Sunday, July 29, 2007
Saturday, July 21, 2007
Banned!
Mad fool that I am, I have ended up becoming a regular contributor to blog discussions which are diasmetrically opposed to everything I believe. The effect has been odd. Most notably in terms of religion. The last three years or so has seen me shift from being a fairly comfortable liberal catholic Anglican, to a position which is sort of post-Christian humanist. Participating in those blogs has undoubtedly had some influence on that shift, simply because of the sort of responses I get there.
Latest development has been a banning from one of those sites. It seems its because my presence shifted the discussions on to me! But that was hardly my doing, but those who always ended up making the discussions 'personal'. It does rather display my own feeling that there isn't very much space for dialogue on either side.
Contributing to a specialist blog like that is a bit strange too, in that all I ever talked about was religion. Correction. Nearly every discussion wound its way round to gay matters, even if it initially had no input from that direction from me. Its as if thats the only part of one's personality and as if one has no other interests or concerns...
Having said that, spending time elsewhere has meant that this blog has itself been sorely neglected, and I think its about time I started taking it a bit more seriously and gave the world the benefits of my musings rather more often (oh, the pomposity of this whole thing.....but I hope those of you who do visit and read enjoy what I have to say, even if you don't always agree!)
On the whole, those who ban tend not to like mavericks, and thats what I am, I shall never fit cosily into a round hole. All power to square pegs everywhere....
Latest development has been a banning from one of those sites. It seems its because my presence shifted the discussions on to me! But that was hardly my doing, but those who always ended up making the discussions 'personal'. It does rather display my own feeling that there isn't very much space for dialogue on either side.
Contributing to a specialist blog like that is a bit strange too, in that all I ever talked about was religion. Correction. Nearly every discussion wound its way round to gay matters, even if it initially had no input from that direction from me. Its as if thats the only part of one's personality and as if one has no other interests or concerns...
Having said that, spending time elsewhere has meant that this blog has itself been sorely neglected, and I think its about time I started taking it a bit more seriously and gave the world the benefits of my musings rather more often (oh, the pomposity of this whole thing.....but I hope those of you who do visit and read enjoy what I have to say, even if you don't always agree!)
On the whole, those who ban tend not to like mavericks, and thats what I am, I shall never fit cosily into a round hole. All power to square pegs everywhere....
Floods....
We had our own mini-flood last night. Our house is old (Victorian) and has a cellar - which I realised, on a visit there had started to amass water. It turned out to be a blockage in the drain outside.
Its all cleared now but it wasn't a pleasant thought, that the house could have been flooded, even if it was only the cellar
More broadly, it looks as if we are going to have to get our act together with regard to the erratic climate. I've never been totally sure about the whole global warming
/climate change thing, either way - but there does appear to be something going on.
Its all cleared now but it wasn't a pleasant thought, that the house could have been flooded, even if it was only the cellar
More broadly, it looks as if we are going to have to get our act together with regard to the erratic climate. I've never been totally sure about the whole global warming
/climate change thing, either way - but there does appear to be something going on.
Trophy wives
I've been doing a bit of research into the whole so-called 'ex-gay' phenomenon - self-hating or self-oppressed is probably a more accurate description, but still.....one thing I have noticed is that they like to festoon their blogs with pictures of Wifey, if indeed, their self-deception has reached those remarkable levels. I suppose its a way of convincing themselves and creating the necessarily heterosexual image! One of them even wrote 'isn't heterosexuality great' as a blog entry. he must really need to convince himself.
On one level I find these sort of people very dangerous. They can severely mess up people's lives, and having seen the effect they can have, I certainly think they need constant monitoring.
But, much more positively:
1. In the UK at least, there are very few of them. Even the largest of the groups, which takes a reasonably moderate position (carry your cross, not God will turn you straight) has a remarkably small number of members. And the throughput appears considerable given those who leave and then find partners, leaving that world far behind
2. It appears to me that with gay people now finding it easier to come out, most of those attracted to this sort of group are likely to be those who have been brought up within evangelical Christianity. The church has displayed so much homophobia over the past few years that it certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, and i think few young gay people are in the least interested in the institutional church
3. Their stance is ever more an anachronism. Gay people have become so much part of the mainstream these days: you realise this when you work with students who simply can't conceive that anyone would find being gay any sort of problem. They have gay friends and thats just one factor about them. I think thats good and demonstrates still further just how irrelevant the church has become
Of course, many in the church love this sort of martyrdom. it also fits into their theology of being 'counter-cultural' (in Christian speak - the real meaning is 'outdated and fearful of anything in contemporary society') and being a small, fringe group standing firm against the wicked, fallen world.
Looks like they will have plenty of chance to carry on practising!
On one level I find these sort of people very dangerous. They can severely mess up people's lives, and having seen the effect they can have, I certainly think they need constant monitoring.
But, much more positively:
1. In the UK at least, there are very few of them. Even the largest of the groups, which takes a reasonably moderate position (carry your cross, not God will turn you straight) has a remarkably small number of members. And the throughput appears considerable given those who leave and then find partners, leaving that world far behind
2. It appears to me that with gay people now finding it easier to come out, most of those attracted to this sort of group are likely to be those who have been brought up within evangelical Christianity. The church has displayed so much homophobia over the past few years that it certainly hasn't gone unnoticed, and i think few young gay people are in the least interested in the institutional church
3. Their stance is ever more an anachronism. Gay people have become so much part of the mainstream these days: you realise this when you work with students who simply can't conceive that anyone would find being gay any sort of problem. They have gay friends and thats just one factor about them. I think thats good and demonstrates still further just how irrelevant the church has become
Of course, many in the church love this sort of martyrdom. it also fits into their theology of being 'counter-cultural' (in Christian speak - the real meaning is 'outdated and fearful of anything in contemporary society') and being a small, fringe group standing firm against the wicked, fallen world.
Looks like they will have plenty of chance to carry on practising!
Friday, July 20, 2007
Cash for peerages....and those by-elections
So, after a drawn out enquiry, dawn raids and the like, no charges are to be laid.
Talk about a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The fact is that all the large parties have been doing this sort of thing for years, and with the huge upsurge in spending at election time, the pressure has increased to make it more not less likely
What we need is a downsizing of political campaigning so that there are very clear limits on expenditure. But will the main parties agree to this? I doubt it somehow.
And what about those by-elections? The Tories did extremely badly. How can anyone say otherwise? If the main opposition party is falling from 2nd to 3rd in a safe Labour seat, and does noticeably badly in the sort of seat they have to up their game in (Southall) after a very high-profile campaign, then they are surely not about to win the next election?
Talk about a sledgehammer to crack a nut. The fact is that all the large parties have been doing this sort of thing for years, and with the huge upsurge in spending at election time, the pressure has increased to make it more not less likely
What we need is a downsizing of political campaigning so that there are very clear limits on expenditure. But will the main parties agree to this? I doubt it somehow.
