tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20308039685215601842024-03-13T01:32:14.191+00:00iansblogIan Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-80529089313706042732020-11-01T10:50:00.001+00:002020-11-01T15:54:47.819+00:00<html>
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<title>What's behind the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic</title>
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<h1>What's behind the handling of the COVID-19 pandemic</h1>
A spectacular pan-global cock-up is the most likely explanation for the situation
but in the spirit of keeping an open mind, ideas such as these are circulating
(which I merely report, without belief or support)
<p>
Some key phrases:
<ul>
<li><i>following the science</i> - which has not happened
<li><i>letting the virus rip</i> - smearing opponents of lockdown (the Big Lie technique)
<li><i>conspiracy theorists</i> - smearing opponents of lockdown (whether medical professionals or 5G mast nutters)
<li><i>convergent opportunism</i> - interested parties using opportunity of covid to advance own agendas
<li><i>concatenation of interests</i> - various interests finding common ground
</ul>
<p>
<a href="https://lockdownsceptics.org/conspiracy-theories/">
An Unconscious Conspiracy</a> by Sinead Murphy is a good starting point.
A common reference in thinking about this is to The Great Reset,
which may be a factor.
<p>
<b>The single most striking aspect is that decades of evolution of best practice in handling epidemics,
as set out in W.H.O. policies, was set aside in a wave of 'me too' madness across governments in March 2020.</b>
<P>
Subsequently, governments have seemed incapable of admitting any mistake and carry on, disregarding consequences.
In particular they seemingly ignore most of the huge body of new knowledge about Covid-19 and stick to March 2020 concepts.
This appies particularly to the use of modelling in preference to up-to-date facts.
<p>
Prof. Neil Ferguson at Imperial College and his epidemic modelling appear to have been a huge influence
on multiple governments in March 2020 and again in October 2020. His previous successes (quoting from "[Ferguson]" links below):
<ul>
<li>In 2001, Ferguson was involved in “modelling” for Foot and Mouth disease.
Because of that some six million sheep, pigs and cattle were slaughtered that needn’t have been.
<li>In 2002, Ferguson predicted that up to 50,000 people would die from variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease,
better known as “mad cow disease”, increasing to 150,000 if the epidemic expanded to include sheep.
The reality is: “Since 1990, 178 people in the United Kingdom have died from vCJD,
according to the National CJD Research & Surveillance Unit at the University of Edinburgh.” (2017)
<li>In 2005, Ferguson claimed that up to 200 million people would be killed by bird-flu or H5N1.
By early 2006, the WHO had only linked 78 deaths to the virus, out of 147 reported cases.
<li>In 2009, Ferguson and his team at Imperial College advised the Government that
swine flu or H1N1 would probably kill 65,000 people in the UK.
In the end, swine flu claimed the lives of 457 people in the UK.
</ul>
<p>
Public Health England and other agencies have been sloppy in gathering statistics, leading
to even worse decision-making: double-counting, non-Covid treated as Covid, etc.
<P>
The Mainstream Media have been crucial in transmitting and maintaining the panic,
though some have switched sides from government hysteria to medical reality.
As of October 2020, I judge they line up thus (though not necessarily 100% in either camp):
<table border=1>
<tr><th>Pro-facts<th>Pro-hysteria</tr>
<tr><td>Daily Telegraph<td>BBC</tr>
<tr><td>Daily Mail<td>Guardian</tr>
<tr><td>Daily Express<td>ITN/C4 News</tr>
<tr><td>The Sun<td>Sky News</tr>
<tr><td>The Times<td></tr>
</table>
<p>
Another factor is that Google, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter have been
actively censoring anyone disagreeing with the offical line, no matter how eminent,
even when agreeing with the W.H.O.
<p>
OfCOM issued <a href="https://www.ofcom.org.uk/tv-radio-and-on-demand/information-for-industry/guidance/broadcast-standards-and-coronavirus">guidance to broadcasters</a> in March 2020. This seems reasonable but in practice it has constrained broadcasters reporting on any views disagreeing with the official government/SAGE line.
<p>
<h3>Links</h3>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://thecritic.co.uk/the-lockdowns-founding-myth/">Lockdown's Foundation Myth</a>
<li><a href="https://lockdownsceptics.org/covid-research/">The Real Science of Covid</a>
<li><a href="https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/comment/britains-covid-response-utterly-mad-10-reasons/">Britain's Covid response is utterly mad – here are 10 reasons why</a>
<li><A HREF="https://lockdownsceptics.org/radical-uncertainty-and-government-innumeracy/">Government Innumeracy</a>
<li><a href="https://thecritic.co.uk/counting-the-dead/">Counting the Dead</a>
<p>
<li><a href="https://www.spectator.co.uk/article/six-questions-that-neil-ferguson-should-be-asked">Six questions that Neil Ferguson should be asked</a> [Ferguson]
<li><a href="https://lockdownsceptics.org/2020/06/09/latest-news-52/">Professor Ferguson’s Model</a> [Ferguson]
<li><a href="https://lockdownsceptics.org/2020/10/05/latest-news-154/#prof-ferguson-even-more-alarmist-than-i-thought">Prof Ferguson Even More Alarmist Than I Thought</a> [Ferguson]
<li><a href="https://www.aier.org/article/superstition-in-the-pigeon-can-lockdowns-really-stop-death/">
Superstition in the Pigeon: Can Lockdowns Really Stop Death?</a> [Ferguson]
<p>
<li><a href="https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/10/29/lockdown-is-hammering-the-poor/">Lockdown is hammering the poor</a>
<br>- <a href="https://www.ifs.org.uk/publications/15146">Spending and saving during the COVID-19 crisis: evidence from bank account data</a>
<li><a href="https://www.spiked-online.com/2020/10/28/the-corona-generation-2/">The corona generation</a>
<p>
<li><a href="https://www.nationalreview.com/the-morning-jolt/chinas-devastating-lies/">The Comprehensive Timeline of China’s COVID-19 Lies</a>
<li><a href="https://www.skynews.com.au/details/_6205736352001">
The Great Reset: Globalists using the virus to destroy the 'Old World Order'</a>
<li><a href="https://www.weforum.org/great-reset/">The Great Reset</a> at the World Economic Forum
<li><a href="https://wikispooks.com/wiki/The_Great_Reset">The Great Reset</a> at WikiSpooks
<li><a href="https://time.com/collection/great-reset/">The Great Reset</a> at Time magazine
</ul>
<p>
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</html>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-44234171068866375162020-10-30T11:26:00.002+00:002020-10-30T11:43:32.674+00:00<html>
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<title>Thoughts on SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in the UK</title>
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<h1>Thoughts on SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) in the UK</h1>
<h2>Posted 30-Oct-2020, just as South Derbyshire and nearby areas go into Tier 2 lockdown</H2>
<ul>
<li>What should be happening is as per
<a href="https://gbdeclaration.org/">The Great Barrington Declaration</a>.
<br>
It's appalling that Google has been hiding the GBD from search results.
<br>Only Sweden and a few other countries were sensible enough to
follow decades of normal practice for pandemics,
rather than the mass hysteria & group-think in governments as of March 2020.
<li>The
<a href="https://gbdeclaration.org/frequently-asked-questions/">associated FAQ</a>
was expanded recently to counter ill-informed criticism.
<p>
<li>Mike Yeadon describes problems in detail in
<a href="https://lockdownsceptics.org/what-sage-got-wrong/">What SAGE has got wrong</a>.
<br>
This interview with Dr Mike Yeadon is a superb summary of the key issues
<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbMJoJ6i39k&ab_channel=TheJamesDelingpoleChannel">Delingpod: Dr Mike Yeadon</a>
<p>
<li>As an example, this key paper from Porton Down experts was tabled at SAGE
but the Minutes indicate it was never discussed, so it's no surprise that SAGE has since seemed unaware of the
false positive rate of PCR testing - a key factor in the mass testing programme.
<a href="https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/895843/S0519_Impact_of_false_positives_and_negatives.pdf">
S0519 - Impact of false positives and negatives in UK's PCR testing programme</a>.
<br>
The approx 2% False Positive Rate, which combined with the approx 0.02%-0.1% actual prevalence of the disease, means that the mass Pillar 2 PCR testing
is returning 'positive' results of which approx 90% may be false.
<br>
This is discussed further by James Ferguson in
<a href=https://lockdownsceptics.org/radical-uncertainty-and-government-innumeracy/">
Government Innumeracy</a>
and by Rob Verkerk in
<a href="https://www.anhinternational.org/news/why-your-positive-test-result-is-likely-wrong/">
Why your positive test result is likely wrong</a>.
<p>
<li><a href="http://inproportion2.talkigy.com/">
Covid-19 in Proportion?</a> compares COVID-19 to previous coronavirus outbreaks.
<p>
<li>The global perspective is covered by John Ioannidis in
<a href="https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/eci.13423">Global perspective of COVID-19 epidemiology for a full-cycle pandemic</a>.
<p>
<li>The legal aspects are covered brilliantly by Lord Sumption in his lecture
<a href="https://evidencenotfear.com/government-by-decree-covid-19-and-the-constitution-lord-sumption/">
Government by decree – Covid-19 and the Constitution</a>.
<br>
He explains that the government and their police lackeys have been operating without legal authority for some of their actions.
The government has arranged things to minimise parliamentary control and oversight.
