The system works well for you, MC. Your songs are crackers. When I say "crackers", well, er, you know what I mean.
Comment is about NIGHT AND DAY! (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Thank you.You are right!
Comment is about The gear changer (blog)
Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos
Hi Paul Thanks for kind comment re my poems. You might like to check out the poetry journal I co-edit called The High Window. Here's a link:
https://thehighwindowpress.com/
David
Comment is about Paul Waring (poet profile)
Original item by Paul Waring
Laughter totally heals. There are laughter clinics where one person just starts to laugh and the others join in. My therapist told me about them. Of course my therapist and I laugh all thru my sessions he is hilarious.
Comment is about Carried Away (blog)
Original item by Paul Waring
leah
Fri 30th Dec 2016 00:12
RICHARD DIGANCE PLAYS TO A PACKED HOUSE IN PETERSFIELD
This December, Write Angle didn't stick to its usual format. Instead of an open mic and guest performer, the 'Write Angle Christmas Special' provided an evening of entertainment, starring the legendary comedian/folksinger, Richard Digance, TV and Radio Star. Richard was BAFTA nominated as TV Entertainer of the Year, and winner of the 'Gold Award for his services to music from the British Academy of Songwriters, Composers and Authors'. He's well known and respected in the field, having done movies and TV shows, including his own, 'Abracadigence', 'Digance at Work', 'Richard Digance' and 'How's Business'.
The room was packed to standing room, with not only some of the regular group, but also Richard's fans who came from near and far to see their favourite performer and share in 50 years of nostagia. Richard surprised everyone by bringing Tom Leary, a fine and accomplished violinist with him.
Tom has an endless list of credits and formed a new duo with P J Wright, having worked with Lindisfarne and The Gary Fletcher Band. A humorous and interesting man, there's not much Tom hasn't seen or done within the music world. He's a beautifully tender player with a great gift for writing melodic tunes. Famous for his laugh among other things; his mirth is highly infectious.
Between Richard's guitar and Tom's deft hands at the violin and mandolin, songs going back to the 50s & 60s, brought back many memories. The room was alive with the audience singing or humming along as Richard went from song to story to song. At one point, Tom 'deliberately' played out of tune and with Richard kiddingly trying to control him, they had everyone laughing. Songs such as 'The Hour Song', 'I'm Coming Home', Jack of All Trades', Searching (a lovely song sung with Tom Leary) about how we search for our mother's milk and continue searching, never finding the answers. Tom also played some jigs with Richard, a song 'Toy Box (we're flopping round and round)' and Washerwoman, about his mother.
Richard was surprised when three members of his family he hadn't seen in years, turned up to see him. He was clearly overwhelmed and emotional about the reunion, and shared some stories with the audience. 'My father was a bigot'. 'So was his brother' came a shout from one of his family. Richard agreed.
He told several stories of his life including being in Memphis, drunk and not expecting to perform, when he heard 'Richard from England' being announced. At first, he thought, '.. another Englishman with the same name'. Realising it was him, and suddenly ushered on stage, he groped for something to say, remembering that country and western were all about broken love. He didn't know what to do, so proceeded to make up stories about his relationship with his father. It went over much better than he expected! (The sign of a real showman)!
Richard's a well seasoned performer. He can hold an audience in the palm of his hand with the most simple of stories. His rendition of the 'Twelve Days of Christmas', performed as a 'thank you letter from a woman to George', stopped only as a story or song intervened...then started again, finally ending in the second half of his performance – thanking 'Darling George' for all those lovely gifts – birds, more birds – filling sinks, bathtubs, then cows, Lords a 'leaping, drummers and pipers, until the house was so full, she finally gave up and suggested George end their relationship.
Richard's hatred for Trump was pretty clear. He wished someone would shoot him and, with all the security guards front and back, wouldn't it be great if one of them called out, 'Hey, Donald' and as he turned around, followed it up with 'Donald, then….duck!' On the subject of politics, Richard said he didn't mind people having differences of opinion but he wished they wouldn't fight because of it.
Richard announced that in 2017, he will be writing the music for the new West End show, 'Elephant Man', along with Tom Leary. We wish them both luck in their new project.
Meantime, there were lots of cakes - very few of which were eaten, (is everyone on a diet?) and one of our audience won the raffle for two free meals at Cote restaurant, Chichester. We know they will enjoy the French style food as well as the wonderful service. (It happens to be one of our favourite restaurants).
Here's wishing you all a peaceful and harmonious New Year and we look forward to seeing you in January when Justin Coe is our guest and our Open Mic is back in service!
Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 20 Dec 2016 (event)
Actually, I love children, Harry, although I couldn't eat a whole one.
Comment is about SANTA KRAMPUS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
elPintor
Thu 29th Dec 2016 23:00
“The use of solar energy has not been opened up because the oil industry does not own the sun.”