And what about those by-elections? The Tories did extremely badly. How can anyone say otherwise? If the main opposition party is falling from 2nd to 3rd in a safe Labour seat, and does noticeably badly in the sort of seat they have to up their game in (Southall) after a very high-profile campaign, then they are surely not about to win the next election?
Thanks to MadPriest for this...
Following the story that by all accounts Priddis has congratulated a church organist on his forthcoming civil partnership (the celebratory party will be held in the church)
I do think there seems to be a little ...errr...confusion here
The fallout continues. The Church is clearly not happy, still spinning away, helped by its trusty band of conservative bloggers who hope that the issue of civil partnerships can be returned to, and what appears to be a misreading of the decision. I haven't read it, but if the conservatives are right, then Priddis would have won the case. The thing they appear to have overlooked is that its o nly because this case was deemed a probable lay post exempt from the regulations that all the other issues were taken into account at all. And they still lost - and the judgment stated that it would have been the case on indirect as well as direct discrimination
It really is about time they woke up and realised that their position is more akin to that of the racist - tolerated, even allowed in the private sphere, but certainly not approved of. Poor dears. Must be a terrible shock to them to realise that their brand of bigotry no longer holds sway
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Dope
No, not another post about church conservatives!
Its dope. Today, seven Ministers in the government have said they have smoked dope. No surprise there given their age group.
Personally, I don't do drugs. Other than coffee. And alcohol. So, I don't have an axe to grind here.
My views on the topic are:
1. Classification itself is meaningless. Change it back to a class B, but don't waste police time tracking down users.
2. Its undoubtedly stronger than it used to be. ultimately, though, prohibition doesn't work, and the links between drugs are more down to the dealer contact than anything else
3. Once the drugs are on the streets control is an impossibility
4. 'Wars on drugs' don't work, and simply end up glamourising it more
5. Most drug users grow out of it.
6. Some cannabis users will be badly affected, just like some smokers die and some alcoholics suffer those consequences. I don't think thats enough on its own to prohibit. There's only so much you can do to save people from themselves.
Of the above, 5 is the most relevant - lets stop panicking.
And if we are serious about the question, then its the big boys who need catching and sorting.
Its dope. Today, seven Ministers in the government have said they have smoked dope. No surprise there given their age group.
Personally, I don't do drugs. Other than coffee. And alcohol. So, I don't have an axe to grind here.
My views on the topic are:
1. Classification itself is meaningless. Change it back to a class B, but don't waste police time tracking down users.
2. Its undoubtedly stronger than it used to be. ultimately, though, prohibition doesn't work, and the links between drugs are more down to the dealer contact than anything else
3. Once the drugs are on the streets control is an impossibility
4. 'Wars on drugs' don't work, and simply end up glamourising it more
5. Most drug users grow out of it.
6. Some cannabis users will be badly affected, just like some smokers die and some alcoholics suffer those consequences. I don't think thats enough on its own to prohibit. There's only so much you can do to save people from themselves.
Of the above, 5 is the most relevant - lets stop panicking.
And if we are serious about the question, then its the big boys who need catching and sorting.
Yet more church homophobia
And it is amusing to see people try and spin what is an embarassing defeat in an Industrial tribunal into some sort of victory.
So, wooden spoon to Chief Homophobe Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford. Nasty bit of work, like most of the slimeballs
I can't imagine me ever wanting to return to church now. The longer you remain outside the institution, the more you come to see that it is essentially damaged to the core. For me, its gone further. Christianity itself and its bible are equaally problematic.
The time has come, I think, that gay people should no mlonger accept this sort of homophobia. if they don't speak out against it, and remain in a homophobic institution, I find it hard to have respect for them.
All priests should leave all denominations which do not fully accept their ministry. Otherwise, they are acting as their own oppressors and allowing themselves to be treated as second class citizens
All lay members of the church should refuse to fund the institution and refuse to take on any role of responsibility. if they feel they must, turn up on Sunday and leave it at that. Best of all, stop going. Its really rather liberating to be free of such a dead and stifling institution!
The good thing about this is that gay people are already clearing out of the churches. Young gay men don't need the gin-and-lace anglo-catholic closet any longer. This sort of publicity will only make it clearer that there is no place for us in the church and it will become, ever more, a laager for the bigoted who wish things were like they used to be.....whilst the rest of us get on with our lives, protected in the civil law, leaving them to wallow in their own sad, deluded nostalgic fantasy.
So, wooden spoon to Chief Homophobe Anthony Priddis, Bishop of Hereford. Nasty bit of work, like most of the slimeballs
I can't imagine me ever wanting to return to church now. The longer you remain outside the institution, the more you come to see that it is essentially damaged to the core. For me, its gone further. Christianity itself and its bible are equaally problematic.
The time has come, I think, that gay people should no mlonger accept this sort of homophobia. if they don't speak out against it, and remain in a homophobic institution, I find it hard to have respect for them.
All priests should leave all denominations which do not fully accept their ministry. Otherwise, they are acting as their own oppressors and allowing themselves to be treated as second class citizens
All lay members of the church should refuse to fund the institution and refuse to take on any role of responsibility. if they feel they must, turn up on Sunday and leave it at that. Best of all, stop going. Its really rather liberating to be free of such a dead and stifling institution!
The good thing about this is that gay people are already clearing out of the churches. Young gay men don't need the gin-and-lace anglo-catholic closet any longer. This sort of publicity will only make it clearer that there is no place for us in the church and it will become, ever more, a laager for the bigoted who wish things were like they used to be.....whilst the rest of us get on with our lives, protected in the civil law, leaving them to wallow in their own sad, deluded nostalgic fantasy.
Friday, June 22, 2007
Fractured rib
Painful, though the painkillers work quite well.
So, the Blair era draws to a close, and Brown plans his takeover. I am awaiting to see what happens with interest. I think Brown is more of a party man than Blair, and he will be more concerned to feel that the party are being brought on board. He has shown little interest in foreign policy and his closest links are with East Coast American Democrats, but I doubt whether there will be overly hurried changes in the Iraq situation.
The attempted bringing-in of Ashdown was intriguing, but I think much of the negative publicity was actually created by the LibDems, who are desperate to see the back of him. The main problem I have with the LibDems is that so many of them, despite their 'nice' image, are exactly the opposite in reality. How can you really trust a party whose specialism is to produce lots of lies and claim credit for things they haven't done, who seem to have good progressive principles at national level, but locally are often on the populist Right, and who support PR but when it comes to its obvious outcome - coalition - don't want to get their hands dirty?
But Labour still don't inspire. Patricia Hewitt and Ruth Kelly really have got to go - with so many good women MP's, why are these two in the cabinet? Actually, why is Ruth 'Opus Dei' Kelly in the Labour party at all? And I'd be hard pushed to say exactly what I think the core of the Brown agenda is going to be.
I await with interest.
