Meet my tailor*
...he's called Tee. I've just blown a not insignificant amount of money on a couple of sharp suits, dressy shirts, ties and stuff. I just want to give a big up to my man "Tee" down in the basement of Moss Bros at the TCR end of Oxford Street. He knew exactly what size I was, immediately picked out the right suit and got exactly the shirts to go with it.
Recommended!
* Ian Dury. What a loss.
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Monday, May 07, 2007
Yesterday, Sunday 6 May, I was pootling up the M4 back to London having taken a small detour to Swindon to get some beer and nibbles for my "Leaving London" party. About a mile from the Chievely exit I saw a puff of brown dust and then what appeared to be a car going end over end.
It was.
I pulled over with a few other cars expecting the worst and called 999 to scramble everything. Two adults had been pulled from the car and were laying on the grass ,and a toddler was being cradled by a fellow passer-by. After checking that there were no more people in the car, I grabbed a little girl as she was about to wander into the traffic. As I carried her up to the verge and tried to calm her, there was some activity further up the bank as some cries had been heard. After a few moments searching, another child was found in a tree having been thrown completely clear.
It took at least 20 minutes for help to arrive but fortunately, two doctors had stopped and got to work with the triage, pulling first aid kits from cars and performing basic first aid.
Once help arrived, it arrived in force: two or three fire engines, several ambulances and plenty of police. The Eastbound M4 was closed, followed half an hour later by the Westbound to allow the air ambulance to land.
According to the traffic police, the car had been in the overtaking lane, so doing at least 80mph, wandered into the drainage gulley, overcorrected, crossed all three lanes, mounted the bank, flipped and touched down at least three times before coming to rest on its roof.
As a skeptic, I don't use words like "miraculous" very often but it certainly verged on it in that no-one was killed in this: either the occupants of the car or any of the cars whose path it crossed.
After an hour or so, I put the little girl into the ambulance complete with space blankets, firmly gripping a new teddy bear given to her by a fireman and donated by the local Lion's Club (I think!) and waved her goodbye. She had hardly a scratch on her, just a bruised finger.
Now the angry part: anyone carrying children in their car without proper restraint should be prosecuted immediately. In this case the parents could well be once they are out of hospital: the police were taking a very strong interest in whether the children were buckled in and the absence of child seats. This is too little, too late. [* Update: the father was driving while disqualified *]
On a personal note, the whole thing was completely surreal. Firstly, this stuff never happens to me, I really hope it's not the start of a trend. I was also frankly impressed with myself and everyone else who stopped, the situation was dealt with calmly and efficiently. It was only when I stopped at Reading searvices and had a cup of tea that the enormity of what had happened sunk in. On the subject of tea, and I realise this is totally trivial, but everyone involved could really have done with a cup of tea while the paramedics were going about their work. What's happened to the Blitz spirit, eh?
Lastly, and I don't know whether it's just the way I am, but I felt very sad that the connections that had been made in that brief time, the bond between the helpers themselves and particularly with the little girl would be so transient. After I file a pro-forma statement today, that'll be it, all over. We'll never know whether the endng is happy or not. Life isn't like TV after all.
[* Update: OK, I've got some closure now. Everyone is fine, the worst injuries were a fractured skull on the youngest child and a broken collarbone on one of the adults. All's well and all that, but it should never have happened in the first place *]
It was.
I pulled over with a few other cars expecting the worst and called 999 to scramble everything. Two adults had been pulled from the car and were laying on the grass ,and a toddler was being cradled by a fellow passer-by. After checking that there were no more people in the car, I grabbed a little girl as she was about to wander into the traffic. As I carried her up to the verge and tried to calm her, there was some activity further up the bank as some cries had been heard. After a few moments searching, another child was found in a tree having been thrown completely clear.
It took at least 20 minutes for help to arrive but fortunately, two doctors had stopped and got to work with the triage, pulling first aid kits from cars and performing basic first aid.
Once help arrived, it arrived in force: two or three fire engines, several ambulances and plenty of police. The Eastbound M4 was closed, followed half an hour later by the Westbound to allow the air ambulance to land.
According to the traffic police, the car had been in the overtaking lane, so doing at least 80mph, wandered into the drainage gulley, overcorrected, crossed all three lanes, mounted the bank, flipped and touched down at least three times before coming to rest on its roof.