<p>
</ul>
<h3>Links</h3>
<dl>
<dt>Gov dashboard
<dd><a href="https://coronavirus.data.gov.uk/">Coronavirus in the UK</a>
<dt>Lockdown Sceptics is the hub for all who are uncomfortable with the gov's handling
<dd><a href="https://lockdownsceptics.org/">Lockdown Sceptics</a>
<dt>Online news sites strong on independent comment and reporting
<dd><a href="https://www.spiked-online.com/">Spiked Online</a>
<dd><a href="https://unherd.com/">UnHerd</a>
<dd><a href="https://thecritic.co.uk/">The Critic</a>
<dd><a href="https://off-guardian.org/">OffGuardian</a>
<dd><a href="https://hectordrummond.com/">Hector Drummond</a>
<dt>NHS stats on hospitals
<dd><a href="https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-hospital-activity/">COVID-19 Hospital Activity</a>
<dt>Referenced and sourced COVID-19 information
<dd><a href="https://evidencenotfear.com/">Evidence Not Fear</a>
<dt>Freedom with Respect - a way to safely respond to COVID-19 which avoids lockdowns and minimises the impact of social distancing
<dd><a href="https://greenbandredband.com/">Green Band Red Band</a>
<dt>NAO estimates of the cost of measures announced in response to the coronavirus pandemic
<dd><a href="https://www.nao.org.uk/covid-19/cost-tracker/">COVID-19 cost tracker</a>
<dt>Site focusing on the negative consequences of the worldwide mishandling of COVID-19
<dd><a href="http://thepriceofpanic.com/">The Price of Panic</a>
</dl>
<p>
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</html>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-4194683964771587692019-12-15T13:41:00.000+00:002019-12-15T13:43:15.241+00:00Lalo Schifrin & the London Symphony Orchestra<h1>Lalo Schifrin & the London Symphony Orchestra</h1>
This was originally a Facebook post in 2008.
<h3>Barbican blurb</h3>
Thu 10 Apr 2008
<br>Barbican Hall
<br>Part of the La Linea 2008 London Latin Music Festival.
<p>
Featuring an 89-piece LSO, with 8 double basses and at least 40 violins
plus LS's quartet of LS (piano), Alex Acuna (drums), James Morrison (trombone/trumpet/flugelhorn) and Pierre Boussaguet (double bass/electric bass)
<p>
A very rare London appearance as pianist and conductor for the mighty Lalo Schifrin.
The Argentina born, composer, conductor and arranger has had a glittering career via the Paris Conservatory,
through his own big concert band in Buenos Aires, a crucial spell as Dizzy Gillespie's pianist
and arranger and through the composition of more than 100 film scores including those for
Bullitt, Dirty Harry and the theme to Mission Impossible perhaps the most instantly recognisable tune in the world.
Tonight¹s special programme entitled Jazz meets the Symphony puts Lalo and his soloists
in front of a 89 piece symphony orchestra to explore symphonic variations on Latin Jazz
and perform some of his finest compositions including The Fox, Enter the Dragon and The Dirty Harry Suite.
<h2>Jazz meets the Symphony Programme</h2>
<ul>
<li>LS - Chano
<li>Paul Porter arr. LS - Begin the Beguin [Latin jazz version]
<li>LS - Dirty Harry Suite [very varied, well put together]
<li>Gil Evans arr. LS - La Nevada
<li>Heitor Villa-Lobos arr. LS - Bachianas Brasileiras no. 5
<li>Moises Simon arr. LS - Peanut Vendor
<p>
<h3>Interval</h3>
<p>
<li>LS - The Fox
<li>Aaron Copeland arr. LS - El Salon Mexico [inspired by AC's trip to Mexico]
<li>LS - Around the Day in 80 Worlds
<li>LS - El Dorado
<li>LS - Theme from Enter the Dragon
<li>Dizzie Gillespie arr. LS - Diz Fireworks
<li>(medley) Night in Tunesia/Con Alma/Manteca
<p>
<h3>Encores</h3>
<li>Theme from Mission Impossible
<li>Esperanzo(?) [a new piece, just the quartet, including extaordinary, long, high-energy drum solo]
</ul>
<h2>Points which stick in the mind</h2>
<ul>
<li>I wasn't entirely sure what to expect but the music was a fascinating blend of Latin, 'lounge' jazz and classical, without any one style dominating
<li>LSO tuba player had a huge mute - like a mutant ice cream cone
<li>JM, an Aussie, at several points played the trombone in left hand and trumpet in the right - very impressive;
he got extraordinary sustained high & low notes from his instruments
<li>To start off the encores, LS walked back on, sat at his piano and with his left hand started <b>that</B> theme,
provoking a roar of recognition and approval, and was soon joined by the full orchestra.
<li>Finding an event that's outside one's normal range (or comfort zone) yet hugely enjoyable is a great prize:
I found that with Intergalactic Contemporary Ensemble's live performance of their <i>I Dig</i> album in 2001
at the Queen Elizabeth Hall and found it here.
Ones which weren't so good were Sparks at the Royal Festival Hall 2002 (live performance of <i>L'il Beethoven</i>, somewhat shambolic)
and 2006's Barbican event by Jean Claude Vannier & the BBC Concert Orchestra
plus guests (such as Jarvis Cocker) - <i>Histoire de Melody Nelson</i> & <i>L'Enfant Assassin Des Mouches</i> (very weird French ProgRock).
</ul>
<h3>Links</h3>
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/arts/main.jhtml?xml=/arts/2008/04/03/bmlalo103.xml">Lalo Schifrin: Dizzy, Simone de Beauvoir and me</a>
<br>
<a href="http://innova.mu/notes/548.htm">Intergalactic Contemporary Ensemble : I Dig</a>
<hr>
Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-27499900559234069522019-08-12T21:53:00.001+01:002019-12-15T13:36:53.033+00:00His Dark Materials performed<html>
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<h1>
His Dark Materials performed
</h1>
<h2>Some notes and memories</h2>
<h3>
Edited version of article first posted on my Facebook page on 10 December 2007,
done in advance of the new lavish BBC/HBO version in November 2019.
</h3>
<h2>Preamble</h2>
<Ul>
<li>HDM = His Dark Materials, a trilogy by Philip Pullman (PP)
<li>NT = National Theatre
</ul>
<p>
<table border=1>
<tr><th colspan=2>His Dark Materials</th></tr>
<tr><td>Northern Lights</td></tr>
<tr><Td>The Subtle Knife</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Amber Spyglass</td></tr>
<tr><Th colspan=2>Standalone small books</th></tr>
<tr><td>Lyra's Oxford</td>
<td>A short story, background info and a fold-out map.
This introduced Malcolm Polstead and Sebastian Makepeace, later to feature in <i>The Book of Dust</i>.
</td></tr>
<tr><td>One Upon a Time in the North</td>
<td>A short story about Lee Scoresby, Hester and Iorek Byrnison in the polar regions.
Also has a Snakes-and-Ladders type game <i>Perils of the Pole</i> at the back.</td></tr>
<tr><th colspan=2>The Book of Dust</th></tr>
<tr><td>La Belle Sauvage</td></tr>
<tr><td>The Secret Commonwealth</td></tr>
<tr><td>?</td></tr>
</table>
<p>
In 2007 I'd not read the HDM books but saw both versions of the play, adapted from the PP books by Nicholas Wright.
<p>
The NT staged it as their family offering around January 2004 and an amended version around January 2005.
Two key factors made the previously 'un-do-able' possible: using puppets as the
daemons and using the recently-restored unique stage machinery of the NT Olivier Theatre.
The puppetry techniques mastered here enabled the NT's huge success with <i>War Horse</i>.
<p>
Nicholas Wright and Philip Pullman explained they'd made tough choices
about what to leave out to reduce three large books to six hours of play but PP
emphasised that he's a storyteller first and so long as the story holds up, he's satisfied.
Now having read the books, I agree that nothing of importance was left out.
<h3>Related publications available from the NT:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Scripts for both versions of the play. [ISBN 1 85459 768 X, 1 85459 831 8]
<li>The Art of Darkness by Robert Butler, about the staging of the play [ISBN 1 84002 414 3]
<li>Darkness Illuminated - a collection of the Platform discussions
conducted by Robert Butler to coincide with the first season.
[I went to the one featuring PP and the one about designing and staging the daemons.]
<li>The NT programmes for each season contain a lot of background material plus drawings by Philip Pullman.
Season one included a fold-out supplement: The Alethiometer ('truth-measurer') - the Golden Compass,
consisting of a full-size picture, explanation and background info.
Season 2 had Lord Asriel's annotated map of the polar regions.
</ul>
<h2>NT Season 1 version - 10-Jan-2004</h2>
<ul>
<li>d. Nick Hytner
<li>Lyra Belacqua - Anna Maxwell Martin
<li>Pantalaimon - Samuel Barnett
<li>Will Parry - Dominic Cooper
<li>Roger Parslow - Darren Hart
<li>Lord Boreal - John Carlisle
<li>Mrs Coulter - Patricia Hodge
<li>Serafina Pekkala - Niamh Cusack
<li>Lord Asriel - Timothy Dalton
<li>Iorek Byrnison - Danny Sapini
</ul>
<p>
Anna and Samuel were a huge success in their first major roles, both since going to great things
(such as <i>Bleak House</i> and <i>The History Boys</i>, as several other cast members did).
They had wonderful on-stage chemistry.
As they were on stage for nearly all the 6h run-time, this really mattered.
Samuel and the puppet Pantalaimon soon merged into one.
<p>
NW included some flashbacks, which worked well in this setting:
typically there were of Lyra and Will at their favourite spot, a bench in the Oxford Botanic Garden
(even if they were in different universes). The production opened and closed in that setting.
<p>
The play was hugely enjoyable and engrossing - essential for six hours!
<p>
The stage machinery was awesome.
Around the central drum revolve is a rotating ring, which typically was
used for the cast to move between scenes while the central part reset.
There was no interruption to the action at any point.
<p>
The central drum revolve is in two halves - semicircles - each of which can be raised independently.
These are giant semi-circular lifts.
The flat vertical surface of one half was used as various walls or as a projection screen.