So, the Blair era draws to a close, and Brown plans his takeover. I am awaiting to see what happens with interest. I think Brown is more of a party man than Blair, and he will be more concerned to feel that the party are being brought on board. He has shown little interest in foreign policy and his closest links are with East Coast American Democrats, but I doubt whether there will be overly hurried changes in the Iraq situation.
The attempted bringing-in of Ashdown was intriguing, but I think much of the negative publicity was actually created by the LibDems, who are desperate to see the back of him. The main problem I have with the LibDems is that so many of them, despite their 'nice' image, are exactly the opposite in reality. How can you really trust a party whose specialism is to produce lots of lies and claim credit for things they haven't done, who seem to have good progressive principles at national level, but locally are often on the populist Right, and who support PR but when it comes to its obvious outcome - coalition - don't want to get their hands dirty?
But Labour still don't inspire. Patricia Hewitt and Ruth Kelly really have got to go - with so many good women MP's, why are these two in the cabinet? Actually, why is Ruth 'Opus Dei' Kelly in the Labour party at all? And I'd be hard pushed to say exactly what I think the core of the Brown agenda is going to be.
I await with interest.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Friday, June 08, 2007
Thursday, June 07, 2007
And a few thoughts
Its been ages since I posted (again) largely because most of the last month appears to have been taken up marking coursework - with another few weeks to go.
So, a few musings
Lets start with politics. David Cameron is certainly proving to be Blair-lite in more ways than one. Both in terms of image and his determination to place his party in the centre. But the reactyion of the Right-wing to his decision to no longer promote grammar schools was a sign that not all are convinced, any more than Labour became utterly Blairite
Having said that, many non-Blairites left the party, along with people like me who would have classed themselves as Blairites until we realised that meant embracing neocon foreign policy. I received a letter inviting me to rejoin the party, but I don't know. Thing is, we have been moved into another constituency and there is no way I would ever vote for the sitting Labour MP there, under any circumstances, so until he departs through death or resignation, it seems a bit pointless to get involved again. If Simon Hughes had become LibDem leader then they may have embraced the sort of liberal-left ideas I believe in, but Campbell makes Brown look exciting
The papers have been full of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.Its a sad situation, but I don't feel at all easy with the creation of the media circus surrounding it. If the child had been the black offspring of a single mum from Middlesbrough I somehow think that the reaction would have not been the same.Its this sense of vicarious grief - I find it unappealing to say the least. I don;t feel any sense of grief because I do not know the people involved
So, a few musings
Lets start with politics. David Cameron is certainly proving to be Blair-lite in more ways than one. Both in terms of image and his determination to place his party in the centre. But the reactyion of the Right-wing to his decision to no longer promote grammar schools was a sign that not all are convinced, any more than Labour became utterly Blairite
Having said that, many non-Blairites left the party, along with people like me who would have classed themselves as Blairites until we realised that meant embracing neocon foreign policy. I received a letter inviting me to rejoin the party, but I don't know. Thing is, we have been moved into another constituency and there is no way I would ever vote for the sitting Labour MP there, under any circumstances, so until he departs through death or resignation, it seems a bit pointless to get involved again. If Simon Hughes had become LibDem leader then they may have embraced the sort of liberal-left ideas I believe in, but Campbell makes Brown look exciting
The papers have been full of the disappearance of Madeleine McCann.Its a sad situation, but I don't feel at all easy with the creation of the media circus surrounding it. If the child had been the black offspring of a single mum from Middlesbrough I somehow think that the reaction would have not been the same.Its this sense of vicarious grief - I find it unappealing to say the least. I don;t feel any sense of grief because I do not know the people involved
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Evil
Says it all, really.
Thank goodness that such fringe, lunatic harmful nonsense is marginalised and unimportant in the UK
But they must always be actively opposed. We cannot afford to become complacent.
Thank goodness that such fringe, lunatic harmful nonsense is marginalised and unimportant in the UK
But they must always be actively opposed. We cannot afford to become complacent.
Tuesday, May 15, 2007
So, my full review of the Big Night!
First, the contest was very well produced and staged - couldn't be faulted.
The songs were more of a mixed bag.
BOSNIA - a drifting and ethereal ballad, but I didn't think as strong as last years Bosnian entry.
SPAIN - Boy band D'Nash were easy on the ear, particularly the blond one with the pecs, and its a stirring song. I thought this should have done better than it did
BELARUS - The voice was missing here. Its a catchy modern pop song, but the singing was reedy, and someone should advise him that one needs to put one's arms fully under the sunbed (or rub the fake tan in more efficiently). This was overrated and did better than it deserved
IRELAND - This was one of my pre-contest favourites and its still one I will play for personal pleasure, but the performance didn't work. Lead singer Cathy veered offkey, and the staging just didn't work - in a cosy pub this would have been fine but it just looked wrong somehow
FINLAND - Loud rock. Next.
MACEDONIA - This came over very well, the singing was strong and she performed it well. Not a worldbeating song though the instumentation was striking
SLOVENIA - The first visit to the world of Popera , this was tipped as a victor by some. I didn't share their enthusiasm - thought it was an overblown bore. It sounded a bit like one of those patriotic songs on the old communist newsreels
HUNGARY - Excellent stuff - though the performance wasn't quite as strong as in the semi. Still a brave and ambitious piece of music, great voice and fab song. real music!
LITHUANIA - Cool and classy, too much so for an event which requires some immediacy, but an excellent entry which should have done a lot better
GREECE - A British singer, and not exactly the most polished performance of the night, but he looked as if he was enjoying himself. Ricky Martin should sue - and what about those jim-jams he was wearing?? Jolly stuff!
GEORGIA - As a total contrast, this one was far from conventional ... fantastic stuff from a singer whose voice I loved from first listen. Great debut from Georgia and I think it should have done better than it did Musically, think Bjork or Kate Bush.
SWEDEN - Just ghastly. Glam-rock which rips off at least two 70's examples
FRANCE - They were wearing pink. Very pink. This simply sounds more bizarre each time I hear it. Its French. Very French, and probably very clever, but I didn't like it
LATVIA - I thought this might have been a front-runner, and certainly it was very professional but clearly it failed to make the impact of the semi. Ballad popera this time
RUSSIA - one of the most contemporary entries, very Pussycat Dollski. Can't remember a thing about it though - sums up a lot of modern pop music all told. Boring.
GERMANY - Cool, cool - but unfortunately, german and jazz don't really make great bedfellows. I liked this a lot but its certainly for a niche market
SERBIA - The winner, and i think well deserved. A big ballad, an unconventional singer, a simple performance - the sort of thing which people would say would never win under televoting. I'm glad it did.
