Hello
I promised a review of my iPad experience last week. Unfortunately, real life has prevented me from doing it so far. Let's put it this way for the time being, it's far exceeded my expectations. Sometimes getting a new gadget can be an anti climax, but that has certainly not been the case here.
So, I shall return ;-)
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, 17 July 2010
Monday, 12 July 2010
A great gig in Derby last Saturday!
Well, I was nervous about last Saturdays show at the showcase cinema in derby. I needn't have been though as it ended up being pretty cool.
I really wasn't sure what the PA would be like so I was relieved to see a proper system wheeled out together with a sound man.
We ended up playing for about an hour and a half, which is probably the longest set we've ever done, and it included loads of new songs including 2 ukulele numbers and the debut of my new stomp box. That sounded really ace and gave one of the ukulele songs a real "swamp rock" feel.
We got a great reaction after the gig and have had some messages from people since to say how good we were. It's always nice to get that and reaffirms that we should carry on whilst people are enjoying it. Even te covers we did (under duress) sounded pretty good and I hit my high notes in REMs Man on the Moon! Not sure about the Travis song though.......
So, onwards and upwards. We're doing a similar dual set thing next month at the Fishpond in Matlock so that should be fun, particularly as we are all playing.
www.myspace.com/3ringcircus for more info on this.
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I really wasn't sure what the PA would be like so I was relieved to see a proper system wheeled out together with a sound man.
We ended up playing for about an hour and a half, which is probably the longest set we've ever done, and it included loads of new songs including 2 ukulele numbers and the debut of my new stomp box. That sounded really ace and gave one of the ukulele songs a real "swamp rock" feel.
We got a great reaction after the gig and have had some messages from people since to say how good we were. It's always nice to get that and reaffirms that we should carry on whilst people are enjoying it. Even te covers we did (under duress) sounded pretty good and I hit my high notes in REMs Man on the Moon! Not sure about the Travis song though.......
So, onwards and upwards. We're doing a similar dual set thing next month at the Fishpond in Matlock so that should be fun, particularly as we are all playing.
www.myspace.com/3ringcircus for more info on this.
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Call that a football match,
What a terrible excuse for a football match that was last night, let alone a world cup final!
I actually began supporting the Dutch as spa ins tippy tappy football gets on my nerves, but after the first half hour of bad challenges, I started to go for Spain. But then I lost the will to live and went to bed.
Nigel de long even tried to replicate fat gazzas assault on Garry Parker from the 1991 cup final. At least he got booked but that was a straight red card. Howard Webb had a fabulous game in my opinion and the only reason the Dutch are moaning about him this morning is because they played shit. They are even worse losers than England.
I'm so glad the cheat that is robben hasn't got his hands on a winners medal. He typifies everything that is wrong about the modern footballer - constant whining at the ref, diving, niggling dirty fouls and regular arguing about decisions.
So Spain are world champions. Yes, they do pass it well but most of the time it goes nowhere. I'm not suggesting hoof ball that england play is superior or favourable, but you can pass it with purpose rather than for e sake of it like the Spanish. As a forest fan, I've been privileged to see Brian cloughs teams play some of the best passing counter attacking football ever played. We passed it but not for the sake of it.
I still maintain that the Germans were by far the best team and hopefully they can be the first European side to win it in south America. England certainly won't, that's for certain. Hopefully though it will be goodbye lampard, gerrard, Terry et al and we can blood some younger players.
Can we have a break from football for a bit now? At least for a couple of weeks.......
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
I actually began supporting the Dutch as spa ins tippy tappy football gets on my nerves, but after the first half hour of bad challenges, I started to go for Spain. But then I lost the will to live and went to bed.
Nigel de long even tried to replicate fat gazzas assault on Garry Parker from the 1991 cup final. At least he got booked but that was a straight red card. Howard Webb had a fabulous game in my opinion and the only reason the Dutch are moaning about him this morning is because they played shit. They are even worse losers than England.