The other half contained a column which could be raised and on the top of that a hatch.
This was used in many ways: as a tower, as a ship's hatch...
<p>
When a play uses the revolve, the sets are typically mounted on semi-circular rolling platforms
and stored in the huge backstage area, waiting to be rolled onto a lift for a quick scene change.
<p>
<ul>
<li><a href=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4f14uO27eI">YouTube: Drum Revolve for HDM</a>
<li><a href="https://www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/file/9401/view">NT: The Drum Revolve In Action</a>
</ul>
<p>
After the cast had taken their final bows, they moved to the wings, gesturing to the rear and in a dramatic
move the backdrop was raised, revealing the bare walls far to the rear plus the huge stage crew (50+?),
who got a well-deserved ovation.
There were two teams, one for each 3-hour half.
<h2>NT Season 2 version - 8-Jan-2005</h2>
<ul>
d. Nick Hytner
<li>Lyra Belacqua - Elaine Symons
<li>Pantalaimon - Jamie Harding
<li>Will - Michael Legge
<li>Roger Parslow - Russell Tovey
<li>Lord Boreal - John Carlisle
<li>Mrs Coulter - Lesley Manville
<li>Serafina Pekkala - Adjoa Andoh
<li>Lord Asriel - David Harewood
<li>Iorek Byrnison - Alistair Petrie
</ul>
The weakest parts of the first season's plot were fixed in this version - slightly more exposition.
For instance the death of the Authority scene was much clearer and more dramatic
and the shipboard scene going north was completely clear, especially the seer.
Another much improved scene was Lord Asriel's cutting through to another world.
<p>
Whilst in general I preferred the first season's cast, I thought Adjoa Andoh was the better Serafina Pekkala.
Most of the daemons were less expressive however.
<p>
The sets were better dressed and thus more convincing, though due to the relentless pace, sets were still kept simple.
<h2>The Golden Compass - 9-Dec-2007</h2>
(based on Northern Lights, the first book of HDM; about 105m)
<ul>
<li>d. Chris Weitz
<li>Lyra Belacqua - Dakota Blue Richards
<li>Mrs Coulter - Nicole Kidman
<li>Lord Asriel - Daniel Craig
</ul>
The CGI is very convincing (better than the recent CGI-heavy <i>Beowulf</i>) and the acting is top-notch.
Newcomer Dakota Blue Richards is completely convincing as Lyra
and Nicole Kidman and Daniel Craig are suitably ambiguous as Mrs Coulter and Lord Asriel.
<p>
The plot seemed to be almost scene-for-scene like the play (minus the flashbacks) but with a lot of simplification
(for instance, the ship journey northwards and the characterisation of the King of the Bears).
It ends with Lyra on the way to Asriel with her companions - a slight anti-climax for
a stand-alone film but it might have worked well if all three had been filmed.
<p>
One odd change is that a Magisterium agent poisons the Tokay for Asriel's presentation in Jordan College, rather than the Master.
<p>
Lord Asriel's daemon, Stelmaria, only speaks in the opening sequence whereas in the play she has a lot of dialogue (as I recall).
<P>
The music was the usual bloated, over-orchestrated stuff of Hollywood - they've no notion that less is more.
<p>
Verdict: remarkably good, considering how Hollywood it is.
Difficult to fault, bearing in mind they had to avoid alienating the middle-America audience and aimed for a younger audience.
<h2>Philip Pullman interview - 9-Dec-2007</h2>
Satellite link to Picturehouse cinemas (such as Cambridge) from the Oxford one.
<p>
He's very satisfied with the film. When asked if he'd change anything, two items
came to mind: he'd trim the ending (unnecessary dialogue) and
restore cuts made for time reasons to the ship-board scene of Lyra and Serafina
- they filmed a touching part with Farder Coram joining them.
<p>
Dakota was desperate to play Lyra (no ambition to be an actress), so joined the
10,000 children at auditions and became one of the two prime candidates.
PP once again explained the need to have an adult actress for the play
- can't employ a child for 6 hours - which became part of the reason for the flashbacks.
<p>
The unnamed interviewer seemed to have a background in fantasy and academic analysis of it:
he asked a lot of silly questions based on academic theories, which PP laughed off.
The Cambridge audience also laughed a lot at them.
<p>
PP was asked about current schools and as a former teacher he rubbished the
Government's meddling with teaching and the harmful regime of testing: it measures
the measurable OK but so little of what comes out of the education process is measurable.
<p>
<h2>BBC Radio Adaptations</h2>
The HDM radio drama versions are available on CD and audiobook and are occasionally broadcast.
<p>
<i>La Belle Sauvage</i>, read by Simon Russell Beale, has also been broadcast, and repeated in December 2019, prior to the first broadcast of Simon's reading of
<i>The Secret Commonwealth</i> on 23-Dec-2019.
<p>
<h2>Penguin Audiobooks of The Book of Dust</h2>
Michael Sheen brings the books to life superbly.
They are available on <a href="https://www.audible.co.uk/" target=audible>Audible</a>.
<p>
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Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-28847775575553684692016-08-26T11:31:00.000+01:002016-08-26T11:31:00.946+01:00interesting series of articles recently on energy policy & developments<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/07/26/please-build-mini-nukes-in-wales-say-welsh-mps/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/07/26/please-build-mini-nukes-in-wales-say-welsh-mps/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/10/holy-grail-of-energy-policy-in-sight-as-battery-technology-smash/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/10/holy-grail-of-energy-policy-in-sight-as-battery-technology-smash/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.ecosnippets.com/alternative-energy/silent-rooftop-wind-turbines/">http://www.ecosnippets.com/alternative-energy/silent-rooftop-wind-turbines/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/14/britains-vast-national-gamble-on-wind-power-may-yet-pay-off/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/14/britains-vast-national-gamble-on-wind-power-may-yet-pay-off/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/16/worlds-biggest-offshore-wind-farm-approved-despite-rspb-warning/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/16/worlds-biggest-offshore-wind-farm-approved-despite-rspb-warning/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/17/britain-should-leap-frog-hinkley-and-lead-21st-century-nuclear-r/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/17/britain-should-leap-frog-hinkley-and-lead-21st-century-nuclear-r/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/0/why-the-uk-is-using-less-energy-but-importing-more---and-why-it/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/0/why-the-uk-is-using-less-energy-but-importing-more---and-why-it/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/19/how-the-london-2012-olympic-legacy-could-turn-the-energy-busines/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/19/how-the-london-2012-olympic-legacy-could-turn-the-energy-busines/</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/21/carbon-capture-can-drive-a-21st-century-revival-of-british-indus/">http://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2016/08/21/carbon-capture-can-drive-a-21st-century-revival-of-british-indus/</a><br />
<br />Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-7977288701148935722014-05-04T13:00:00.004+01:002014-05-04T13:00:58.637+01:00May Bank Holiday Monday 2014Plan for tomorrow (5-May-2014):<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.chgt.org.uk/">Chiswick House and Gardens</a> </li>
<li><a href="http://www.hounslow.info/arts-culture/historic-houses-museums/hogarth-house">Hogarth's House</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://www.waterways.org.uk/events_festivals/canalway_cavalcade_2014/canalway_cavalcade_2014">Canalways Cavacade 2014 </a></li>
</ul>
Pics:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/+IanKitching/albums/5259719624348130833" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">My first CC in 2007</a></li>
<li><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/+IanKitching/albums/5259732821868423521" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2008</a> </li>
<li><a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/+IanKitching/albums/5333818259671128097" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">2009</a> </li>
</ul>
So, yes, the pics from one year to another are similar but I like 'em.<br />
<br />
The subsequent years had poorer weather so there are few or no pics
but the forecast is good for tomorrow.<br />
<br />Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-21185931962842508152014-03-20T05:28:00.000+00:002014-03-21T07:26:42.380+00:00London weekend trip of 13 March 2014Pics:
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/115484746121232314590/albums/5993130563978512305?authkey=CL6Xm7OD1sutXQ">Clerkenwell walk</a>
-
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/115484746121232314590/albums/5993134785956386305?authkey=CJOwovasm4jT7gE">London skyline towers</a>
-
<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/115484746121232314590/albums/5993136111872430721?authkey=CJWZja2Wl8r_3QE">From Millennium Bridge</a>
<p>
I tried to go to the BM's <a href="http://www.britishmuseum.org/whats_on/exhibitions/vikings.aspx">Vikings</a> exhibition
but the place was packed, with all the day's tickets sold by 2pm. Another time, on advance ticket.
<p>
<a href="http://www.npg.org.uk/">NPG</a> exhibs:
<a href="http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/2013/janey-morris-pre-raphaelite-muse.php">Janey Morris: Pre-Raphaelite Muse</a>,
<a href="http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/2014/hans-holbein-re-made-copies-and-versions-of-portraits-from-the-tudor-court.php">Hans Holbein Remade</a>
and the current blockbuster,
<a href="http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/bailey/exhibition.php">David Bailey's Stardust</a>,
which is huge and an odd mix of the usual celebs (LOTS of Mick Jagger) plus more serious photojournalism of less fortunate people.
<p>
Tate Modern exhibs:
<a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/richard-hamilton">Richard Hamilton</a>,
a comprehensive retrospective. I tend to like his Pop Art era stuff, which is only a small part of this.
<a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/project-space-inverted-house">Inverted House</a>
was odd, like most stuff shown in the Project Space.
<p>
Tate Britain exhibs:
<a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/ruin-lust">Ruin Lust</a> and
<a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-britain/exhibition/richard-deacon">Richard Deacon</a>.
Ruin Lust is a comprehensive survey of a fascinating strand in art, covering more than the Romantic/Picturesque period, and there's
an excellent little book of the exhib.