UKRAINE - The crazy song of the night - think obviously male drag queen in Bacofoil singing a cod-cossack chant in german. Bizarre. I'm not really keen on joke entries. This waqs mildly amusing but I'm relieved it didn't win
UK - Oh dear. This was all very british - much like daz last year. All very cliched with double entendres and airline props, but no-one could do anything with a song as appalling as this. OK, its camp cheese and doesn't pretend to be anything else but that doesn't mean I have to like it
ROMANIA - The third novelty song in the night. This was like an outtake from Borat
BULGARIA - Percussion rules. Strangely haunting although there's no tune to speak of - but does create a certain mood
TURKEY - Another contemporary song, and this was about the best of that style. he seemed to be having microphone problems at the start but recovered well. Memorable chorus, not surprised it got 12 from the UK
ARMENIA - Lovely ballad sung extremely well by a very handsome singer! I always thought this would do well - I thought a charming song. Very professional.
MOLDOVA - Upbeat rock - don't like it.
The songs were more of a mixed bag.
BOSNIA - a drifting and ethereal ballad, but I didn't think as strong as last years Bosnian entry.
SPAIN - Boy band D'Nash were easy on the ear, particularly the blond one with the pecs, and its a stirring song. I thought this should have done better than it did
BELARUS - The voice was missing here. Its a catchy modern pop song, but the singing was reedy, and someone should advise him that one needs to put one's arms fully under the sunbed (or rub the fake tan in more efficiently). This was overrated and did better than it deserved
IRELAND - This was one of my pre-contest favourites and its still one I will play for personal pleasure, but the performance didn't work. Lead singer Cathy veered offkey, and the staging just didn't work - in a cosy pub this would have been fine but it just looked wrong somehow
FINLAND - Loud rock. Next.
MACEDONIA - This came over very well, the singing was strong and she performed it well. Not a worldbeating song though the instumentation was striking
SLOVENIA - The first visit to the world of Popera , this was tipped as a victor by some. I didn't share their enthusiasm - thought it was an overblown bore. It sounded a bit like one of those patriotic songs on the old communist newsreels
HUNGARY - Excellent stuff - though the performance wasn't quite as strong as in the semi. Still a brave and ambitious piece of music, great voice and fab song. real music!
LITHUANIA - Cool and classy, too much so for an event which requires some immediacy, but an excellent entry which should have done a lot better
GREECE - A British singer, and not exactly the most polished performance of the night, but he looked as if he was enjoying himself. Ricky Martin should sue - and what about those jim-jams he was wearing?? Jolly stuff!
GEORGIA - As a total contrast, this one was far from conventional ... fantastic stuff from a singer whose voice I loved from first listen. Great debut from Georgia and I think it should have done better than it did Musically, think Bjork or Kate Bush.
SWEDEN - Just ghastly. Glam-rock which rips off at least two 70's examples
FRANCE - They were wearing pink. Very pink. This simply sounds more bizarre each time I hear it. Its French. Very French, and probably very clever, but I didn't like it
LATVIA - I thought this might have been a front-runner, and certainly it was very professional but clearly it failed to make the impact of the semi. Ballad popera this time
RUSSIA - one of the most contemporary entries, very Pussycat Dollski. Can't remember a thing about it though - sums up a lot of modern pop music all told. Boring.
GERMANY - Cool, cool - but unfortunately, german and jazz don't really make great bedfellows. I liked this a lot but its certainly for a niche market
SERBIA - The winner, and i think well deserved. A big ballad, an unconventional singer, a simple performance - the sort of thing which people would say would never win under televoting. I'm glad it did.
UKRAINE - The crazy song of the night - think obviously male drag queen in Bacofoil singing a cod-cossack chant in german. Bizarre. I'm not really keen on joke entries. This waqs mildly amusing but I'm relieved it didn't win
UK - Oh dear. This was all very british - much like daz last year. All very cliched with double entendres and airline props, but no-one could do anything with a song as appalling as this. OK, its camp cheese and doesn't pretend to be anything else but that doesn't mean I have to like it
ROMANIA - The third novelty song in the night. This was like an outtake from Borat
BULGARIA - Percussion rules. Strangely haunting although there's no tune to speak of - but does create a certain mood
TURKEY - Another contemporary song, and this was about the best of that style. he seemed to be having microphone problems at the start but recovered well. Memorable chorus, not surprised it got 12 from the UK
ARMENIA - Lovely ballad sung extremely well by a very handsome singer! I always thought this would do well - I thought a charming song. Very professional.
MOLDOVA - Upbeat rock - don't like it.
Monday, May 14, 2007
Me on the ESC! Link to Radio 5
www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/programmes/#r
Go down to the Richard Bacon show, its todays show, and go forward 2hrs 38 minutes on the player.....
Sorry, Scoochers, you will not like what I have to say!
Go down to the Richard Bacon show, its todays show, and go forward 2hrs 38 minutes on the player.....
Sorry, Scoochers, you will not like what I have to say!
Friday, May 11, 2007
so...the semi final....
Bulgaria - This isn't very accessible, but I like the way they got away with playing the percussion live. I thought it was effective and haunting and I'm pleased it made it
Israel - Sorry, I find this offensive in every way. The worst in the semi - dodgy lyric, tuneless and not in the least funny
Cyprus - Tired, derivative disco-pop, and I think her voice was average at best. This years Kate Ryan
Belarus - This was well staged. He missed a few notes but he is an appealing performer. I can't say it does a lot for me but I can see the appeal
Iceland - he can certainly sing, but this sort of stadium rock simply isn't what I like to listen to
Georgia - I was seriously worried about this - such a difficult song to sing, but I thought she was awesome. This is really ambitious stuff and its been in my top 5 since the outset. probably still too non-commercial to win, but in terms of musical quality this has it in spades
Montenegro - One of many rock songs tonight, only one of which made it. He performed this well but song wise its bland and forgettable
Switzerland - What is it about Swiss acts? This was as inept at Piero, It had a real 'amateur dramatics at the village hall' feel to it - the singing was appalling. Why didn't they get a couple of singers who could have sung this well - because it actually needed good singers to work, with all the high notes.
Moldova - Not my sort of music but well performed and competent. The only rock-influenced song to make it
Netherlands - She gave it her all, but there's only so much you can do with a song which really didn't get anywhere. Almost any other song would have been better from the new album - I think she should have gone with one of the ballads.
Albania - Very professional performance but absolutely no discernible melody
Denmark - I thought this probably would qualify but this wasn't schlager's year - and that can only be a good thing. Its all been done before: musically, this was back to gay disco 80's style and whilst catchy enough, essentially very insubstantial.
Croatia - The female singer was very off-key throughout and the song didn't get anywhere - bottom 5 I'd say
Poland - This deserved to qualify. Really well performed and effective, but perhaps the song was just a bit too messy.