I'm so glad the cheat that is robben hasn't got his hands on a winners medal. He typifies everything that is wrong about the modern footballer - constant whining at the ref, diving, niggling dirty fouls and regular arguing about decisions.
So Spain are world champions. Yes, they do pass it well but most of the time it goes nowhere. I'm not suggesting hoof ball that england play is superior or favourable, but you can pass it with purpose rather than for e sake of it like the Spanish. As a forest fan, I've been privileged to see Brian cloughs teams play some of the best passing counter attacking football ever played. We passed it but not for the sake of it.
I still maintain that the Germans were by far the best team and hopefully they can be the first European side to win it in south America. England certainly won't, that's for certain. Hopefully though it will be goodbye lampard, gerrard, Terry et al and we can blood some younger players.
Can we have a break from football for a bit now? At least for a couple of weeks.......
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Friday, 9 July 2010
At last a ride,
A lovely day for a bike ride and finally I've managed one.
My first post holiday last week was terrible, no power in my legs and lungs ready to explode. Today I wasn't back to how I was pre hols, but I certainly felt better. Managed 18.65 miles at a reasonable (for me) 11.7 average speed.
I really need to step things up now to regular 25 mile routes but I think I'd need to get out more to build strength up. We'll see how that pans out :-/
On a positive note, the asbestos sheets dumped off the A610 have finally been removed. It seems the council or Severn Trent have finally pulled their fingers out.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
My first post holiday last week was terrible, no power in my legs and lungs ready to explode. Today I wasn't back to how I was pre hols, but I certainly felt better. Managed 18.65 miles at a reasonable (for me) 11.7 average speed.
I really need to step things up now to regular 25 mile routes but I think I'd need to get out more to build strength up. We'll see how that pans out :-/
On a positive note, the asbestos sheets dumped off the A610 have finally been removed. It seems the council or Severn Trent have finally pulled their fingers out.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
To gig or not to gig
Hello
It's now over 8 years since my band, 3 ring circus, started playing. We got rid of our old pain in the arse drummer who made the whole thing little more than an annoyance towards the end. After we finally did that, I thought things would improve.
In many regards they have. We did the best album we've done so far, played some great shows and now have lots of new songs coming.
But I'm not feeling it at the moment. I still enjoy playing and writing but if I'm honest, gigging has become a bit of a pain. Admittedly it is better now I don't have to lug amps etc about and we do probably sound better now it's not all through a wall of noise.
But gig "getting" is becoming more difficult and when you do get shows, the promoters start demanding straight away that you bring along 500 people on a Wednesday night! Plus there is the age old problem of knob heads talking all the way through your performance, when you are trying to play delicate acoustic/folk songs. We have a gig on Saturday where I know we will not be heard at times but it will be good exposure.
I just wish audiences were more like they are in the states where they actually sit and listen without feeling the need to talk loudly over you to make their conversation about who is shagging who, audible over the music. Idiots.
So what is my conclusion? At the moment I suppose I'll have to keep gigging but could we become a recording only band? That could be e way forward as I'd love to be more prolific with our recorded output.
So if you are in derby on Saturday night, come to the showcase in the west field centre and come and hear some great music. Do not come for a conversation though. ..........
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
It's now over 8 years since my band, 3 ring circus, started playing. We got rid of our old pain in the arse drummer who made the whole thing little more than an annoyance towards the end. After we finally did that, I thought things would improve.
In many regards they have. We did the best album we've done so far, played some great shows and now have lots of new songs coming.
But I'm not feeling it at the moment. I still enjoy playing and writing but if I'm honest, gigging has become a bit of a pain. Admittedly it is better now I don't have to lug amps etc about and we do probably sound better now it's not all through a wall of noise.
But gig "getting" is becoming more difficult and when you do get shows, the promoters start demanding straight away that you bring along 500 people on a Wednesday night! Plus there is the age old problem of knob heads talking all the way through your performance, when you are trying to play delicate acoustic/folk songs. We have a gig on Saturday where I know we will not be heard at times but it will be good exposure.
I just wish audiences were more like they are in the states where they actually sit and listen without feeling the need to talk loudly over you to make their conversation about who is shagging who, audible over the music. Idiots.