― Ralph Nader
If I may, history tells me that anything that has a function on this earth at all must be able to yield to production in captivity or face extinction. I don't mean this to become solely a comment on the capitalization of resources. But, it does have an application in that realm.
Anyhow, I was thinking yesterday evening before I wrote this about how people tend to think they are getting one thing, but are really getting another by the sheer act of taking hold of what they seek (ie objects, forces, living things, etc.). That idea, for me, brings it down to a personal level. Many things yield their fruit best when uninterfered with.
Thanks to each of you for reading and commenting. I'm glad it was meaningful for you.
elP
Comment is about void (blog)
Original item by nunya
Thanks Jeff; my dad worked in the law and I got a taste of the wordiness of documents, virtually impossible to interpret. Apparently even commas can change meanings. I thought i'd have a dabble,(tongue in cheek of course.)
Thanks Paul A nice compliment and it was really an experiment in irony !
Cheers David, i'm bang to pre - conjugal rights. !
I think there might be just a slender chance of getting this through the Lords.
Ray
Comment is about PRE - NATAL AGREEMENT (blog)
Original item by ray pool
I like the gratefulness of this Celia
Comment is about Lady on a Tram (blog)
Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas
Very thoughtful and intuitive elP . To look up should be to look inward and to relate to the wholeness of the universe; a great step to free the mind, earthbound as it is.
Ray
Comment is about void (blog)
Original item by nunya
Fascinating thought Tommy!
Comment is about proud Scots wha hae (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
You mean git John!
but well sung! (your heart must be really in it)
Comment is about SANTA KRAMPUS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
I hadn't considered it as a pantomime-type setting, MC. But I can see it would work.
Comment is about SANTA KRAMPUS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
It has been said that "hell is other people". But then why
can't that define heaven? It seems that each generation
is sentenced to repeat the greed and folly of its
predecessor, finding ongoing excuses for disputes with
fellow humanity, even more so perhaps as "emerging"
nations discover their influence and ambitions, fed by
an increasingly intrusive global media that can find its way
into the meanest dwelling anywhere in this world now.
Christmas remains the best known & most widely enjoyed
festival, for its message of the saving of humanity and
good will that it sends everywhere. Let us enjoy its
positive meaning and its joy while we hope for better
to come in the still unfolding tale of human history.
Comment is about Bye Bye Santa (blog)
Original item by Mrs Sharma
Thanks MC, the first bit is so true...and the second bit calls to mind Kipling's 'If', maybe we should treat the imposters sublime and ridiculous the same (within reason!). Cheers for your comments. Paul
Comment is about Carried Away (blog)
Original item by Paul Waring
You can't be independent and be in the EU. You just change the source of power and control from Westminster to Brussels and nearly thirty other political influences
ultimately seeking what's best for them in Euroland.
Decisions...decisions!
Colin's idea about wind turbines on
all those empty Scottish "tops" may
offer the promise of exporting
power "south of the border" when
the oil runs low. Now there's a
thought!
Comment is about proud Scots wha hae (blog)
Original item by Tommy Carroll
The theme has a jaunty yet sinister tone to suit the words,
a mordaunt antidote to the merriment that's often just that
bit too "forced" (for some!).
I can imagine this being performed in some pantomime...
accompanied by adult hisses and boos, with the kiddies
shrinking, eyes shut, beside their grown-up companions.
Comment is about SANTA KRAMPUS (blog)
Original item by John Coopey
So sweet. Sounds like a special person inspired this one
Comment is about Beautiful Love Poems (blog)
Original item by George Stanworth
Hi David, thanks. After just a week on this site I am very taken by the quality of work by poets like yourself. I aim to read more of your work. Best wishes, especially for 2017. Paul
Comment is about David Cooke (poet profile)
Original item by David Cooke
Me too Jeff. I have but a few friends I can speak freely with the rest I follow their lead. Thank you Eric.
Comment is about express (blog)
Original item by Eric erb
Some finely chosen phraseology conjuring up a vision of a
silent gathering at some desert oasis somewhere amongst
the death and destruction of a benighted famine-stricken
land.
Comment is about void (blog)
Original item by nunya
Thanks. & as always, cheers for the support. Sometimes the only thing you ask for is compassion & consideration....easier said than done when you're a maniac depressive & getting on people's tits!.....?....Jeff.
Comment is about Don't Treat Me Like Me (blog)
Original item by Jeff
I recently received an email that contained the following:
You do not stop laughing when you grow old,
You grow old when you stop laughing.
.............................................................
As for the old observation about "going from the sublime
to the ridiculous", there is surely room for both in their
proper place and context. Real idiocy doesn't know
the difference. Laughter IS the best medicine for a lot of
what ails us!