Serbia - Wonderful voice, I liked the intriguing staging, and this was really an obvious qualifier
Czech republic - I really can't comment fairly. This sort of music just isn't what I can bear to listen to, full stop
Portugal - This was nice and I thought she sung it very well. Somehow, though, it lacked that extra bit of impact - i didn't vote for it, even though I like it, which speaks volumes
FYROM - I like the instrumentation and she sung it flawlessly. Very deserved qualifier
Norway - I hate this. Its everything wrong with Scandi-Eurovision in three minutes. A clinical, cynical attempt to 'do Latin' - about as Latino as dried elk salami and about as appealing. Trash and I'm delighted it didn't qualify.
Malta - This was just too busy, too messy. Olivia was OK but I just found it a pain on the ears. Now, can we have one of those lovely Disney ballads and a top 10 place next year, please?
Andorra - I think it was the singing wot dun it. It was young and fresh, but the lead singer went badly off key frequently. I can't think of any other obvious reasons for it not getting there
Hungary - Along with Georgia, I had placed this in the 'classy but too good' category. This was splendid - so simple, and I love the voice. Very contemporary, I can imagine this being played on UK radio next to Amy Winehouse.
Estonia - Just very, very dull. She sang it well, though
Belgium - I loved this as its so mush the sort of music I love - but the singing was all over the place . He couldn't seem to decide whether to sing normal key or falsetto. Groovy stuff and I would have liked to see it qualify but i wasn't all that surprised when it didn't
Slovenia - This was surprisingly effective, visually - but i still don't think that the blend of opera and disco works
Turkey - Restrained performance, but I think it was an obvious qualifier. Again, very contemporary, although I thought the staging was at odds with the style of the song
Austria - The verses were good, and he looked fine, but the chorus led us to loud rock category again and I think that ruined it for me. I just don't like rock.
Latvia - I really liked this on the night. The singing was just so good and it came over as so uplifting and anthemic - its now in my top 10!
So, for all the whingers. On the whole the BEST SONGS MADE IT. And its good to see Hungary and Georgia through with songs which are not commercial and which are musically more ambitious.
Israel - Sorry, I find this offensive in every way. The worst in the semi - dodgy lyric, tuneless and not in the least funny
Cyprus - Tired, derivative disco-pop, and I think her voice was average at best. This years Kate Ryan
Belarus - This was well staged. He missed a few notes but he is an appealing performer. I can't say it does a lot for me but I can see the appeal
Iceland - he can certainly sing, but this sort of stadium rock simply isn't what I like to listen to
Georgia - I was seriously worried about this - such a difficult song to sing, but I thought she was awesome. This is really ambitious stuff and its been in my top 5 since the outset. probably still too non-commercial to win, but in terms of musical quality this has it in spades
Montenegro - One of many rock songs tonight, only one of which made it. He performed this well but song wise its bland and forgettable
Switzerland - What is it about Swiss acts? This was as inept at Piero, It had a real 'amateur dramatics at the village hall' feel to it - the singing was appalling. Why didn't they get a couple of singers who could have sung this well - because it actually needed good singers to work, with all the high notes.
Moldova - Not my sort of music but well performed and competent. The only rock-influenced song to make it
Netherlands - She gave it her all, but there's only so much you can do with a song which really didn't get anywhere. Almost any other song would have been better from the new album - I think she should have gone with one of the ballads.
Albania - Very professional performance but absolutely no discernible melody
Denmark - I thought this probably would qualify but this wasn't schlager's year - and that can only be a good thing. Its all been done before: musically, this was back to gay disco 80's style and whilst catchy enough, essentially very insubstantial.
Croatia - The female singer was very off-key throughout and the song didn't get anywhere - bottom 5 I'd say
Poland - This deserved to qualify. Really well performed and effective, but perhaps the song was just a bit too messy.
Serbia - Wonderful voice, I liked the intriguing staging, and this was really an obvious qualifier
Czech republic - I really can't comment fairly. This sort of music just isn't what I can bear to listen to, full stop
Portugal - This was nice and I thought she sung it very well. Somehow, though, it lacked that extra bit of impact - i didn't vote for it, even though I like it, which speaks volumes
FYROM - I like the instrumentation and she sung it flawlessly. Very deserved qualifier
Norway - I hate this. Its everything wrong with Scandi-Eurovision in three minutes. A clinical, cynical attempt to 'do Latin' - about as Latino as dried elk salami and about as appealing. Trash and I'm delighted it didn't qualify.
Malta - This was just too busy, too messy. Olivia was OK but I just found it a pain on the ears. Now, can we have one of those lovely Disney ballads and a top 10 place next year, please?
Andorra - I think it was the singing wot dun it. It was young and fresh, but the lead singer went badly off key frequently. I can't think of any other obvious reasons for it not getting there
Hungary - Along with Georgia, I had placed this in the 'classy but too good' category. This was splendid - so simple, and I love the voice. Very contemporary, I can imagine this being played on UK radio next to Amy Winehouse.
Estonia - Just very, very dull. She sang it well, though
Belgium - I loved this as its so mush the sort of music I love - but the singing was all over the place . He couldn't seem to decide whether to sing normal key or falsetto. Groovy stuff and I would have liked to see it qualify but i wasn't all that surprised when it didn't
Slovenia - This was surprisingly effective, visually - but i still don't think that the blend of opera and disco works
Turkey - Restrained performance, but I think it was an obvious qualifier. Again, very contemporary, although I thought the staging was at odds with the style of the song
Austria - The verses were good, and he looked fine, but the chorus led us to loud rock category again and I think that ruined it for me. I just don't like rock.
Latvia - I really liked this on the night. The singing was just so good and it came over as so uplifting and anthemic - its now in my top 10!
So, for all the whingers. On the whole the BEST SONGS MADE IT. And its good to see Hungary and Georgia through with songs which are not commercial and which are musically more ambitious.
Saturday, April 28, 2007
My Eurovision review
The semi...
Bulgaria
A number of 'mood music' pieces in the contest. This one is rhythmic, with a lot of electronics and the vocal used more as part of the whole than following a melody. Its haunting but I'm not sure if it will be remembered after 28 songs have passed by.
Israel
The incongruity of these lyrics has not been missed. One can only hope for a much deserved 0 points and perhaps a Lebanese entry instead next year? It couldn't be worse than this. Garbage.
Cyprus
This has been a fan fave since the outset, but it leaves me totally cold. Sung in French, its a very boring and predictable disco track. I hope it will go the same way as Kate Ryan and Xandee who have entered similar tedium and have not done well. The worst Cypriot entry for many years.
Belarus
Well...if you can't beat 'em, copy 'em. This is a thinly disguised copy of last years Russian entry only its not such a good song and he doesn't have such a good voice. And you wouldn't want him to come and do the plumbing. Uninspiring
Iceland
This is one of those stadium rock type ballads. I don't like the lead singer's voice and its all a bit overblown and lugubrious. Not a bad song, but the way its presented is another matter.
Georgia
Their national final saw the singer dressed in something resembling a blancmange. Musically, this is one of the most unusual entries . Think a Caucasian Bjork. I think this is brilliant but to try and describe what this actually sounds like isn't easy. Love the voice and the whole dramatic feel of this. If this doesn't qualify there's no justice!