The Richard Deacon exhib has rooms of his various constructions, which are interesting in terms of the <i>How</i>,
the <i>Why</i> was far from clear.
<p>
Rather than the usual train journey, I took a rambling trip via bus 3
from TrafSq. through Lambeth and Dulwich to
<a href="http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/">Dulwich Picture Gallery</a>
The route goes past (for instance) the IWM and Brockwell Lido.
I had time to see something of
<a href="http://www.dulwichparkfriends.org.uk/">Dulwich Park</a> before
<a href="http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/exhibitions/now_on_show/hockney,_printmaker.aspx">Hockney Printmaker</a>, which
was an interesting exploration of a lesser-known aspect of the artist.
<p>
I had another walk around Clerkenwell including the
<a href="http://londonist.com/2010/03/inside_the_hidden_film_set_of_smith.php">Farmiloe Building</a> in St Johns Street, currently the
<a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/films/features/secret-cinema-london-does-wes-andersons-grand-budapest-hotel-9157698.html">
Grand Budapest Hotel</a>, with purple-suited doormen roaming around.
Nearby is
<a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2013/mar/24/jay-rayner-longroom-restaurant-review">The Longroom</a>,
a huge brick cavern where I
tried Franklin's Grumpy Govenor, one of the 3 real ales (+1 cider) available.
No doubt achingly trendy, like the
<a href="http://pelttrader.co.uk/">Pelt Trader</a> I tried during my January London weekend.
<p>
The weekend highlight was to see Angela Lansbury and a fine cast in
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/10705226/Blithe-Spirit-Gielgud-Theatre-London-review.html">Blithe Spirit</a>.
Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-2742133994248286002014-03-02T14:08:00.000+00:002014-03-09T15:11:34.968+00:00Some London exhibitions 1st March 2014As I haven't posted in a while and it's easier to do the following as a blog entry than a series of Facebook comments, here goes with a write-up of yesterday's day out in London, trying to catch up with some of the many interesting exhibitions on at the moment.
<hr>
[<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/115484746121232314590/albums/5986203645921787585?authkey=CITVhPfdzcyKdg">Pics</a>]
<p>
First I revisited
<a href="http://www.london.gov.uk/priorities/housing-land/land-assets/thames-barrier-park">Thames Barrier Gardens</a> to see how it's changed since 2006
[<a href="https://plus.google.com/photos/+IanKitching/albums/5214789779775743457">pics</a>], when it was much newer. The pagoda/whatever is being revamped and generally the place looking a bit tired.
<p>
I had a short wander round the Thames Path near East India DLR station and the
<a href="http://www.tower-bridge.org.uk/fact1.htm">'New World' First Settlers Monument</a>.
Sadly there's was no time to go to <a href="http://www.trinitybuoywharf.com/">Trinity Buoy Wharf</a>
- one for another time.
<p>
Next to <a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/wellington-arch/exhibitions-at-the-arch/current-exhibition/">Carscapes: How the Motor Car Reshaped England</a>
- an excellent mix of objects and photos.
<p>
As there was time before the Crossrail exhibition opened, I went to see
<a href="http://www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk/david-lynch-the-factory-photographs">David Lynch</a> /
<a href="http://www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk/taking-shots-the-photography-of-william-s-burroughs">William S Burroughs</a> /
<a href="http://www.thephotographersgallery.org.uk/andy-warhol-2">Andy Warhol</a> - the David Lynch ones were the best.
<p>
The
<a href="http://www.crossrail.co.uk/sustainability/archaeology/archaeology-exhibition-portals-to-the-past-february-2014">Crossrail Archaeology</a> exhibition was a follow-up to one last year and similarly impressive, especially the Roman finds.
<p>
<a href="http://www.twotempleplace.org/exhibitions/current-exhibition/">Two Temple Place</a> has a fascinating selection <i>Discoveries: Art, Science & Exploration from the University of Cambridge Museums</i> - sadly it's easier to see this lot here than go round the source museums.
[<a href="http://www.ianvisits.co.uk/blog/2014/03/06/see-the-astonishing-interior-of-two-temple-place/">IanVisits review</a>]
<p>
Finally, <a href="http://www.cartoonmuseum.org/exhibitions/current-exhibitions">Spitting Image: From Start to Finish</a> was a joy - so many 'best bits'.
Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-56585180999888259102012-05-11T06:24:00.002+01:002012-05-11T06:25:14.853+01:00Pic of 2011When I saw this pic about 30-Apr-2011, I thought that's got to be the Pic of the Year:
<ul>
<a href="http://www.theweek.co.uk/people-news/5547/beatrice%E2%80%99s-hat-real-reason-bin-laden-photos-withheld">Beatrice's Hat...</a>
</ul>
One year on, it's been doing the rounds again.
<p>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-19446754997148475162012-05-10T07:04:00.000+01:002012-05-14T12:40:21.675+01:00Bank Holiday weekend in London May 2012<h5>Danny DeVito - Patrick Stewart - Omid Djalili - Cutty Sark - HMS Ocean - Wellcome Collection ...</h5>
<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/115484746121232314590/20120504Lon?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNX5o92vv4iLcA&feat=directlink">Pics for this trip, with locations</a>
<p>
Besides the highlights below, I visited the annual Canalways Cavalcade at Little Venice, the TCR Crossrail station dig in Tottenham Court Road and the nearly-completed refurbishment of Leicester Square.
<p>
As to art exhibitions, I went to <a href="http://www.guildhallartgallery.cityoflondon.gov.uk/GAG/Exhibitions/CurrentExhibitions/Age+of+Elegance.htm">The Age of Elegance</a>
and <a href="http://www.nationalgallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/turner-inspired">Turner Inspired</a>.
<p>
Months ago I planned a linked set of visits around Battersea-Wandsworth-Chiswick, relying on the rail lines in the area. Guess which London rail line was closed for engineering this weekend?
<h4>Dr Salter/Wellcome Collection</h4>
Having revisited the charming statue in Bermondsey honouring Dr Salter last year
(as part of the Brunel Tunnel guided walk),
I was appalled it was stolen a week later.
Returning this weekend, I saw the council have removed the other parts (the girl and cat) for safe keeping and erected appropriate notices.
This also led me to my first visit to the Wellcome Collection and its fascinating exhibitions, including
<a href="http://www.wellcomecollection.org/whats-on/exhibitions/here-comes-good-health-.aspx">Here Comes Good Health</a>, showcasing Salter's pioneering work.
<ul>
See:
<li><a href="http://www.southwark.gov.uk/info/200308/current/2621/new_salter_statues/1">New Salter statues</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.southwark.gov.uk/news/article/560/southwark_offers_1_000_reward_following_salter_statue_theft">Reward offered</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Sir Patrick Stewart</h4>
Doing one of my favourite walks along the Thames Path in Bermondsey,
I was reminded of Sir Patrick Stewart's support
for local issues such as saving the houseboat community there
(by the flats where he lives)
and the current battle over Chambers Wharf.
Then around the corner heading towards me came Sir Patrick.
He briefly looked worried as I had a camera but I made no move to use it.
However I did <i>pap</i> him once we'd passed.
<ul>
See:
<li><a href="http://www.savethemoorings.org.uk/">Save the moorings</a>
</li>
<li><a href="http://www.thamestunnelconsultation.co.uk/site-profiles/chambers-wharf/">Thames Tunnel</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.saveyourriverside.org/">Save your riverside</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Cutty Sark</h4>
Andrew Gilligan
<a href="http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/news/andrewgilligan/100152428/cutty-sark-restoration-a-clucking-grade-a-bernard-matthews-class-turkey/">wrote this review</a>
- I wondered if I'd agree with him.
<p>
I think it's a triumph, with a good balance between modern interpretation gimmicks and simply showing it.
The copper bottom for the hull is especially fine.
The barcode entry system is somewhat awkward but it's early days yet
(barcodes on tickets, allowing home printing of e-tickets).
<h4>HMS Ocean</h4>
HMS Ocean arrived to anchor at Greenwich late last week for a first stint of Olympic security duties
and flew lots of helicopter sorties over London.
<uL>
See:
<li><a href="http://www.thegreenwichphantom.co.uk/2012/05/hms-ocean/">Greenwich Phantom: HMS Ocean</a></li>
<li>(I have video sequences of helicopters coming and going - may get around to posting them)
</ul>
<h4>What the Butler Saw</h4>
This preview performance was a delight, though they did rush it a bit at first (not waiting for laughs).
Omid Djalili fluffed & giggled a few times but enjoyed his larger-than-life role in this relentless farce.
<H4>Sunshine Boys</h4>
Danny DeVito sparkled in this preview performance, relishing the role even though being on stage practically whole time.
Richard Griffiths and Adam Levy were excellent in support.
<ul>
See:
<li>
<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/9220932/Danny-DeVito-and-Richard-Griffiths-bring-us-The-Sunshine-Boys.html
">Interview</a></li>
</ul>
<h4>Hay Fever</h4>
Delicious: a badly-behaved family have fun abusing their weekend guests.
Jeremy Northam stole the show as a diplomat out of his depth with the out-of-control Bliss family, led by a demented
Lindsay Duncan.
<h4>Old Royal Naval College Painted Hall</h4>
At last went in to see the stunning decoration by Hogarth's father-in-law.
<h4>National Maritime Museum: Royal River</h4>
Superb exhibition on Thames history by David Starkey.
<h4>TCR Crossrail</h4>
I had a look at the huge hole in Tottenham Court Road where the Crossrail station is being built.
<h4>New-to-me pubs</h4>
Coach & Horses Free House in Wellington St (Covent Garden) - it's always been too packed to get in.
A Sheps beer and Courage Directors on. The customers looked to be off-duty taxi drivers - a
definite 'type' in London!