As a skeptic, I don't use words like "miraculous" very often but it certainly verged on it in that no-one was killed in this: either the occupants of the car or any of the cars whose path it crossed.
After an hour or so, I put the little girl into the ambulance complete with space blankets, firmly gripping a new teddy bear given to her by a fireman and donated by the local Lion's Club (I think!) and waved her goodbye. She had hardly a scratch on her, just a bruised finger.
Now the angry part: anyone carrying children in their car without proper restraint should be prosecuted immediately. In this case the parents could well be once they are out of hospital: the police were taking a very strong interest in whether the children were buckled in and the absence of child seats. This is too little, too late. [* Update: the father was driving while disqualified *]
On a personal note, the whole thing was completely surreal. Firstly, this stuff never happens to me, I really hope it's not the start of a trend. I was also frankly impressed with myself and everyone else who stopped, the situation was dealt with calmly and efficiently. It was only when I stopped at Reading searvices and had a cup of tea that the enormity of what had happened sunk in. On the subject of tea, and I realise this is totally trivial, but everyone involved could really have done with a cup of tea while the paramedics were going about their work. What's happened to the Blitz spirit, eh?
Lastly, and I don't know whether it's just the way I am, but I felt very sad that the connections that had been made in that brief time, the bond between the helpers themselves and particularly with the little girl would be so transient. After I file a pro-forma statement today, that'll be it, all over. We'll never know whether the endng is happy or not. Life isn't like TV after all.
[* Update: OK, I've got some closure now. Everyone is fine, the worst injuries were a fractured skull on the youngest child and a broken collarbone on one of the adults. All's well and all that, but it should never have happened in the first place *]
Friday, May 04, 2007
Monday, April 30, 2007
Three Deep Purple gigs in three days is always hectic and this particular hurtle round the sea-sides and metropolis was no exception.
First stop Bournemouth in time for Purple's set. It's an all-seater, but the security clearly were on to a loser trying to stem the rush to the barrier, a nice little crowd-let formed and I spent the whole set on the rail dead centre. This is always a mixed blessing since it's nice to be up close but the sound is always dreadful, all drums and guitars, little bass and no keys. Most noteworthy though was the lighting: the biggest production The setlist had a disappointing two songs from the current album, but they're goodies and the rest of the set rattled along with the usual mix of classics and the occasional slight rarity. Afterwards we repaired to a nearby Wetherspoons for friendly libations with old and new friends.
Next up, Wembley Arena. Historically, Wembley arena has been a hateful venue: an echo-laden, soulless concrete barn with ignorant goons as stewards. Amazingly, only thing remaining are the goons. As part of the redevelopment of Wembley, the arena has been flipped so the back is now the front and vice-versa; somewhat disconcerting as the corridors are vaguely familiar yet disconcertingly veering off into
unfamiliar room and stairwells. The house staff were as lovely and helpful too. And as a bonus, there are now wandering minions with backpacks of cold lager for sale!
This time I made a point of seeing Thin Lizzy. Or should that be White Lizzy, what with Aldridge and Mendoza in the band? Either way, a jolly good rock and roll romp provided you leave your Lynott nostalgia at the door. John Sykes is a good front man and almost has the vocals
covered. His sparring with Gorham is great fun too. Recommended! Saw a fair chunk of Styx too, I can see they're very good at what they do but not having any history with the band, I found it tough to get
interested.
Finally, ten minutes early, the main act. Gillan introduces the show with "welcome to the shit-hole Wembley" or somesuch. I'm hoping he got to eat those words. He even went walkabout as the goons try to suppress the enjoyment but finally the crowd is allowed to get to its feet and jump around. Pretty much a sell-out and a GREAT show. I took a wander to see what the sound was like around the hall and it was amazing. Even Mr. Sykes in the sound area enjoyed a good chunk of the show.
Best. Deep Purple. Wembley Show ever.
Finally got back to my place at about four (thanks for the lift!) and up again at ten for the tortuous trek down through the Southern suburbs to the "Southern tip of Wardour St" aka Brighton.
Back on the rail for this, enjoy Lizzy hugely, stoke up on coffee during Styx then on snapping duties for the main event. Again, very, very good. Tight show, smiles all round, lots of dancing in the crowd. Some cheeky chop-stealing side-stage from a couple of members of the other bands. Bad Marco! Bad Lawrence!