Montenegro
Another very loud rock song. Largely tuneless and unremarkable. Dated, too.
Switzerland
The opening is OK but then it turns into another slightly silly entry. If it wasn't about vampires, would it be remembered? I doubt it. Also, it reminds me of something else although I can't put my finger on what. Take On Me?However, musically, its not as bad as i thought it might be...
Moldova
Another rock-influenced entry - of which there are a few this year. This actually isn't bad - I like the verses, but the chorus and the choppy guitars spoil it for me.
Netherlands
Edsilia is a great singer and she will sing this well - but there's only so much you can do with a turkey of a song like this one. It screams 'average'. A pity - as she could have pit in anything else from her album and it would have been better.
Albania.
This is a curious song. The latest version is certainly more acceptable than the original, but its still a doomy, deathly slow ballad with little in the way of a tune. I often like depressing Balkan ballads but this isn't a good example. It hasn't really been improved by a translation into English. Given the quality of the semi its actually in my top 10 nonetheless...
Denmark
This is the sort of music I recall from gay clubs in the 1980's. Old-fashioned hi-NRG. Very dated, but its catchy and cheerful and in a semi with so much which is simply forgettable, I'd imagine it will qualify. Very memorable chorus.
Croatia
Midtempo rock : forgettable and boring. Hard to say very much more.
Poland
A bit of a surprise from Poland - this is a reasonably authentic stab at a contemporary R&B/dance track - think Beyonce - and although its three songs in one, their performance was really impressive in their NF. Might qualify as it is that bit different.
Serbia
One day - I hope - a ballad will win again, and this just might be the one. This is great stuff - dramatic with a real tune! My third joint favourite.
Czech Republic
Their first entry. Its heavy rock. Lordi without the masks. I find it hard to comment. I hate heavy rock
Portugal
This is the best Latin in this years contest - its really cute and sweet, and deserves to qualify. I really like the use of the brass instruments in the chorus. Good stuff!
FYROM
Dramatic stuff with a big chorus and slightly syncopated rhythm - again more of a mood music piece than anything else. Well sung and has a slinky feel about the verse which the chorus rather loses - shame. Still a good entry.
Norway
This years attempt by Scandis to do Latin belongs to Norway. This is Latin done cabaret schlager style. As erzatz as you can imagine, down to the castanets. One way trip to next years semi, I trust. Dire.
Malta
Olivia Lewis has been trying for so long, that its a real shame that she has to enter with this cacophonous mess of a song. Pure earache from start to finish.
Andorra
So we have the Andorran version of Blink or Busted. I just don't like this sort of music. Its very loud and fast and has huge Jemini potential for a lousy performance. Cheap and derivative
Hungary
Good to see a country entering something genuinely good which would stand up musically outside the contest. This is a bluesy, soulful ballad in the Amy Winehouse mould and with a good performance, could do well (particularly given the pace of the semi entrants - this is one of the few ballads)
Estonia
See Croatia. I can't believe that such a nothing piece of averageness will get anything more than a handful of votes. Might even get the big 0. Just such a non-event.
Belgium
I love this! Its very much like a late 70's soul/R&B groove - think Heatwave, or Earth Wind and Fire. Not a great song, but nice to have a bit of this style of music in the contest, and I hope it makes the Final.
Slovenia
Opera meets disco. Bizarre combination and personally I don't think it works
Turkey
This could do must better than predicted. he's a good singer and although its not a great song, the chorus is memorable. A definite qualifier I'd say. Style wise, Justin Timberlake all the way.
Austria
After a year sitting out the contest, Austria's returnee is a Pop Idol loser singing a loud and tedious piece of guitar led pop-rock. This is the sort of thing i don;t listen to radio 1 to avoid. Horrible.
Latvia
The semi will end on this pseudo-operatic note. I think its an almost certain qualifier and certainly its very well sung, but there's just something about it which is all a bit smug and 'heard it before'
Finalists....
Bosnia and Herzegovina
This years opening song is a slow, moody, atmospheric song in the style popularised by Lane Moje and its successors. Very good singer and this will definitely pick up a clutch of Eastern votes. I think its classy and I like the musical arrangement.
Spain
A very visually appealing boy-band (fit lead singer!) and this is the best Spanish entry for years. Catchy and upbeat, but their singing style is actually very cool and that gives it a restrained feel. Like this a lot.
Ireland
This is my joint favourite. Dervish sing Irish folk music, and this is an anthemic example with a rousing chorus. If this is your bag, then you will like it - everyone I know who likes Irish music loves this, but again, its not everyone's kind of music. But its certainly mine!
Finland
The hosts have chosen a deep-voiced female singer who sounds and looks like a Gothic drag queen. The song is another one of those boring rock guitar led items which would encourage me to retune the radio. Hate it.
Lithuania
My other favourite. Its this years 'quiet song' - a gentle. drifting jazz-influenced ballad which is simply too classy for today's Eurovision. Still, at least it gives us something which will definitely be worth listening to in the Final, and the quiet songs haven't done badly in recent years (think Latvia 2005). This is the sort of music I'd listen to outside the Contest.
Greece
Ricky Martin lives - oh, that vida loca. Shameful rip off, but its jolly enough and he has snake-hips!
Sweden
I cannot express how much I hate this ghastly, revolting piece of crap. I mean, why the hell does anyone want to sound like the Sweet? Weren't they bad enough first time round? If there was any justice then this and the UK would be propping up the rest with a double zero.
France
Well, its different. Its a joke entry, I assume. I really don't like it at all. Its very 'French' but is it supposed to be parody or what? Hard to describe
Russia
Again Russia have entered one of the most commercial and contemporary songs. The problem is that this really doesn't do much for me - but then why should it as its aimed at 15 year olds? Could do very well but I wouldn't choose to listen to it again.
Germany
Germany goes jazz again - but this time its swing. having seen the singer, he is an outstandingly good performer and will certainly sell the song well. The more I hear this, the more I like it, but it is jazz, and not everyone likes jazz.....
Ukraine
This isn't music as such but actually this is quite funny. Put it like this - anything to take votes away from the UK is fine by me. If it wins that's another matter.
UK
NUL POINTS! The worst song in the contest - along with Sweden. Pathetic turd of a song for brain dead queens and babies.
Romania
Novelty song, with an interesting draw alongside two others. I haven't heard it since its selection, and it doesn't sound as bad as I remembered, but still doesn't do much for me
Armenia
A surprisingly 'straight' ballad without much hint of Eastern flavour. In a contest with so few ballads this could do well. On record, one of the best singers in the contest and its a wistful tune. One of the songs which immediately makes one wish for the return of the orchestra
Bulgaria
A number of 'mood music' pieces in the contest. This one is rhythmic, with a lot of electronics and the vocal used more as part of the whole than following a melody. Its haunting but I'm not sure if it will be remembered after 28 songs have passed by.