<p>
About 100y further up, the reopened Globe had a reasonable range of beers, without being exciting (e.g. Doom Bar)
<p>
Angel & Crown, St Martins Lane/New Row junction, right opposite the Salisbury.
This has been a blank spot on the map for years, there being no reason to go in.
Now taken over by a small pubco, there are interesting beers and good food.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-71676074819261331792011-01-18T07:19:00.011+00:002011-01-18T21:32:20.574+00:00Week in London Sun 9 – Fri 14 Jan 2011 for a courseLots of interesting stuff in evenings - and my 1st go with Borisbikes.
<p>
My challenge was to find a cheap hotel (booked at own expense) within sensible travel distance of Middlesex Street (Petticoat Lane) at fairly short notice. The excellent <a href="http://www.hotel-london.com/">Hotel-London</a> did the trick. (I used them a lot c2001-2005 until Expedia proved better.) It found the <a href="http://www.cityhotellondon.co.uk/">City Hotel</a> in Osborn St (effectively Brick Lane), just round the corner from the <a href="http://www.whitechapelgallery.org/">Whitechapel Art Gallery</a>.
<p>
Before I left Repton I signed up for 7-day mambership of Barclays Cycle Hire (£5) as it might prove handy in the evenings.
<p>
One of the great attractions of London at this time of year is that pubs etc. are much quieter than the rest of the year - it's always this way during the first full working week of the year. For me this means that normally packed pubs can be visited. When combined with the rare treat of weekdays in London, I can visit lots of worth-visiting pubs previously unavailable to me.
<p>
The hotel room was huge, with double futon bed, sofa, fridge and the Gherkin directly ahead out of the window. I was expecting nighttime street noise from the emergency services in nearby Whitechapel High Street - that doesn't bother me and there wasn't much anyway.
<p>
I tried my first Borisbike as the way to get to the NFT. Getting one to undock proved a challenge. Then it took a while to get used to cycling it: they're heavy and they're awkward to walk. The latter matters as I often had to walk them past uncyclable areas, which are common in central London. Once I got past high-traffic streets, I cycled across Southwark Bridge, part of the cycle superhighways. After some more walking of the bike, I arrived at the NFT, after about 45mins total journey, with about half being walking. This is the crux for me: having to walk so much eats into the free 30mins time. To make sense, one has to be sure of a good route with minimal walking and clarity about the start and end bike racks. I've started making mental note of all racks likely to be of use.
<p>
I collected pre-booked tickets at the NFT and National Theatre. Sadly <i>Frankenstein</i> is fully booked into April - I'll try again once the next booking season starts.
<p>
My first event was at NFT2: <i>Scarface</i> (1932), a film which deserves to be better known. Howard Hawks directed George Raft, Boris Karloff and co. in a Chicago gangster pic inspired by the Borgias. Al Capone liked it so much he had his own print.
<p>
On Monday evening was <i>On The Night of the Fire</i> (NFT3), arguably the first British film noir to be released (Nov 1939). With much of interest, it features Ralph Richardson, Glynis Johns, Irene Handl, Terence Young (co-writer) and Terence Fisher (editor). It's supposedly set in the terrace streets under the road/rail bridges of Newcastle but the performances suggest the East End. After theft, blackmail and murder, the wife is killed in a car crash while being chased by the Press and the protagonist (RR) lets himself be killed by the police.
<p>
On Tuesday I went to the <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/reviews/whitechapel-reopening-whitechapel-gallery-london-1662567.html">recently-refurbished</a> Whitechapel Art Gallery for the retrospective of the groundbreaking <i>This Is Tomorrow</i> exhibition from 1956, which launched Pop Art and innovations in typography. I bought the reproduction of the 1956 catalogue.
<p>
Later was <i>Make Way for Tomorrow</i> (NFT1), a highly unusual film, the pet project of Leo McCarey. A painfully accurate portayal of how families cope with aged parents in modern times, without a happy ending.
<p>
On Wednesday the treat was <i>Seasons Greetings</i> at the National Theatre, one of Alan Ayckbourne's Christmas-themed plays. The ensemble cast were superb: an extended family at war over Christmas. They cast a lot of TV 'names': Catherine Tate, Mark Gatiss, David Troughton, Nicola Walker and Katherine Parkinson. Mark G was particularly impressive as an obsessive, determined to put on his annual lovingly-created puppet show, no matter how boring it is. The invited house guest is a classic dramatic interloper who disturbs the equlibrium and drives the plot.
<p>
On Thursday at NFT3 was a compilation of the <i>Whitney Bros.</i> early partly-computer-generated films (c1957-1972). I'd first heard of the Whitney clan via SIGGRAPH in the early 1980s. What they achieved with primitive kit is very impressive. On this showing, they'd thoroughly covered the possibilities of coloured geometric shapes swirling around the screen!
<p>
Afterwards I was determined to have another go on a Borisbike but the only worthwhile trip was from the Temple complex eastwards, finishing up south of St Pauls. Overall it only just faster than walking unencumbered.
<p>
I didn't have a chance to get to the <a href="http://www.thebricklanegallery.com/">Brick Lane Gallery</a> or the famous <a href="http://london.randomness.org.uk/wiki.cgi?Pride_Of_Spitalfields,_E1_5LJ">
Pride of Spitalfields</a>. Of the <i>Good Beer Guide</i> around Aldgate, I did get to the Hoop & Grapes (disappointing), White Hart (good), Elephant (good), East India Arms (disappointing), and the Peacock (disappointing).Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-44818698968913964382010-11-16T19:36:00.016+00:002010-11-17T06:57:18.301+00:00London 12-14 Nov 2010<i>ultra-cool</i>: Daniel Radcliffe did <b><a href="http://www.iankitching.me.uk/humour/lehrer/an-evening.html#Elements">The Elements</a></b> a capella on the Graham Norton show on Fri night.
<p>
At the NPG on Sat: <b>Thomas Lawrence</b> portature exhibition - very good & and well-put-together exhib; <b>Photo Portrait Prize</b> - the one of Tony Blair showed him as aged and care-worn; Royal Society 350th anniversary; the Lady Chatterley trial.
<p>
At the Coward Theatre I saw the thriller <b>Deathtrap</b> (<A href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/culturevideo/stagevideo/7949004/Deathtrap-the-Play.html">review and trailer</a>). This is in Sleuth and Dial M for Murder territory. The cast are excellent and the play has many layers & twists, reaching a satisfying conclusion.
<p>
On Sunday I went for my first walk across Regents Park, carrying on across the canal and road to Primrose Hill. It was odd being in a place for the first time yet with it being utterly familiar, as this has been in so many films/TV.
<p>
Down the Hill to Regents Park Road - a high street of small shops (no high street multiples), with cafes and delis predominating.
<p>
On the corner of Regents Park Road and Sharpleshall Street, behind the library, is the pop-up <b><a href="http://www.museumofeverything.com/">Museum of Everything</a></b> in its current instance. I'd missed the first two so was determined to see this one. Exhibition #3 is curated by Peter Blake: a fascinating series of rooms which could be characterised as the byways of popular culture: (<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-reviews/8066709/The-Museum-of-Everything-beauty-of-the-everyday.html">review</a>)
<ul>
<li>pics of Victorian freaks
<li>dolls & puppets
<li>Ted Willcox embroideries - witty satires on contemporary life (same territory as Grayson Perry's Walthamstow tapestry)
<li>Peter B's collection of Hornby trains and circus posters.
<li>Walter Potter's extraordinary collection of stuffed animals, making tableaus of the 'improving' Victorian kind, saved from The Potter Museum of Curiosity (<a href="http://www.theartsdesk.com/index.php?option=com_k2&view=item&id=2402:art-gallery-the-museum-of-everything&Itemid=23">Art Gallery: The Museum of Everything - The Arts Desk</a>)
<li>Arthur Windley's miniature fairground - a room full of hand-built classic toys, built up over 40 years - a delight (<a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/norfolk/8881869.stm">BBC news</a>)
</ul>
After a short walk to Chalk Farm Tube and the Northern Line to Bank, I went to the City of London's just-opened first shopping mall, <b>One New Change</b>.
The roof viewing gallery is supposed to be open to midnight every day but wasn't actually accessible. There were just 2 useful shops (Foyles, M&S Simply Food), all the rest are the usual fashion victim stuff.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-91745135028994849622010-10-05T21:20:00.004+01:002010-10-05T21:29:44.627+01:00Lady BendaI saw this in the paper on 25-sep and I wondered... <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/obituaries/8023617/Lady-Milverton.html">Lady Milverton</a>... if there was a link to Britt's grandmother-in-law, who I met just once, at Britt's wedding 15 years ago. The family always spoke of her as "Lady Bender" (which puzzled me - an unlikely aristo name) - now I know it was "Lady Benda". Then I read <a href="http://www.cps.org.uk/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=453:manning-the-big-society&catid=4:social-policy&Itemid=42">Daisy's blog</a> which led via Google to a fascinating group of articles:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/money/article1119292.ece">Age Concern saves the day</a>
<li><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-1312019/Britains-longest-serving-Poppy-Appeal-collector-Lady-Milverton-dies-aged-105.html">Britain's longest-serving Poppy Appeal collector Lady Milverton dies aged 105</a>
<li><a href="http://www.otway.com/family/69.html">Noelle Benda Whitehead</a>
<li><a href="http://www.forteantimes.com/forum/viewtopic.php?p=700557&sid=0ad6963b6fdbf6b9a2b730e4c399e0ae">A LESSON IN HOW TO LIVE YOUR LIFE TO THE FULL</a>
<li><a href="http://www.thisisdevon.co.uk/news/Britain-s-oldest-Poppy-collector-Lady-Milverton-dies-Devon-aged-105/article-2646282-detail/article.html">Britain's oldest Poppy collector, Lady Milverton, dies in Devon aged 105</a>
</ul>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-37952344368027213842010-10-03T18:03:00.002+01:002010-10-03T18:07:37.515+01:00G&S thoughtsThe <a href="http://www.skyarts.co.uk/opera/article/gilbert-sullivan-season/">Sky Arts Gilbert & Sullivan season</a> is winding down now.
