dots and spaces

The XX Basic Space

Really enjoying this superb video and the equally superb band playing. Seem to be so busy at the moment, with various projects getting off the ground and some exciting news about work. I'm enjoying this time, working with some people with a great sense of their own abilities, extraordinarily generous with their time and immensely encouraging.

Fireworks in the sky all around me as I type, and possibilities are endless.

Strong Island Summer Bike Ride 2009

Strong Island Roundabout from Tristan on Vimeo.

Had a lovely ride out with Neil, Charlie and Emil on the back, joined in the fun of around a hundred cyclists riding an eight mile stretch along the seafront and through Southsea. Some photos here and a link to the Strong Island website, where you can find a few more films and photos of the event. A great website, fast becoming the best way to find out what's happening in Pompey. www.strong-island.co.uk

Howies film

I have been buying howies t-shirts for years now, they're fun, comfortable and quite expensive. My Cardigan connection means that I've been able to pounce on some seconds and sale items, and I've even had the occasional splurge. I really enjoy the catalogue, which has always got a few interesting things to say alongside the pictures of people looking lively and active wearing the gear. There is this slightly naisal smugness sometimes, and it would be nice to see the human side to them, I like to see imperfections me, it's reasurring. Sometimes they come across badly, indulgent and aloof, but every now and then they do something like this photo project and you think good on ya. Bit sad, as I lost my nice Howies woolley hat, man it kept my bonce warm, but it got half-inched in a restaurant in London. boo. Anyway, enjoy the film, nice print technique.

things are spinning quickly

Things certainly are in quite a spin, two jobs on the go, writing and shooting. I spent a few days last week planting seeds and using the paper potter we bought around christmas. I thought it might be difficult watering them, but that's not the case.

Shooting towards the end of the month, hope to have something to show you soon. Also managed to get the wheels out and go for a spin, thought I might do the same the next day and then at least 3" of snow fell in half and hour. It was winter, with people playing in the street, throwing snowballs, whilst others scooted up to the rec to build a snowman. Walking back from the shops this morning the snow had melted, just a few remaining snowmen sticking it out for a while longer.

bestival

Had a great time at bestival. its one of the smaller "boutique" festivals in the UK, although at times it felt just as crowded as any other festival, especially in the main stage area - 30,000 people are still, quite a crowd. The bands ranged from good to dull, I'm afraid The Go Team! and The Chemical Brothers just didn't float my boat, instead I sought out Electrelane, who just played one of the best sets I heard over the whole weekend. I think, at a place like Bestival, you can find a few gems.

I should also mention that I had a good time at The Loungs and watching Bat for Lashes on a cool, relaxed sunday morning. On saturday night, The Beastie Boys claimed the "Isle of Mike" as their own, with some big tunes for us, Intergalactic, Sure Shot, Pass the Mic and some tunes for them from their new instrumental album.

I had a few grumbles, like the sheer amount of litter, which was a bit depressing - I mean, isn't this suppose to be the eco-conscious set? and people, please - don't take babies to festivals. I saw one little mite scared witless as the drums started up on the main stage - they don't get anything out of it, its just cruel.

Saturday's fancy dress was amazing, the theme was Kings, Queens and Pirates - and there were some great costumes, giving the whole place a slightly surreal air - check out some of the pics at flickr - enjoy.

Apart from that, I should mention that I was there as part of a stag-do, with my friend Jim wearing various humiliating costumes. I met a lovely bunch of fellas, we hung out, ate, drank, listened to music, slept in tents...almost perfect. In fact, then tent wasn't bad, just the fact that we were three feet from a spotlight that was so powerful, it actually got darker as at sunrise.

springtime

so I've been thinking a little post would do the trick. I just wanted to say thank you to all you people for all the really lovely cards and gifts and bits and pieces that we've been sent this month.

e is coming on well - he's growing at quite a rate and surprises us every day. I'm taking lots of photos and despite the tiredness and ache this really is a fantastic time for our little family. cheers gang.

big day for small man

Today was the day, Emil Rhys Caspar entered this world. Mum doing good, Dad wobbly but very happy.

this site is an eyesore

I'm so tired of looking at this site and wondering what to do with it. The last couple of tweaks to colour and banner have been appalling - I really have been quite clueless. But then its february, there are other things to think about, get the house ready, keep warm, fix bicycles and watch films. We are going to see "The Prestige" on saturday, I have a feeling its not going to be very good.

I think it might be to do with energy - I have very little. I'm not really all that keen on the big detox and get fit burst that we attempt after christmas - in france they wait until springtime, which is much better - you can actually go out and enjoy the big outdoors, rather than hang about in gyms. For a while I use to go, but I just don't like them - nobody wants to be there, the view (of other sweaty people) is rather limited and the air is less than fresh. Nothing beats hitting the lanes and scooting through the countryside.

I know we're going to be very busy, very soon, but I can't wait.

so, bear with me, I will have a proper think about dots and spaces - this tweaking has got to stop.

Things you hear..

I was sorry to hear that my recommended band of the moment alfie are no more, and there's a statement on the website explaining why. Basically, they were under pressure to sell out and hit certain markets and well, they were never going to do that, so its over. Also broken up are Gorky's, Hope of the States, Cooper Temple Clause, in fact lots of my favourite bands are throwing in the towel. I thought that the internet would bring diversity and originality, but I'm afraid everything is being swallowed up by the bland, the obvious and the boring. Different tastes are being marginalised and you really have to hunt out alternatives and it means you have to fight for the right to be different. There...I just wanted to say.

Got a few things to note - Juliette and The Licks was fantastic last week, and also Badly Drawn Boy at the Pyramids. I always have a good time there, its a bit like an 80's youth club, and it even has a tuck shop that sells crisps and fizzy pop. what a top place.

kitchen

I've been working on the kitchen...enough said.

There are some photos over at flickr which is where I spend most of my (online) time. It took a couple of weeks, so much prep and just getting the room to a state where we could put the kitchen in took ages. I would like to thank JLC for so much help - beyond the call of duty.

We'll wait a bit before we start on the bathroom...