Comment is about Carried Away (blog)
Original item by Paul Waring
Thanks gents. Probably the most famous example of this
experience is that from Sir Paul MacCartney who describes
waking with the tune of what later became "Yesterday"
in his head. He substituted ""Scrambled Eggs" for that
title until he came up with the completed song we know.
Comment is about NIGHT AND DAY! (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Andromeda
Thu 29th Dec 2016 16:26
This is really powerful Jeff, I thought it was pretty solid all the way through and the language made it both poetic and relatable. As always, wonderful!
Comment is about Don't Treat Me Like Me (blog)
Original item by Jeff
May his soul rest in pace.
He will be remembered as a life changer!!!
Comment is about The gear changer (blog)
Original item by Alem Hailu G/Kristos
The theme for next month is - - - Hangover which over Christmas and New Year most Loud Out members will be having a few of these - - - me included!
Comment is about Write Out Loud at Stockport art gallery tonight (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
Brilliant read!...& what ever happened to the "rock n roll" spirit where nothing was safe? Nothing was sold to a ready made audience of middle of the roaders...I also remember stealing Capstan from my mam & gold top too....Jeff...
Comment is about “Glastonbury Fayre” (blog)
Original item by Rick Gammon
Thanks Jeff. Even if it can't keep us forever young, let's hope and pray that laughter might be the best medicine! Paul
Comment is about Carried Away (blog)
Original item by Paul Waring
Lovely Lynn. Straight from your heart I can tell.
Your pillow suddenly takes on new meaning.
A breath of fresh air. x
Comment is about PILLOW (blog)
Original item by lynn hahn
Namaste Lynn, Eric and Paul.
I believe there is a sacred place within each of us beckoning us to rise to a higher ground.
All your comments go to create a new collective consciousness that will enrich us.
Comment is about The Reality of You (blog)
Original item by Chakraj
elP, I've read this several times now, I really like it. Reading the words, I can both visualise the starkness and feel the sadness. Great stuff! Paul
Comment is about void (blog)
Original item by nunya
Thu 29th Dec 2016 08:04
oh very nice, this. i like how the narrator becomes the next big band, yet to be named!
Comment is about “Glastonbury Fayre” (blog)
Original item by Rick Gammon
Thu 29th Dec 2016 07:58
brilliant. i'm always looking for who we really are. paul, very good to turn this inward. how can i know others when i don't know myself?
Comment is about The Reality of You (blog)
Original item by Chakraj
Thu 29th Dec 2016 07:51
great analogy lynn.
you can lead a horse to water
but you can't make him drink.
Comment is about PILLOW (blog)
Original item by lynn hahn
Thu 29th Dec 2016 07:49
very nice. fishing for stars, love that. difficult to depict the void with words, i think this is close.
Comment is about void (blog)
Original item by nunya
Beautiful. I share your experience.
Except for me it's the early hours of dawn, the twilight zone in fact . So fertile. So creative. It stirs me in a way that's hard to describe. An idea is born!
Comment is about NIGHT AND DAY! (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
Rick - In the Style of John Cooper Clarke...&, I toned it down before posting. No hamsters died in the making of this poem...Jeff....
Comment is about My Gay Mates (blog)
Original item by Jeff
Thanks to you all! We each have to approach the Festive Season in our own way, and I'm happy to vicariously
enjoy other folk's pleasures without feeling the need to
sacrifice my self-sufficient solitude in the process.
Comment is about THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS - a nod! (blog)
Original item by M.C. Newberry
If you were in Wiltshire, it's "Devizes". I lived in the county
as a happy drug and stress-free 50s lad, but I wouldn't
fork up the "fayre" to Glastonbury...even if the great
Johnny Cash was still around to grace its stage.
Comment is about “Glastonbury Fayre” (blog)
Original item by Rick Gammon
can anybody remember what the theme for January is. I seemed to have not written it down ? Doh!
Comment is about Write Out Loud at Stockport art gallery tonight (article)
Original item by Greg Freeman
So complete. I am one with lots of emotion so this made me cry. Wish all could read this and consider what you are sharing.
Lynn
Comment is about The Reality of You (blog)
Original item by Chakraj
Paul Waring
Fri 30th Dec 2016 11:29
Thanks Lynn, you are totally right. And, I'm sure you'll know from your work in the world of entertainment, laughter is genuinely infectious!
I once taught a session on laughter to groups of patients with chronic pain. In my opening spiel, I described a scenario and asked the group to try hard not to laugh. Always, once one person smirked, chuckled or laughed, the whole group started and it really set the scene for people to 'let go', often for the first time in ages. People would say that they felt like their 'old selves' again and yearned to regain their sense of humour. Powerful stuff this laughter treatment! Thanks again. Paul
Comment is about Carried Away (blog)
Original item by Paul Waring