<p>
I just saw a treat within it: a Thames TV filming of Jonathan Miller's ENO production of The Mikado from 1987 and featured Eric Idle as Ko-Ko and Lesley Garrett as Yum-Yum.
<p>
The setting was relocated to an English art deco seaside hotel of the 1920s, with the chorus featuring as customers, maids and bellhops.
<p>
The superb costumes were by Sue Blane (sh also did The Rocky Horror Show). The Mikado himself is in a fat suit seemingly inspired by Peter Ustinov as Poirot or Mr. Creosote.
<p>
I saw the ENO revival around 2001, which seemed delightfully fresh. There are too many people who are overly-protective about the G&S canon and opposed to doing what G&S would have done to keep bringing in new audiences.
<p>
Simon Butteris's excellent documentary series features contributions from his friend from Cambridge G&S Soc. days, Nick Hytner, who said that G&S's time has come again. That made me think that he'll now plan for a revival at the National Theatre sometime in the next couple of years. He has been putting on revivals of classic musicals and G&S are the origin of the modern stage & screen musicals, so it's a natural step.
<p>
There's a clear antagonism between a group of purists, seemingly aligned with the defunct D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, and people who want to bring G&S to modern audiences. For instance at one of Raymond Gubbay's Christmas concerts at the Barbican, fearuring ex-DOC personnel, some of them made carping comments, clapped by some of the audience, about more recent revival attempts, seemingly based on a lack of 'purity'.
<p>
In 2002 I saw the New D'oyly Carte Opera Company's production of The Mikado at the Savoy, featuring Brian Blessed as a wondrously OTT Mikado. Sue Blane's costumes for the film Topsy Turvy were used in this production.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-37678550033958459642010-08-22T13:18:00.007+01:002010-08-22T15:34:37.150+01:00Sat 21 Aug 2010 trip to London & Chatham05:45 train from Cambridge then 07:17 train from London Bridge to Chatham at 08:24.
<p>
This was my first trip to the north Kent coast so looked out of the train window the whole way. The view from the train was mainly of chalk cuttings, tunnels and trees. To the south there's farmland but to the north lots of industrial sites. There was a brief glimpse of the M25 bridge (with slowly-moving traffic).
<p>
In retrospect I should have Googled for bus info but I had it in mind to see the area on foot, having 90 mins before the Historic Dockyard opened.
<p>
Just beyond the station are some old shopping streets, now part-pedestrianised. Beyond that the road leads past the entrance to Fort Amherst and then there's a long way to go with not a lot of interest to see until the entrance to the Historic Dockyard area, which has been the focus of a lot of renewal and investment.
<p>
[<a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/systimk/20100821ChathamDockyard?authkey=Gv1sRgCNXbr9GP1f6bcA&feat=directlink">pics</a>]<br>
Chatham Historic Dockyard has lots going on. While I was waiting a steamroller was being readied just ouside a working boatyard. There are several steam-powered boats moored. The dockyard railway engines are being maintained and there's an assortment of rolling stock.
<p>
The £18.50 ticket (including guide book) is valid for a year. I started with the much-acclaimed Stanley Spencer exhibition - his paintings of Clyde shipbuilding. The adjacent galleries of naval models and paintings are also impressive.
<p>
The guided tour of the Ropery was a hoot: set in 1875, the foreman "Mr. Steve to you" tells you all about life in the Ropery and some rope gets made by the group.
<p>
I went round the museum of the dockyard - lots of fascinating details. The quay outside is where the docks scene in "The Mummy" was filmed.
<p>
I didn't have time to see/do these:
<ul>
<li>HMS Ocelot submarine tour
<li>trip on Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle
<li>Fort Amherst Heritage Park and Caverns
<li>Old Brook Pumping Station
</ul>
I caught a Kings Ferry bus back to the station and a train back to Charing Cross. I was keen to get to the Jermyn Street Theatre for a ticket for the short run of 'If So Then Yes' - a rare new play by NF Simpson. I also got one for the much-talked-about 'Ghost Stories'.
<P>
This was may last chance to catch the National Galley 'Close Examination: Fakes, Mistakes and Discoveries' exhibition: it was packed but as interesting and enlightening as I thought it would be. I also went across the road into St Martins for the new 4th Plinth candidates exhibition; Once again the standout candidate, the ATM-and-organ, seems unlikely to succeed (like Tracey's Meerkats last time).
<p>
The 17:28 back from Liverpool Street was cancelled without explanation, so I had a tedious 50min wait, a sour note to a fine day. Then the Arsenal fans who boarded the service were well-behaved family groups - could have been much worse.
<div class="coda" style="text-background:pale-gray">
For future reference:
<br>From Chatham Station turn right and right aging for the bus stops.
Kings Ferry Dockside shuttle (80p single) and Arriva 140 are the main services
between the station and the Historic Dockyard site.
</div>
<p>
<div class="references">
<a href="http://www.kentrail.co.uk/">Kent Rail</a>
<p>
<a href="http://www.historicmedway.co.uk/">Historic Medway</a>
<p>
<a href="http://www.medway.gov.uk/index/environment/publictransport/buses/59004.htm">the bus info I should have used</a>
</div>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-32075174751918922132010-08-08T23:58:00.009+01:002010-08-19T12:50:00.824+01:00Trip to London 8-Aug-201005:45 train to London then tried a new route to the Olympics site: bus 205 from the front of Kings Cross, along City Road and on to Bow Church. The pace of work at the site is stunning.
<p>
Next I went to this year's Serpentine Pavilion by Jean Nouvel – a huge red tented cafe in essence. The Wolfgang Tillmans exhibition next door was good – some very striking works. [<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-reviews/7916702/Wolfgang-Tillmans-at-Serpentine-Gallery-Seven-magazine-review.html">review</a>]
<p>
The Fleming Collection had on the Scottish Summer Exhibition, with some fine works but all at high prices.
<p>
Next I went round the corner to the Marlborough Gallery for the Paula Rego exhibition but it's closed August Saturdays (contradicting its web site). The exhibition was previously at the Foundling Museum.
<p>
Then on to the RA for the Summer Exhibition (some good stuff, as usual the architecture room being best). The Sargent & The Sea exhibition was as good as I thought it would be. [<a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/artanddesign/jonathanjonesblog/2010/jul/13/royal-academy-summer-exhibition-sargent">duff Grauniad review</a>, <a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-reviews/7885831/Sargent-and-the-Sea-at-the-Royal-Academy-review.html">accurate Telegraph one</a>] - I bought the book of the exhib.
<p>
In Covent Garden piazza there was a huge crowd around the opening of the new flagship Apple store. The snaking queue cheered each time someone emerged with a purchase and there was a stills photographer taking each person's pic. In the NE of the piazza there was a secondary queue. [<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/7937700/Are-we-becoming-addicted-to-Apple.html">review</a>]
<p>
Diagonally opposite Holborn station is the new Metro Bank, which looks very bright, spacious and smart, a refreshing change of image.
<p>
Near Holborn Circus, Ye Olde Mitre was specially open as it's GBBF weekend. Good to see no changes, other than a much-needed refurb of the loos.
<p>
Next it was bus and train to Dulwich Picture Gallery for the Wyeth Family - their first UK exhib. since 1987 at the Fitz. Sadly there was no book of this exhib but 1987's was available.
<p>
On the way to Dulwich the ticket barriers at London Bridge refused my zone1-6 Travelcard so I had to use an Oyster card instead. What's that all about?
<p>
I stopped off at Borough Market, which was still heaving at about 4pm. As I left Anna Maxwell Martin pushed past on her bike. I see she's soon to be in a new Andrew Davies adaptation.
<p>
I stopped off at the JDW Crosse Keys before finsihing at the Barbican for Surreal House – an entertaining angle on surrealism at home. There's also a John Bock exhib. - essentially ensembles of stuff in pods sticking out from walls and ceiling.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-39444954097934573572010-07-05T23:05:00.000+01:002010-07-16T12:18:33.952+01:00London trip Sat 3-Jul-2010I've been trying to use the Woolwich extension of the DLR since it opened about 18 months ago; this would have been my first trip to Woolwich. I set out at 05:45 to make the most of the coolest part of the day. <a href="http://iankitching.blogspot.com/2010/07/on-joining-knife-crime-stats-3-jul-2010.html">Instead this happened</a>.
<p>
On leaving Shadwell station I headed north through a very run-down 1960s residential/shopping centre, Watney Market, where market stalls were being set up. Emerging on Commercial Road, there was a 10min+ wait for a no. 15 bus westwards, which was fairly full.
<p>
I was trying to get back on plan but arrived at Borough Market at 08:30, which proved to be too early as not enough stalls were ready, though it opened at 08:00. I carried on via buses RV1 and 77, arriving at Lambeth Palace at 09:15.
<p>
<b>Treasures of Lambeth Palace Library</b> was fascinating - stunning old books, documents such as the death warrant for Mary Queen of Scots...
<p>
I went next door to the <b>Garden Museum</b>, a lovely little museum with a very popular tea room attached.
<p>
Next stop was <b>Aldwych Tube</b> station for the <b>Transforming the Tube</b> exhibition. The exhib. was good but the attraction was this rare chance to see the disused station - still very much looking 1930s-1950s.
<p>
Next I went to Somerset House's Terrace Rooms to see <b>City Living</b> – highlights from the Fleming Collection. They showed a much wider selection than the old favourites such as the Glasgow Boys and the Scottish Colourists. On the way out, a troup of young women danced in the fountains in the courtyard.
