Reading...

I seem to have amassed a huge number of books over time. Now I have a few quiet days, I figure it's time to get reading them. Fact or fiction, who knows, but I'll keep you posted on anything interesting...

Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone reading this a very merry Christmas!!! and a happy new year too!

1 Hour Photo

Well today, me big big sister visited, which was grand. This was the last meetup before christmas. Anyway, the by-product of the visit is that I finished my film, and so by the delights of 1 hour processing I now am posting pictures of recent events in record time. I've got a couple more pics from my baptism, with less blurring, pics from the last ever deli, the work meal in Brum, and the WGA Christmas Reunion. So waste no time, and check out the photos section.

My name is Phillip...

...is all I will say about Narnia for now. Once I have digested and pondered I may add a bit more to that.

Advent

(my attempt at a slighlty more meaningful discussion about a less important issue that is part of a very much bigger and important thing)

Ok, here is my question. Why is advent 4 weeks long? (ok, between 3 weeks 1 day to 4 weeks, depending on the year). The best thing I can think of is that 4 weeks is a good amount of time to cover 4 aspects of the events leading up to christmas (ie. old testament prophecy, John the baptist's message, The message comming to Mary about her child, and the shepherds learning about the birth), but is this the only reason?

It is a question I didn't think that anyone would ask, but then someone did. So, what do you reckon?

Last Slybob Gig :'-(

Well, last night was it. Now Slybob are no more. Still, at least they went out on a high, and at least we can still all listen to their music on CD.

Entering into the Jug and Jester, it at first appeared nothing special was happening. After asking at the bar, I approached the far room, and then you could see, in this room the anticipation. Yes, it was clear that there really was something special on it's way. Some of us already knew the music of Slybob, but there were still more who were to discover it. One thing was clear though, this room was getting fuller, and was going to hit capacity. Clearly enough of us knew what was comming.

The first band began. The Buck Brothers. They had plenty of volume, and a few good riffs, but in reality they just didn't reach me with the music. Their music was ok, but it didn't get me going. Never mind, this wouldn't matter, they were merely the appetiser. At the end of the set was a short break, a chance for people to meet friends and anticipate the next act.

After what seemed like an eternity of setting up, Slybob finally began their last performace. The set started with quite a lot of new material, but it had the same qualities that had always existed in their music. The crowd was enjoying this - a great deal. The vocals were spot on, in tune with good harmonies. The guitar rang with joyful and melancholic sounds, and the rythms were tight. Many classic tunes were played, and yet, all too soon it was over. They still hadn't played one of my favourites, but it wasn't over. The crowd cheered and pleaded for it to continue, and so it did, with a least 3 more tracks, including "Safe", an absolute classic track.

Thankyou Slybob. It was great while it lasted, and I hope that the future is bright. I look forward to hearing what new projects are up your sleeves.

---

PS. If you don't know who this band is, check out their website, where you can listen to some of what remains of their music, and find out what is comming next.

The last deli...

Last night was the last delicatessen ever, or at least in its present form. It was of course a fantastic night. It took a while to get started, but once going, amazing stuff. The DJs were on top form, playing tune after tune after tune, and there was some juggling, and of course much dancing. Alas, many familiar faces have moved on from leamington, but it was good to see Rob and Al (founders of the event), Mike, and The Paddy Monsta there.

Being in sugar, and finding out that the re-furb had been there for 3 years (and I had not seen it before), made me realise how long it is since I've been to deli, but I am happy to have been there, when it was sent out in style!

Anyways, I will try and post some photos at some point, but as I am not yet in the digital age, it will have to wait till my film gets developed.

Ta-Ta for now, M