it's been quite a day in the world of wireless, with
one of the masters of the medium making his departure
from his daily radio show on BBC London.
Danny Baker let rip between 3 and 5pm this afternoon
with what was essentially as massive rant against the ridiculous
condescending, gutless decisions made by BBC middle men,
all coming to a head with the axing of his show from
the BBC London schedule.
In all fairness I could see it coming eventually as over
the last few years BBC London has been slowly stripped of
it's individuality and made to sound like all the rest of
the backward-facing blandness of BBC Local Radio, even
adapting the otherwise inspiring musical identification package
used on all the stations.
The show itself can be heard here, and whilst I'm not in favour
of on-air resignations of those who think they're bigger than
the station, this is no Dave Lee Travis, as Danny Baker actually
has more than just an ounce of talent and creativity within him.
It's so good a show, that you can forgive him for playing one
or two dodgy country tracks in there and to counteract for
that there's a bit of Bowie and Steely Dan thrown in.
What should be noted is that Baker isn't departing the BBC
altogether as the Sausage Sandwich Quiz still has a place
on Saturday mornings as his 5 Live show carries on.
I'm actually in Manchester on the night when Baker is inducted
into the Radio Academy Hall Of Fame at this year's Radio Festival
so I may see if I can pull a few strings to hear what promises
to be a stirring speech.
I struggled to get any sleep last night, waking up at bleeding 2:30 in the morning and not slumbering again until about 7am.
I don't get it at all.
Surely a long stretch to the University of Kent campus and back
would be enough to have me feeling knackered by the end
of yesterday, but not so.
Mum and Dad are away this weekend in Norwich, and I'm
making another outing on Saturday this time returning to
Sheerness for a Halloween night of gigs at the Castle
where the Half Wits are headlining.
Whether I'll get to see them before I need to get the last train
back to Canters I've no idea, but I've seen them more than enough
times this year as it is.
Then again the clocks go back this weekend, so I may make
a few adjustments, at worst resorting to walking back if needs be.
A day of first aid training gave way to a chaotic evening last night at
The Three Tuns kicking off with Tadhg and the Half Wits causing chaos
as always.
Equally raucous sets from Ted Dibiase, and Betty Swollox were
the ideal warm-up for the rudest man to hail from Basildon,
the one and only Kunt And The Gang who resulted in the performance
area of the Three Tuns being absolutely rammed, helping to prove
that it was worth sticking around the front of the stage for the best
part of the night.
Anyone expecting many a dig at Jimmy Savile, was not
disappointed as we got a live rendition of the recent internet
favourite "Sexy Kids" which is so catchy, many are afraid
of accidentally singing it in public.
Other dirty ditties included "For A Million Pounds", "Carol Vorderman",
and one that hasn't been done live for a while "Men With Beards"
the lead song from a tour some four years ago, warning
punters about the sleazy traits of men with facial hair.
Late into the evening I made my way with a few of the earlier
acts to the Lady Luck once again where behaviour of this sort took place.
Though on a personal level the effects of many a WKD bottle
and Monster energy drink were starting to show and I thought
it was best that I called it a night.
Next Saturday however will see me in Sheerness, where
The Half Wits and Betty Swollox will be disturbing the peace
for a speical Halloween gig at The Castle pub.
A new venue to me, but I like a change of surroundings.
As for tonight, I'm back on the radio again, and out of
all the tunes I'm playing,
I'm most excited about this new
offering from The Hics and "Lines".
A mint tune all the way through.
I once again have a really rotten throat which could possibly
be yet another precursor to an even annoying cold.
We're well and truly into Autumn now.
It didn't get in the way last night however, on an evening of
hilarity, frustration and anger at two unfortunate incidents
for English football.
The first was the general incompetence of the Polish team stadium
who took 45 minutes to decide if the pitch was too wet to play
the World Cup qualifier between them and England and not bothering
to close the roof.
Meaning that we were left with Adrian Chiles nearly losing his rag,
a frustrated Gabriel Kent, and a repeat episode of Doc Martin put on
instead of the match itself.
The match has been postponed to a 4pm kick off this afternoon
but on the plus side, at least it means Alan Titchmarsh will be
cancelled to make room for the build-up.
Even worse however was the England Under 21s game against
Serbia to qualify for the U21's Euro 2013 tournament and
proof that the opposing team don't seem to have learned
a bloody thing after being fined 5 years ago for racism.
Danny Rose had every right to kick the ball into the crowd
of pricks giving him unnecessary abuse, and I really hope that
serious implications are laid onto Serbia for their inexcusable
behaviour.
Even more irritating is that UEFA have completely blanked
any traces of racism out of their post-match report which
goes to show that even the head honchos are still stuck in the dark ages.
Away from football related frustrations, I'm planning to make a
spag bol for everyone at home tonight though judging by the state
of my throat, I'll go easy on the spicy stuff.
Unless of course, Dad makes alterations behind my back as always.
I made another visit back over to London last night to see the
much anticipated performance by John Cooper-Clarke at
The South Bank Centre, nicely timed for National Poetry Day.
Whilst it was an enjoyable gig, I thought that there weren't
enough poems and too many anecdotes, and it would
take about 10 minutes to get from one verse to the next.
It meant I didn't hear any personal favourites such as
"Chicken Town" or "Monster From Outer Space" although
there was a good response when he read the old
favourite "Beasley Street".
Whilst the main act wasn't as good as I hoped, the support
was on top form with fellow Manchester poet Mike Gary
providing witty verses about the late Tony Wilson and
Bernard Manning's Embassy Club, and Essex poet Luke Wright
who was the highlight of the night with his own verses on
service stations and the recent silly season sensation
that was the Essex Lion.
I was sat in pretty much the centre of the back row
although a few rows below to my right was the bright-haired
bubbly sounding singer that is Paloma Faith.
I attempted to get a photo of her during the interval,
although I doubt I was too successful.
Straight after the performance I rushed straight over
to Islington and The Old Queen's Head where Goldiercock's
Selector Live event was taking place.
I managed to see just the end of the last live band and
the acoustics and sound quality were the best I have
ever heard at a small venue gig.
No surprise as the Folded Wing team were behind it all
and I managed to catch up with John who produces
the radio show itself, and Andrea one of the production
assistants.
Andrea has recently produced a superb documentary
for Radio 1's Behind The Label series focusing on
the Ed Banger label which is still on the website
until next week.
I wish I could have been there longer, but if they
have any more live events later in the year,
I'm coming down there.
As for tonight, I'll be Folkestone bound for a live performance
by The Half-Wits and Ted Dibiase's Million Dollar Punk Band
who are both warming up for 7 Day Conspiracy who
Ted's bass player Stuart also plays for.
Whether I'll last the whole course I'm not sure but it will be good
to see both bands in more coastal surroundings.
