Never actually seen that! It got some ....interesting... press when it was released though. Liked the Swedish version of Girl With The Dragon Tattoo and sequels - shame there's only an English language version of the first book.

Comment is about Reality TV (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

TreV? 'they make you yawn' yeah? they make me SPEW!

movies? what? like....Last tango in Paris maybe?

?


Rose ?

Comment is about Reality TV (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

Louis (and family) you have my deepest sympathy regarding your situation,and I hope all turns out ok in the end.

We need more poems like this,to keep us in touch with other peoples real hardships.

good luck my friend's.



Rose ?

Comment is about The great flood (blog)

Original item by Louis Audet

Just to say thanks for commenting on OKR Jeff. Just one of those poems that is easy on the ear I think. I love the open mike thing, but it takes time to develop your own style - I like to mimic Alan Bennett quite bit. I wonder if you ever get southern readers in your neck of the woods? As a muso for years I was always up north mainly on the coastal resorts, so soaked up a lot of the flavour. I learnt about barm cake and mithering etc.!!
A dancer from Bridlington came up to me on the bandstand once and said" I've been watching you on that thing(keyboard), you know you way around it don't you. It'll be a long time before you break out into a sweat."

Best of luck with the live stuff - is there a Phoenix Nights venue?
Sorry if I've gone on a bit.

regards Ray

Comment is about Jeffarama! (poet profile)

Original item by Jeffarama!

GLITTERING PROJECT ADORNO AT NOVEMBER WRITE ANGLE

November's guests, 'Project Adorno' (Russell Thompson & Praveen Manghani), appeared in sparkling gold jackets.

With lights dimmed, the use of video and sound, they brought to life the humble beginnings of TV Screen and song writer, Dennis Potter. Using background scenes, starting with the Forest of Dean, where he spent his childhood, to celebrity status with plays such as 'Pennies from Heaven', 'The Singing Detective' and 'Lipstick on Your Collar'.

The show charted Potter's course with interviews, mostly with his daughter, Jane Chowns, his long-time producer, Kenith Trodd, several academics and John Belcher, the keeper of the flame in Potter's native village. Potter was the son of a miner. Many scenes of Hammersmith Bridge, symbolising his mother's birthplace, were used in two of his plays. His daughter Jane summed up Potter's character, as the other interviewees discussed their first impressions and lasting memories of Potter's sublime work.

All this was done through song and guitar, lending a subdued atmosphere to the room as the duo went from song to song – at times stopping - for audio comments from Jane, his producer and the academics. Songs such as 'Seeing the Present', celebrating one of Potter's best known interviews, in which he spoke of 'the nowness of now'; 'The Church of the Mixed Metaphor, alluding to his upbringing as a church goer and the imagery in Sankey & Moody's famous book of hymns.

Also included, 'Blue Remembered Hills', a wonderful film in which famous adult actors perform as children. Potter wasn't only loved but also criticised for songs such as 'Blackeyes', his most controversial novel/screenplay – 'was he being misogynist or just writing about misogyny'?

In one song, (1993), Praveen connected his own experience of working in the civil service with watching the similarly themed 'Lipstick on Your Collar'. Another, 'Rozoxane', a reggae, told of a miracle drug that came close to curing Potter's debilitating psoriasis. The song, 'Hide and Seek', from the novel of the same name, is the key to Potter, himself. Jane ended after the song, 'Famous Last Words', with a summing up of the man no one really knew but who fascinated so many.

It was an interesting and challenging programme that definitely held attention and raised questions. At times, the sound was a bit muffled and we hope this helps clarify, somewhat. Alternatively, the sound lent a surrealistic 'feel' and was almost hypnotic. The audience was attentive throughout.

Meantime, our Open Mic brought Colin Eveleigh, poet, potter and tutor of mindfulness. His poem, 'Somme Total', a tribute to Armistice Day, about the soldiers of the Great War in which he told of his wife's great uncle who died, age 20. 'Where there was carnage in 1916, it is now serene…' The allure of war never fails'. One must 'gather each falling tribute lovingly in one's arms'. A very strong poem. Michelle Magorian, newcomer, followed with a poem about her mother: 'Miss Invisible' -'shorthand for I am old' - she heard bombs fall...danced all night...was married in Bombay...where is she now? Well, she has friends in France, Tel Aviv and Idaho. She's always visible. So cheer up! Signed...Yours-dot-com! Humour with a lovely twist.

David Roberts chose to overlook the problems in the US and go for his love of 'Manhattan'. 'She may be young enough to be your daughter' ..'it's the most romantic place...where intellectuals hang out. The land of the rich and free'. (this New Yorker agrees) 'A View from my Conservatory' followed, where 'clouds fly by at the speed of night'. There's 'so much more life in his garden...thrushes, robins and blackbirds...flowers...'where I can see the world, and no one can hurt me'. A good poem.