<p>
After lunch I arrived at the Comedy Theatre to see <b>La Bete</b>, starring Joanna Lumley, David Hyde Pierce, and Mark Rylance. As usual with plays with big names, it attracted people who don't know how to behave.
<p>
David Hyde Pierce opened the piece with a monologue of about 8 minutes, setting out his character's artistic credentials as actor-manager of a serious troup and ranting about the popular performer his patron, the Princess, has lumbered him with. Then Mark Rylance comes on and has an even longer monologue putting his case for populist entertainment - mass appeal. There's no plot to speak of, just argument and counter-argument, done with style and wit, all in rhyming couplets. David Hyde Pierce was particularly fine: a subtle, nuanced performance, with little looks and gestures. Mark Rylance (as so often) gave a rather larger-than-life performance, suiting his character. Joanna Lumley wasn't on stage that much but was suitably regal. The last third was rather dull and drifting. [<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/7878859/La-Bete-Comedy-Theatre-London-review.html">Review</a>]
<p>
An odd couple got up and left about a third of the way through the interval-less performance. (Why do such people bother to come and then leave? Didn't they check first?)
<p>
On leaving at 16:20 I tangled with the end of the Gay Pride March & Traf.Sq. rally, so I headed into the City by bus for peace & quiet. Unusually lots of pubs were open, even after 5pm, due to World Cup (Germany getting their just reward of a semis place for their earlier good work in knocking England out).
<ul>[An aside, on a favouite theme: this is a notable step forward. In the last 10 years the numbers of people in the City at weekends has been rising. Many coffee & sandwich bars have noticed and are open but pubs stubbornly refuse to open. (There are exceptions in the high-volume tourist areas of St Pauls and Tower Hill.)
</ul>
<p>
I've given up on the rush&crush of afternoon/evening Kings Cross return trains and go with the civilised calm of Liverpool St ones (usually 70mins instead of 50mins).Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-14746053792775444192010-07-05T17:04:00.000+01:002010-07-07T06:53:32.801+01:00England football teamBack around December 2007-January 2008, thinking about the state of the England football team, I came to the conclusion that the way forward was as follows, which is definitely not a quick-fix.
<ol>
<li>Current premiership players to be banned from selection to England team. They are not and will never be sufficiently committed to the national team, as their ambitions are focused elsewhere, to the international arena of premiership clubs and all the associated sponsorship opportunities and celebrity culture.
<li>Establish a pool of central contracts, very much like rugby union and cricket, to encourage and stabilise promising talent and form the core of the team.
<li>Whilst this no doubt would be hugely disruptive for the team at first, once Division 1 & 2 players get used to the new situation, they will see there are two equally valid career paths : national team or Premiership.
<li>There must be significant periods of whole-team training. Again this is something rugby and cricket have resolved. The Division 1 and 2 clubs need to see that a successful national side is essential to their well-being. It took rugby and cricket clubs years to 'get' this and it's unlikely that Premiership clubs would ever accept such a sacrifice.
<li>Premiership managers to be banned from selection as England manager, since they inevitably have similar issues to the players. Ideally only former England players should be eligible but EU employment laws may hamper this. This is an important part of building a proper career structure and motiviation around the national team.
</ol>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-19726106358274197642010-07-05T07:03:00.000+01:002010-07-05T07:10:58.786+01:00On joining the knife crime stats, 3-Jul-2010<a href="http://www.wscountytimes.co.uk/london/Man-with-knife-on-train.6399030.jp">Man with knife on train arrested</a>:
<ul>
Source: Press Association.
Published Date: 03 July 2010
<p>
A man has been arrested after he was seen with a knife on a train, police said. Officers were called to the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) train shortly after 7am between Shadwell and Limehouse, east London.
<p>
A British Transport Police (BTP) spokesman said: "At 0707, the BTP were made aware of reports of a disorderly male seen with a knife on board a DLR train between Shadwell and Limehouse.
<p>
"Officers from the BTP and Metropolitan Police attended and at 0822 the male was detained by police.
<p>
"A member of the public was injured during this process but these injuries are believed to be minor.
<p>
"While this incident was taking place DLR and C2C services were suspended."
<p>
Copyright © Press Association Ltd. 2010, All Rights Reserved.
</ul>
I'd had an uneventful journey so far, 05:45 train to Kings Cross, Tube to Bank, and at 06:58 onto the middle car of the DLR to Woolwich. About 150 yards past Shadwell station the emergency stop button was pressed and we halted. The train guard came through from the front of the train to the rear.
<p>
Nothing happened for about 15 minutes - trains continued to pass - but looking back to the rear car it was clear the guard and a young man were 'in a situation' - the man had a long kitchen knife. The guard moved forward steadily, with the man following.
<p>
In the middle car the guard continued to do a great job of keeping the bloke (20ish) talking whilst moving gradually forward. The man was clear about staying 'within stabbing distance' though generally he rambled and was clearly under the influence of something. I was studiously avaiding the possibility of eye contact and I think all the passengers instinctively did something of the sort. The pair moved through to the front car.
<p>
About 07:35 the rear passenger doors opened and we started to de-train. There was a large group of DLR staff and police just behind the rear of the train and lots more on Shadwell station, where our names and addresses were taken.
<p>
The police suddenly decided that we should now leave the station and escorted us out, through sets of 'Police' tapes. As we left, a heavily tooled-up armed response unit arrived (machine guns, tear gas mortar...). There were 10 or so police vehicles in the street, the police helicopter was circling and even at that time in the morning a curious crowd beyond the tape barriers.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-20671585654042794232010-06-19T14:06:00.000+01:002010-06-19T14:42:00.561+01:00London trip Fri 4 – Sun 6 Jun 2010a mix of exhibitions and theatre...
<p>
National Portrait Gallery: <a href="http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/bridget-riley-portraits.php">Bridget Riley Portraits - early drawings</a>; Irving Penn Portraits (2nd visit); <a href="http://www.npg.org.uk/whatson/display/alex-katz.php">Alex Katz portraits</a> - very striking pics so bought the book
<p>
<a href="http://www.rbkc.gov.uk/subsites/museums/leightonhousemuseum.aspx">Leighton House refurbed</a> plus <i>Closer To Home: Leighton's Collection Returned</i> - a very unusual place, beautifully designed and now restored
<p>
White Cube Masons Yard: <i>Antony Gormley – Test Sites</i> [<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/art/art-reviews/7827046/Antony-Gormleys-Test-Sites-at-White-Cube-in-Masons-Yard.html">review</a>] Generally I like his stuff but Test Sites (the grid of lights) was a yawn. Upstairs was his latest reworking of his body cast theme: imagine his usual metal body casts, in the usual array of poses, but each rendered in a set of metal cuboids to represent his body.
<p>
NLA gallery: <a href="http://www.stratalondon.com/">Strata SE1 tower</a> - stunning new landmark in Elephant & Castle; formal opening is on 1-jul; 1st building with own set of wind turbines - 3 at the top
<p>
<a href="http://www.bl.uk/magnificentmaps/">BL: Magnificent Maps</a>
<p>
<a href="http://www.museumoflondon.org.uk/">Museum of London</a>, at last fully reopened afer 2-3yr refurb of the Modern London galleries, which are stunning - must go back when gallery is quiet
<p>
Duke of York's Theatre: <i>Bedroom Farce</i> [<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-reviews/6389222/Bedroom-Farce-Miss-Julie-at-the-Rose-Theatre-Kingston-review.html">review</a>]- there were some cast changes for the transfer to West End [<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/theatre-features/6250870/Judi-Dench-and-Richard-Briers-put-their-daughters-on-the-stage.html">more</a>]
<p>
Tate Modern: Exposed - the high-profile exhib was a disappointment though I'll go again when it's quiet to get a better view
<p>
National Theatre: exhibition of history of West End theatres and a Sunday performance of Thomas Middleton's excellent <i>Women Beware Women</i> - so much more entertaining than his contemporary Will Shakespeare (who's "dull & worthy" in my view)
[<a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/culture/theatre/london-shows/7657244/Women-Beware-Women-National-Theatre-review.html">review</a>]
<p>
I should want to see these current high-profile productions: <i>All My Sons, The Prisoner of 2nd Avenue, The Late Middle Classes, After the Dance</i> - superb writers and/or casts but I can't summon enthusiasm for 'emIan Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-44047343526871293542009-11-26T11:02:00.000+00:002010-07-11T08:18:40.748+01:00Science Policy Debate"<a href="http://www.cambridgenetwork.co.uk/news/article/default.aspx?objid=65172">Politicians debate 'The S-Word'</a>" was as interesting as I'd hoped, with surprising level of agreement that UK science should be non-party-political, though there were plenty of disagreement around the fringes, especially over libel cases and the independence & free-speech of scientific advisors
<p>
It's good to see the media taking an interest.
<p>
From the meeting agenda, the speakers were:
<ul>
<li>Lord Drayson, Minister for Science & Innovation
<li>Adam Afriyie MP, Conservative Party Shadow Minister
<li>Dr Evan Harris MP, Liberal Democrat Party Shadow Minister
</ul>
They had several follow-up debates in London, which were well-reported.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-19043752267961870122009-08-24T12:54:00.000+01:002009-08-24T13:06:42.201+01:00weekend in London around 7-Aug-2009This has turned out to be a story of buses: it seemed a good idea in the heat to make even more use of them than I normally do...
[Behind that thought is the ease of use, due to good organisation of bus stops,
information and cheap fares via Oyster.]
<p>
Usually in August, central London non-tourist spots are quiet as folk are away on holiday. On the other hand this weekend the top pubs are boosted by <a href="http://www.gbbf.org.uk/">GBBF</a> attendees.