All in all, possibly the best clutch of Purple shows I've ever seen. The production was excellent, performances tight, band relaxed and smiling and a good selection of friends old and new to sit and have *one* with afterwards. Special mention to the crew with "Bad Roadie! No Red Bull!" t-shirts.
Still smiling.
First stop Bournemouth in time for Purple's set. It's an all-seater, but the security clearly were on to a loser trying to stem the rush to the barrier, a nice little crowd-let formed and I spent the whole set on the rail dead centre. This is always a mixed blessing since it's nice to be up close but the sound is always dreadful, all drums and guitars, little bass and no keys. Most noteworthy though was the lighting: the biggest production The setlist had a disappointing two songs from the current album, but they're goodies and the rest of the set rattled along with the usual mix of classics and the occasional slight rarity. Afterwards we repaired to a nearby Wetherspoons for friendly libations with old and new friends.
Next up, Wembley Arena. Historically, Wembley arena has been a hateful venue: an echo-laden, soulless concrete barn with ignorant goons as stewards. Amazingly, only thing remaining are the goons. As part of the redevelopment of Wembley, the arena has been flipped so the back is now the front and vice-versa; somewhat disconcerting as the corridors are vaguely familiar yet disconcertingly veering off into
unfamiliar room and stairwells. The house staff were as lovely and helpful too. And as a bonus, there are now wandering minions with backpacks of cold lager for sale!
This time I made a point of seeing Thin Lizzy. Or should that be White Lizzy, what with Aldridge and Mendoza in the band? Either way, a jolly good rock and roll romp provided you leave your Lynott nostalgia at the door. John Sykes is a good front man and almost has the vocals
covered. His sparring with Gorham is great fun too. Recommended! Saw a fair chunk of Styx too, I can see they're very good at what they do but not having any history with the band, I found it tough to get
interested.
Finally, ten minutes early, the main act. Gillan introduces the show with "welcome to the shit-hole Wembley" or somesuch. I'm hoping he got to eat those words. He even went walkabout as the goons try to suppress the enjoyment but finally the crowd is allowed to get to its feet and jump around. Pretty much a sell-out and a GREAT show. I took a wander to see what the sound was like around the hall and it was amazing. Even Mr. Sykes in the sound area enjoyed a good chunk of the show.
Best. Deep Purple. Wembley Show ever.
Finally got back to my place at about four (thanks for the lift!) and up again at ten for the tortuous trek down through the Southern suburbs to the "Southern tip of Wardour St" aka Brighton.
Back on the rail for this, enjoy Lizzy hugely, stoke up on coffee during Styx then on snapping duties for the main event. Again, very, very good. Tight show, smiles all round, lots of dancing in the crowd. Some cheeky chop-stealing side-stage from a couple of members of the other bands. Bad Marco! Bad Lawrence!
All in all, possibly the best clutch of Purple shows I've ever seen. The production was excellent, performances tight, band relaxed and smiling and a good selection of friends old and new to sit and have *one* with afterwards. Special mention to the crew with "Bad Roadie! No Red Bull!" t-shirts.
Still smiling.
Wednesday, April 25, 2007
Bobby Anderson, Fortune Drive, The Fly, London
What can I say? Fantastic little show. Something like the the 15th time I've seen them (half as many times as I've seen Deep Purple but with fewer lineup changes!) and every time they get better in one way or another.
They also have this amazing personal chemistry. I've never seen a band act more like a family.
Lovely, lovely band.
They also have this amazing personal chemistry. I've never seen a band act more like a family.
Lovely, lovely band.
Saturday, April 21, 2007
The Camden Crawl
Was 99% bollocks. Of course you had to queue for five hours, or camp in a venue where a can of Red Stripe was £3.50, to see the teaser headliners, and the rest were camp NME poster boys. I could name names but I'll spare their blushes. Just to say, for crying out loud, learn to play your instruments and playground chants do not a song make.
BUT!
There was one salvation.
I never thought I would see a rap act at the Underworld much less like it. But it was so good I went to see him again the next night. Who provoked such madness? He's bad. He's Angry. It's....Akala.
It's bullshit.