So what is my conclusion? At the moment I suppose I'll have to keep gigging but could we become a recording only band? That could be e way forward as I'd love to be more prolific with our recorded output.
So if you are in derby on Saturday night, come to the showcase in the west field centre and come and hear some great music. Do not come for a conversation though. ..........
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Test from my shiny iPad,
Testing, testing!
This is my first posting from my new iPad (ooh, get me!)
I aim to now be more active with my blog as the iPad will let me do it on the move.
I'll also have my thoughts on the iPad ready in the next few days.
I bet you can't wait :-/
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
This is my first posting from my new iPad (ooh, get me!)
I aim to now be more active with my blog as the iPad will let me do it on the move.
I'll also have my thoughts on the iPad ready in the next few days.
I bet you can't wait :-/
S
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad
Monday, 28 June 2010
Lost in France!
Bonjour!
Well its not bonjour now as I'm back from my nearly 3 weeks in South of France. Unfortunately the weather was shocking as we got the tail end of the storms that had hit Nice, further down the coast from where we were. 1800 mile trip in a brand new car and with a 11 month old probably wasn't a great idea, but we survived it.
I will try and keep this thing more regulalrly updated from now on. A. because its a good outlet for my rantings and B. because I've bought this:
(Copyright Engadget)
The mighty iPad! This means I can publish utter rubish, for no one to read, whenever I want (much like my music). Particularly as I have the 3G version so I can get on the internet when away from wifi.
Going back to France, I discovered the following:
- The streets are paved with dog shit. Its like an obstacle course when steering a pushchair. The French must be too stylish to pick it up.
- The toll roads are great. No hold ups, pretty cheap and lovely service to drive on.
- However, the French are the worst drivers I've ever encounted. No signals, up your arse when there is no traffic on motorway, can't drive correctly at round abouts etc etc.
- Going to the South of France doesn't guarentee good weather :-/
- Holiday reps are wankers
- The dutch are very noisey and their children don't go to bed until after 10pm apparently, keeping my little one awake
- It is the worst country in the world for vegeterians! Bread and cheese every day and no vege options at any restaurant. Poor show Frenchies!
And as for my music.... well Russell and I have some more great songs including some ukulele ones which will be interesting. Is anyone bothered? probably about 10 people. But you have to keep going whilst you have songs coming, don't you.........
So I look forward to publishing my ramblings to anyone who will read them. 2 of you then!!
BFN
S
Well its not bonjour now as I'm back from my nearly 3 weeks in South of France. Unfortunately the weather was shocking as we got the tail end of the storms that had hit Nice, further down the coast from where we were. 1800 mile trip in a brand new car and with a 11 month old probably wasn't a great idea, but we survived it.
I will try and keep this thing more regulalrly updated from now on. A. because its a good outlet for my rantings and B. because I've bought this:
(Copyright Engadget)
The mighty iPad! This means I can publish utter rubish, for no one to read, whenever I want (much like my music). Particularly as I have the 3G version so I can get on the internet when away from wifi.
Going back to France, I discovered the following:
- The streets are paved with dog shit. Its like an obstacle course when steering a pushchair. The French must be too stylish to pick it up.
- The toll roads are great. No hold ups, pretty cheap and lovely service to drive on.
- However, the French are the worst drivers I've ever encounted. No signals, up your arse when there is no traffic on motorway, can't drive correctly at round abouts etc etc.
- Going to the South of France doesn't guarentee good weather :-/
- Holiday reps are wankers
- The dutch are very noisey and their children don't go to bed until after 10pm apparently, keeping my little one awake
- It is the worst country in the world for vegeterians! Bread and cheese every day and no vege options at any restaurant. Poor show Frenchies!
And as for my music.... well Russell and I have some more great songs including some ukulele ones which will be interesting. Is anyone bothered? probably about 10 people. But you have to keep going whilst you have songs coming, don't you.........
So I look forward to publishing my ramblings to anyone who will read them. 2 of you then!!
BFN
S
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