</p><p>
On Friday afternoon bus 87 took me from the Strand to Tate Britain for exhibs <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/evarothschild/default.shtm">Eva Rothschild</a> & <a href="http://www.tate.org.uk/britain/exhibitions/classified/default.shtm">Classified Contemporary Art</a>
</p><p>
ER: abstract shapes made from struts, in the central hall of TB - the sort of thing which needs an explanatory notice, if one can be bothered to find it and read it - I couldn't.
</p><p>CCA: a mix of second-rank items of post-War art, concentrating on the shock items of the YBA - OK if new to you but a bit of a yawn otherwise.
</p><p>
Then I hopped on bus 88 from the back of TB towards <a href="http://www.cambridge-camra.org.uk/ale/311/westminster.html">Political Westminster</a> to revisit 6 years on the characterful pubs there, on the basis they should be quiet at this time of year. All seemed well with the top-quality pubs and I tried a new one for me: the Adam & Eve, another delightful old-style pub.
</p><p>
Bus 15 then took me from Parliament Sq to St Pauls, where the Pizza Express was quiet (which wouldn't have been true out of holiday season) and then bus 11 took me further east for the historic Bell in Bush Lane which had more visitors than workers (normally it would be heaving with post-work Suits).
</p><p>
Bus 15 then took me back west for the Edgar Wallace, which was surprisingly quiet (nearby the Devereux Arms was packed and out of interesting beers - normally these two are similarly busy).
</p><h4>Saturday</h4>
Started with a bus 9 ride to Piccadilly for the <a href="http://www.flemingcollection.co.uk/">Fleming Collection</a>'s exhib of <b>Sir Muirhead Bone</b>, the noted draughtsman, patron and war artist. Yet another fine exhib at this low-profile gallery.
<p>
At the back of the Royal Academy (reusing some very elegant classical spaces) the new <a href="http://www.haunchofvenison.com/">Haunch of Venison</a> gallery had various exhibs on - a mixed bag of modern art. The best item was on the elegant stairs - cute figures something like the Adipoise critters recently in <i>Dr Who</i>.
</p><p>
Hopped on bus 38 to the <a href="http://www.cartoonmuseum.org/">Cartoon Museum</a> for their <b>Rowland Emett</b> exhibition: his drawings and some of his working contraptions - wonderful stuff! Happy childhood memories. The work for the <i>Chitty Chitty Bang Bang</i> film features strongly (a film I hated as it has little in common with the much-loved book).
</p><p>
Bus 8 along High Holborn brought me to Holborn Circus too early, so I did a bit of exploring aroung Hatton Garden, including the characterful Bleeding Heart Yard. (There's supposed to be a way through to Ely Place and that now seems to be part of the posh restaurant in the far corner of the Yard of the same name.)
</p><p>
The historic <b>Ye Olde Mitre</b> opened early, about 11:55. As the GBBF weekend is the only weekend it opens, I was keen to make the effort to see if new owners Fullers have changed it.
Answer: no, in fact it's even better, with a week-long Scottish beerfest on.
</p><p>
In the evening I made the 30-min Northern Line journey to Hampstead - my first proper trip to North London. The <b>Old Hampstead Village</b> guided walk was fascinating, taking place around the crest of the hill which is the core of Hampstead: a maze of lanes and paths, all at different slopes. Some classic pubs too: The Holly Bush (near the converted hospital where Sporty & Scary Spice live) and Ye Olde White Bear. Lots of history and famous people. The guide is the author of <a href="http://www.thehistoryoflondon.com/">The History of London before if got burned down</a> which I'd loved to have seen at the Jermyn Street Theatre last year. </p><p>Snippet from the walk: 'Judges Walk', at the top, beside the Heath, records where the law courts were held during the Great Plague.
</p>
<h4>Sunday</h4>
Bus to Bank, DLR to Olympics site and the nearby Three Mills Locks once again, to see the progress. The organisation of workers - transport and entry - is thoroughly organised now, with a huge base by Pudding Mill Lane station. The huge new Locks are in service, giving access for huge barges.
<p>
DLR to Tower Gateway, bus RV1 to Tate Modern. Exhibs: <b>Per Kirkeby</b> and <b>Futurism</b> and <b>Stutter</b>. Again, nothing that really stands out. I had high hopes of the Futurism one and it seemed to cover all the basics but without
any really stunning items.
</p><p>
Along Bankside to the Oxo Gallery: <b>30Y, 30 Artists</b>: pretty much what it says, for a London group of printmakers.
</p><p>
I popped in to the Duchess Theatre to book for <b>Endgame</b> - 1st preview Fri 18th Sep - in what was supposed to be Richard Briers last stage production. Since then, he pulled out and the production was put off until October (they re-booked me accordingly).
</p><p>
I tried again to book the Comedy Theatre for <b>Prick Up Your Ears</b> on Sat 19th Sep but again it and its sister theatre The Duke of York's weren't open. The latter used to have extended box office hours and readily book for any production within the Ambassadors group, but on my last trip they refused to take my booking.
</p><p>
To the NG for <b>Corot to Monet</b> - French Landscapes under the influence of Constable & co. Many very fine paintings and showing the development history very well.
</p><p>
On the Fourth Plinth the current <a href="http://www.oneandother.co.uk/">One & Other</a> was a Master of Wine lecturing and doing Q&A - I think a lot of professions have used the platform in such ways.
</p>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-22619939956895841812009-08-24T12:48:00.000+01:002009-08-24T12:52:56.236+01:00USA double standardsThe Times today:
<a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/scotland/article6807289.ece">Lockerbie release could topple Scottish government</a>
<p>
I like this follow-up comment, posted there:
</p>
<ul>
<cite>
John Andersen wrote:
<p>
Former Lt.William Calley recently apologized in Atlanta for his murder of 21 innocent men, women and children in My Lai. 500 were murdered in total. Only Calley was found guilty. He only served 3 years of house arrest. Americans have very flexible values when it's Americans doing the killing rather than when it's Americans being killed. Some lives, it seems, are more equal than others.
</p>
Remind me, how many years of house arrest did al-Megrahi serve?
<br>
August 24, 2009 12:36 PM BST
</cite>
</ul>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-32683563390060851662009-07-21T05:44:00.000+01:002009-07-21T05:50:32.970+01:00pics: 7-jul-2005 memorial, serpentine pavilion 2009Some pics just posted:
<p>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/systimk/200907187jul2005Memorial">the new 7-Jul-2005 Memorial</a>
</p>
<p>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/systimk/20090718SerpPav">Serpentine Gallery Pavilion 2009</a>
- <a href="http://www.serpentinegallery.org/2009/02/serpentine_gallery_pavilion_20_13.html">web site</a>
</p>Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2030803968521560184.post-50801960896661498922009-05-13T13:15:00.000+01:002009-07-21T05:52:44.965+01:00Early Bank Holiday Weekend 2009 in LondonAs a change from the usual Friday evening theatre trip, I did the rounds of some favourite City pubs, just as the post-work rush subsided.
<p>
The Bell in Bush Lane, The Tipperary in Fleet Street, The Devereux Arms and The Edgar Wallace off The Strand.
<p>
On Saturday morning I was off to Little Venice (via bus 15), mainly to get the programme for <b>Canalways Cavalcade 2009</b>. There were lots of colourful boats there already and stalls were setting up. Bought some exotic fudges originating from Deeping St Mary.
<ul>
-> <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/systimk/20090502LittleVenice">pics</a>
</ul>
<p>
After a lunch break (my usual pairing of The Harp and Porters), I nipped over to see the <b>eight Bond cars</b> on display to the crowds at BFI Southbank. Warwick Davis was being interviewed and there were some Effects blokes chatting to people.
<p>
Having waited since I booked on 8-Nov, at last I was off to the Theatre Royal Haymarket for Beckett's <b>Waiting for Godot</B>, with Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart - the third Preview prior to First Night on Tuesday. Very warm and funny - a delight (not always the case - some productions are very sombre). Simon Callow and Ronald Pickup were also moving. The set was of a derelict theatre and all four characters were hinted as having theatrical backgrounds, which really made sense.
<p>
In the evening, to the National Theatre for J.B. Priestley's <b>Time & the Conways</b> (booked 13-nov), which was also a Preview. Sadly disappointing, one of those plays where there's no real plot or emotional resolution - it just tapers off. Director Rupert Goold did tack on a strange audio-visual display but to no apparent purpose. It's about a family coming to terms with its reducing circumstances between 1919 and 1938 and features the trick of Act 2 (1938) being in the middle of the continuous action in 1919 of Acts 1 & 3. One does learn a lot about the characters but never sypmathises or cares.
<p>
Sunday started with bus 381 from Waterloo and then a long walk around <b>Rotherhithe</b>, including revisiting the Brunel Museum, followed by a quick trip to check progress on the <b>Cutty Sark</b> in Greenwich - still covered.
<p>
I chose GBK (Maiden Lane) for a quick pre-theatre bite - mistake! Very slow, very busy. What normally takes 5-10 mins took 35.
<p>
To Wyndhams Theatre for <b>Madame de Sade</b>, starring Judi Dench and Rosamund Pike (booked 7-Dec). A fascinating and engrossing play about the women in the Marquis' life and how they change as events unfold. The core is that Madame's mother can't understand why she's so supportive of her husband, come what may.
<p>
BH Monday started with my now-traditional trip to <b>Kew Gardens</b> (via Hammersmith bus station), this time including the tree-top walkway. I still have more to explore on another occasion - there's so much to see. [The Queen did the official 250th anniversary thing the next day.]
<p>
Another pair of buses took me back to the Canalways Cavalcade (beer, burger and fudge!). The dull grey and increasingly wet weather wasn't dampening the festivities.Ian Kitchinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01622050452114070051noreply@blogger.com0