Israel
The incongruity of these lyrics has not been missed. One can only hope for a much deserved 0 points and perhaps a Lebanese entry instead next year? It couldn't be worse than this. Garbage.
Cyprus
This has been a fan fave since the outset, but it leaves me totally cold. Sung in French, its a very boring and predictable disco track. I hope it will go the same way as Kate Ryan and Xandee who have entered similar tedium and have not done well. The worst Cypriot entry for many years.
Belarus
Well...if you can't beat 'em, copy 'em. This is a thinly disguised copy of last years Russian entry only its not such a good song and he doesn't have such a good voice. And you wouldn't want him to come and do the plumbing. Uninspiring
Iceland
This is one of those stadium rock type ballads. I don't like the lead singer's voice and its all a bit overblown and lugubrious. Not a bad song, but the way its presented is another matter.
Georgia
Their national final saw the singer dressed in something resembling a blancmange. Musically, this is one of the most unusual entries . Think a Caucasian Bjork. I think this is brilliant but to try and describe what this actually sounds like isn't easy. Love the voice and the whole dramatic feel of this. If this doesn't qualify there's no justice!
Montenegro
Another very loud rock song. Largely tuneless and unremarkable. Dated, too.
Switzerland
The opening is OK but then it turns into another slightly silly entry. If it wasn't about vampires, would it be remembered? I doubt it. Also, it reminds me of something else although I can't put my finger on what. Take On Me?However, musically, its not as bad as i thought it might be...
Moldova
Another rock-influenced entry - of which there are a few this year. This actually isn't bad - I like the verses, but the chorus and the choppy guitars spoil it for me.
Netherlands
Edsilia is a great singer and she will sing this well - but there's only so much you can do with a turkey of a song like this one. It screams 'average'. A pity - as she could have pit in anything else from her album and it would have been better.
Albania.
This is a curious song. The latest version is certainly more acceptable than the original, but its still a doomy, deathly slow ballad with little in the way of a tune. I often like depressing Balkan ballads but this isn't a good example. It hasn't really been improved by a translation into English. Given the quality of the semi its actually in my top 10 nonetheless...
Denmark
This is the sort of music I recall from gay clubs in the 1980's. Old-fashioned hi-NRG. Very dated, but its catchy and cheerful and in a semi with so much which is simply forgettable, I'd imagine it will qualify. Very memorable chorus.
Croatia
Midtempo rock : forgettable and boring. Hard to say very much more.
Poland
A bit of a surprise from Poland - this is a reasonably authentic stab at a contemporary R&B/dance track - think Beyonce - and although its three songs in one, their performance was really impressive in their NF. Might qualify as it is that bit different.
Serbia
One day - I hope - a ballad will win again, and this just might be the one. This is great stuff - dramatic with a real tune! My third joint favourite.
Czech Republic
Their first entry. Its heavy rock. Lordi without the masks. I find it hard to comment. I hate heavy rock
Portugal
This is the best Latin in this years contest - its really cute and sweet, and deserves to qualify. I really like the use of the brass instruments in the chorus. Good stuff!
FYROM
Dramatic stuff with a big chorus and slightly syncopated rhythm - again more of a mood music piece than anything else. Well sung and has a slinky feel about the verse which the chorus rather loses - shame. Still a good entry.
Norway
This years attempt by Scandis to do Latin belongs to Norway. This is Latin done cabaret schlager style. As erzatz as you can imagine, down to the castanets. One way trip to next years semi, I trust. Dire.
Malta
Olivia Lewis has been trying for so long, that its a real shame that she has to enter with this cacophonous mess of a song. Pure earache from start to finish.
Andorra
So we have the Andorran version of Blink or Busted. I just don't like this sort of music. Its very loud and fast and has huge Jemini potential for a lousy performance. Cheap and derivative
Hungary
Good to see a country entering something genuinely good which would stand up musically outside the contest. This is a bluesy, soulful ballad in the Amy Winehouse mould and with a good performance, could do well (particularly given the pace of the semi entrants - this is one of the few ballads)
Estonia
See Croatia. I can't believe that such a nothing piece of averageness will get anything more than a handful of votes. Might even get the big 0. Just such a non-event.
Belgium
I love this! Its very much like a late 70's soul/R&B groove - think Heatwave, or Earth Wind and Fire. Not a great song, but nice to have a bit of this style of music in the contest, and I hope it makes the Final.
Slovenia
Opera meets disco. Bizarre combination and personally I don't think it works
Turkey
This could do must better than predicted. he's a good singer and although its not a great song, the chorus is memorable. A definite qualifier I'd say. Style wise, Justin Timberlake all the way.
Austria
After a year sitting out the contest, Austria's returnee is a Pop Idol loser singing a loud and tedious piece of guitar led pop-rock. This is the sort of thing i don;t listen to radio 1 to avoid. Horrible.
Latvia
The semi will end on this pseudo-operatic note. I think its an almost certain qualifier and certainly its very well sung, but there's just something about it which is all a bit smug and 'heard it before'
Finalists....
Bosnia and Herzegovina
This years opening song is a slow, moody, atmospheric song in the style popularised by Lane Moje and its successors. Very good singer and this will definitely pick up a clutch of Eastern votes. I think its classy and I like the musical arrangement.
Spain
A very visually appealing boy-band (fit lead singer!) and this is the best Spanish entry for years. Catchy and upbeat, but their singing style is actually very cool and that gives it a restrained feel. Like this a lot.
Ireland
This is my joint favourite. Dervish sing Irish folk music, and this is an anthemic example with a rousing chorus. If this is your bag, then you will like it - everyone I know who likes Irish music loves this, but again, its not everyone's kind of music. But its certainly mine!
Finland
The hosts have chosen a deep-voiced female singer who sounds and looks like a Gothic drag queen. The song is another one of those boring rock guitar led items which would encourage me to retune the radio. Hate it.
Lithuania
My other favourite. Its this years 'quiet song' - a gentle. drifting jazz-influenced ballad which is simply too classy for today's Eurovision. Still, at least it gives us something which will definitely be worth listening to in the Final, and the quiet songs haven't done badly in recent years (think Latvia 2005). This is the sort of music I'd listen to outside the Contest.
Greece
Ricky Martin lives - oh, that vida loca. Shameful rip off, but its jolly enough and he has snake-hips!
Sweden
I cannot express how much I hate this ghastly, revolting piece of crap. I mean, why the hell does anyone want to sound like the Sweet? Weren't they bad enough first time round? If there was any justice then this and the UK would be propping up the rest with a double zero.
France
Well, its different. Its a joke entry, I assume. I really don't like it at all. Its very 'French' but is it supposed to be parody or what? Hard to describe
Russia
Again Russia have entered one of the most commercial and contemporary songs. The problem is that this really doesn't do much for me - but then why should it as its aimed at 15 year olds? Could do very well but I wouldn't choose to listen to it again.