Was 99% bollocks. Of course you had to queue for five hours, or camp in a venue where a can of Red Stripe was £3.50, to see the teaser headliners, and the rest were camp NME poster boys. I could name names but I'll spare their blushes. Just to say, for crying out loud, learn to play your instruments and playground chants do not a song make.
BUT!
There was one salvation.
I never thought I would see a rap act at the Underworld much less like it. But it was so good I went to see him again the next night. Who provoked such madness? He's bad. He's Angry. It's....Akala.
It's bullshit.
Sunday, April 15, 2007
Southgate, Bath
OK, this is more like it. Gonzo wide angle, big blue sky and rubble. Lots of rubble.
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Friday, April 13, 2007
14 Stone Penguin
Found on a post-it note at The Light bar lsat night: "14 Stone Penguin". This will be the first mention of it on Google.
Any guesses as so its significance?
Honourable mention to the shots girl with: "I had a cat called Dave. He smelled funny and wouldn't do as he was told."
Any guesses as so its significance?
Honourable mention to the shots girl with: "I had a cat called Dave. He smelled funny and wouldn't do as he was told."
Monday, April 09, 2007
Robinson Way - the endgame?
The latest letter from them finally makes the missing link: it's from a company I've had nothing to do with since the beginning of 2005.
Of *course* the reminder emails didn't get to me. I've not had that email address for OVER TWO YEARS.
Better still, had they gone to the company web site, the contact details are right there on the home page.
Do these people not have internet connections? You'd have thought they might be a tad more efficient at collecting money if they were switched on to this new fangled interwebs thing.
Of *course* the reminder emails didn't get to me. I've not had that email address for OVER TWO YEARS.
Better still, had they gone to the company web site, the contact details are right there on the home page.
Do these people not have internet connections? You'd have thought they might be a tad more efficient at collecting money if they were switched on to this new fangled interwebs thing.
Chthonic to play Ozzfest - good news everybody!
Finally it's official: Chthonic are to play Ozzfest!
I've been sitting on this for a couple of weeks in case it all fell through but now it's confirmed. I feel a trip to the US coming on!
I've been sitting on this for a couple of weeks in case it all fell through but now it's confirmed. I feel a trip to the US coming on!
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Fortune Drive, Pete Roe, 100 Club
Pics from last night in the usual place:
Good time was had by all methinks!
Thanks to Pete for his album. It's AMAZING. Loving it! Makes a change from the metal crap I usually listen to. BUY THIS ALBUM!
And the FD's were panty-moisteningly good as usual.
Good time was had by all methinks!
Thanks to Pete for his album. It's AMAZING. Loving it! Makes a change from the metal crap I usually listen to. BUY THIS ALBUM!
And the FD's were panty-moisteningly good as usual.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
NTL/Virgin/Telewest - pick up the phone!
Right, so having attempted to cancel twice, once on the phone and once again in writing, I find myself on hold for OVER AN HOUR today trying to get through to someone who can terminate my service and get them off my back for £50 I don't owe them.
NTL/Virgin/Telewest: you suck.
I will NEVER be a customer of yours EVER again. You may even have polluted the Virgin brand to the point where I'd think twice about flying with Virgin again.
NTL/Virgin/Telewest: you suck.
I will NEVER be a customer of yours EVER again. You may even have polluted the Virgin brand to the point where I'd think twice about flying with Virgin again.
Monday, March 26, 2007
Sunday, March 25, 2007
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Biomechanical, Camden Underworld
Rammed, sweaty, a total mosh.
More and pics tomorrow when my ears stop ringing.
More and pics tomorrow when my ears stop ringing.
Thursday, March 22, 2007
Friday, March 16, 2007
Perl Storable object broken in recent OS X update
If you suddenly start getting this:
Error: Storable object version 2.13 does not match $Storable::VERSION 2.15 at /System/Library/Perl/5.8.6/darwin-thread-multi-2level/DynaLoader.pm line 253
Do a:
cpan> force install Storable
To bring everything good again.
Naughty, naughty Apple. I hope this gets enough Google Juice to help someone :)
Error: Storable object version 2.13 does not match $Storable::VERSION 2.15 at /System/Library/Perl/5.8.6/darwin-thread-multi-2level/DynaLoader.pm line 253
Do a:
cpan> force install Storable
To bring everything good again.
Naughty, naughty Apple. I hope this gets enough Google Juice to help someone :)
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
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