Germany
Germany goes jazz again - but this time its swing. having seen the singer, he is an outstandingly good performer and will certainly sell the song well. The more I hear this, the more I like it, but it is jazz, and not everyone likes jazz.....
Ukraine
This isn't music as such but actually this is quite funny. Put it like this - anything to take votes away from the UK is fine by me. If it wins that's another matter.
UK
NUL POINTS! The worst song in the contest - along with Sweden. Pathetic turd of a song for brain dead queens and babies.
Romania
Novelty song, with an interesting draw alongside two others. I haven't heard it since its selection, and it doesn't sound as bad as I remembered, but still doesn't do much for me
Armenia
A surprisingly 'straight' ballad without much hint of Eastern flavour. In a contest with so few ballads this could do well. On record, one of the best singers in the contest and its a wistful tune. One of the songs which immediately makes one wish for the return of the orchestra
Friday, April 27, 2007
Texas
Been back a week now and still haven't written anything about Texas....
We decided that we wanted to see parts of America that weren't on the coasts, so headed for 10 days in Texas, hiring a car and spending time in Houston, Austin and San Antonio, with some drives out to the country.
Each of the cities are very different. Houston is business-centred with a fair bit of old oil money splashing about, Austin is laid-back and studenty, and San Antonio is very Mexican. All three had plenty to offer and lots to see, and in such a short visit we couldn't do everything.
Some observations
1. Texas really is very big. So are the buildings, and the people. It was nice to feel relatively slim!
2. Not everyone in Texas is a right-wing Republican. OK, most are, but not in Austin, and both San Antonio and Houston have a Democratic presence as well.
3. There are places in Texas which really are a lot like the places you see on the Western movies
4. Texas has a very strong independent identity, as strong as the American one, certainly
5. The food portions are vast. See 1.
6. The Space centre in Houston is fantabulosa. They dress their staff up in pastel blue indoor space suits similar to those worn by astronauts. making a young man who must have weighted 30 stone is tantamount to cruelty. See 1 and definitely 5.
7. Best places we ate in each city - Houston, either Mark's American Cuisine or Brennan's. Austin - go to the Salt Lick barbecue or the Texas Chili Parlour. Not a fine dining city. San Antonio, the wonderful Le reve
8. We enjoyed out day out in the Hill Country around Fredericksburg. Some very good wineries in Texas ( did you know Texas made wine?) 80% of people there voted for Bush.
9. We visited an underground cave where one of the young men working there - about 19, I'd say - told us he had never been outside Texas and had been no further than Houston - once! This is an hour or so from the Mexican border!
10. Best museum - Austin's Texas State History museum. First class.
11. Best place we stayed - the Hotel Icon in Houston was excellent.
We decided that we wanted to see parts of America that weren't on the coasts, so headed for 10 days in Texas, hiring a car and spending time in Houston, Austin and San Antonio, with some drives out to the country.
Each of the cities are very different. Houston is business-centred with a fair bit of old oil money splashing about, Austin is laid-back and studenty, and San Antonio is very Mexican. All three had plenty to offer and lots to see, and in such a short visit we couldn't do everything.
Some observations
1. Texas really is very big. So are the buildings, and the people. It was nice to feel relatively slim!
2. Not everyone in Texas is a right-wing Republican. OK, most are, but not in Austin, and both San Antonio and Houston have a Democratic presence as well.
3. There are places in Texas which really are a lot like the places you see on the Western movies
4. Texas has a very strong independent identity, as strong as the American one, certainly
5. The food portions are vast. See 1.
6. The Space centre in Houston is fantabulosa. They dress their staff up in pastel blue indoor space suits similar to those worn by astronauts. making a young man who must have weighted 30 stone is tantamount to cruelty. See 1 and definitely 5.
7. Best places we ate in each city - Houston, either Mark's American Cuisine or Brennan's. Austin - go to the Salt Lick barbecue or the Texas Chili Parlour. Not a fine dining city. San Antonio, the wonderful Le reve
8. We enjoyed out day out in the Hill Country around Fredericksburg. Some very good wineries in Texas ( did you know Texas made wine?) 80% of people there voted for Bush.
9. We visited an underground cave where one of the young men working there - about 19, I'd say - told us he had never been outside Texas and had been no further than Houston - once! This is an hour or so from the Mexican border!
10. Best museum - Austin's Texas State History museum. First class.
11. Best place we stayed - the Hotel Icon in Houston was excellent.
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Local elections
I sent this letter to the local rag this morning - any comments?
My voting card arrived this morning. If this were a national election, I would be amongst the many that see nothing at all to inspire or excite amongst any of the main parties
This being a local election, however, local issues should be the focus on the decisions we have to make. I would, thus, propose three questions to all of the candidates:
1. Given that the matters over which local government has any real influence over have been drastically reduced, and the actual political decisions are made by a small coterie of councillors – the ‘cabinet’ – what is the purpose of so many additional councillors? Their role appears to be little more than an unqualified low-level welfare service, sorting out management failures of the council, given that they have no real political role any longer. Could we not manage with many less councillors given that no party is suggesting a return to direct service provision?
2. Would not a properly funded, trained, and independent Ombudsman service which operated locally be a more effective way of sorting out these problems? I accept that many councillors – including those in this ward – work hard and are sincere and genuine people – but its their actual role which I question, now that they have no political ‘say’ any longer unless a Cabinet member.
3. Given that Sefton Council has no overall majority and no party is principled enough to walk away from power, what we have is essentially an officer-run authority with an all-party coalition cabinet. Why, then, so much inter-party bickering in election literature when the decisions being criticised are the responsibility of all three parties?
I will be interested to receive any responses – my vote is up for grabs!
Forget nice....
So now we have that disgusting little worm, the Bishop of Hereford, Anthony Priddis, deciding to interrogate and turn down a gay man for a post as a youth officer.
Why, for goodness sake, can't people see just what a waste of time the institutional church is? There is no point in being part of something which is oppressive and has a homophobic message - its just not good for you! Would a black person join the BNP?
I find myself in a difficult position on one level. I can see nothing worthwhile in the Church, and ever more, see humanism as more appealing than Christianity. Yet the latter has been a large part of my own life and identity for quite a while....and I know there are things I still find attractive about the Christian message.
I'm going to do some proper reading about humanism and atheism. In the meantime, the fence will have to do, although its not terribly comfortable...
Why, for goodness sake, can't people see just what a waste of time the institutional church is? There is no point in being part of something which is oppressive and has a homophobic message - its just not good for you! Would a black person join the BNP?
I find myself in a difficult position on one level. I can see nothing worthwhile in the Church, and ever more, see humanism as more appealing than Christianity. Yet the latter has been a large part of my own life and identity for quite a while....and I know there are things I still find attractive about the Christian message.
I'm going to do some proper reading about humanism and atheism. In the meantime, the fence will have to do, although its not terribly comfortable...
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