Bruce Parry had two new poems; 'Going Home' about Clacton-on-Sea in Essex. With its 'rusty fire escapes, fishermen, they come from in-land and far...a lovely description. Then, an 'early' Christmas with 'Sofas' about 'Mr and MrsTotally Self-Centred', 'out to buy a sofa, made of reindeer skin (only £4000) they don't need with their unlimited credit card'. 'Something to bounce on like they do on the tellie – Then slide and bounce and eat chocolate cake – but that's too much work. 'We don't sell sofas. We sell dreams' says the salesman. But they must get home. They're missing the tellie. Just as long as the delivery is before Christmas..'.(a bit of fun and lots of cynicism) – lots of laughs!

Michelle then returned to the mike with two poems based on two different kinds of women. One who wants to go away for the weekend, 'Pack of Three' – but must think first of her two children who'll be left behind. 'Please don't ask me to go away. If you want me, you have to remember there are three'. Then 'On And On' about a woman who broke off with someone – he went on and on and on and on...talking, never stopping...Then he went on and on..when all she wanted was a man who'd use his mouth in a different way….not go on and on, but 'turn her on'. Finally, a sad 'goodbye'. It was very well read and true to the bone!

Jilly Funnell got up with guitar and sang a very clever, funny Christmas song, 'Principle Boy' – the one who plays in panto. When you get him home, that's when you find what's really inside his tights….

Jake read two poems, 'My Brother' about his late talking brother who became a great talker but early onset alzheimers took his words away; then 'What's a Girl to Do?' about the challenges facing a woman in the old west. Yours truly did a poem about a birthday party followed by a short script, 'Strange Bedfellows', a love scene between Clinton and Trump (before his triumph) and 'sadly - badly' acted by Leah and Jake. Speech Painter and Philip Jeays had come along and we wished they'd perform but it was their night to prefer just watching 'Project Adorno'.

It was, in all, a very warm and good evening with lots of laughs and a very special BIG thanks to our special guests - not to forget our ever fabulous open mikers!

One of our 'regulars' won the two free 'unlimited' two-course meals for 'Half Moon'. Enjoy it, Colin!

And if you want to see his exhibition of pottery, it will be on display this coming Saturday at the Physics Garden, Petersfield.

We look forward to seeing you all on December 20th when we have our very special guest, Richard Digance! Entry fee £15pp, - not what we normally charge - but this will be a very special evening and from what everyone says, well worth it! Richard Digance is a legend!

Review is about WRITE ANGLE POETRY & MUSIC +OPEN MIC on 15 Nov 2016 (event)

lovely little poem - I like the apology in the first line and 'I am holding onto you, like a wave grasps a beach'

thanks for posting

Colin

Comment is about Is There Somewhere (blog)

Original item by Malibu Indigo

Great stuff Andy and thanx for your comment and support with Bolton Calling! cheers mate ?

Comment is about The Ghost of Dukinfield Cemetery (blog)

Original item by Andy N

This is a beautiful tribute and the repetition of I bought a poppy today with the next line makes it more so, nice one Hazel. Thanx for your comment on Bolton Calling, glad you like it, hope to see you 20 Dec at the club ?

Comment is about Poppy (blog)

Original item by Hazel Connelly

Hi Michelle, thanks for your comment on my Auschwitz poem, the quotes were real and thats probably what hits home and is identifiabke with any feeling of oppresion, I performed it at a recent anti-war event we did in Bolton and got emotional myself picturing the survivors in the programme I had watched.

Anyway, thanks again, just read your last couple of poems here, well put well said and your feeling and pride of who you are is clear, hear hear, be proud of who you are! Jeff ?

Comment is about My joy is mine (blog)

Original item by Michelle Smith

Thanx for comment on Bolton Calling Dave, Im pleased with it now to put in print after a bit of juggling and enjoying performing it live as you know! cheers

Comment is about Dave Morgan (poet profile)

Original item by Dave Morgan

Nice one, like a show home! Quite calm for you this one Laura! Thanx for comments on Bolton Calling! I've spent many an hour on the A666 ! Ha ?

Comment is about Spick and Span (blog)

Original item by Laura Taylor

Hi Ray, many thanks for your comment on 'Bolton Calling', much appreciated! And yes enjoying performing it, going well! Enjoyed reading your Old Kent Road, I think monopoly is first thing that most people think or the pearly kings and queens but I love the references to the Romans here, great stuff on the dirty brown OKR!

cheers Jeff

Comment is about THE OLD KENT ROAD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Ha thanks dave.. no, it's the 5.12 from Cambridge. But similar atmosphere I guess!

Comment is about erotic agape (blog)

Original item by Celia

Did you feel the performers you saw at the exhibition were doing something that was categorically different than what we are accustomed to, or were they just particularly good at writing and performance?

Comment is about After Trump: an artistic and poetic reminder of America's Great Migration (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Cynthia this is a rather beautiful and uplifting poem which in a nutshell encompasses a whole curriculum of teacher education... that which is no longer promoted or which teachers feel unable to implement in their attempt to force the largest number of kids through the SAT mousehole as quickly as possible. Why not just take the time to show them the door? It's big enough for all. Lovely.

Comment is about The Boy Who Conquered Fractions (blog)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

M.C.
Now you`ve frightened me!

Look what`s come out!


I`m strainin` me perishin` lug `ole
Attemptin` to figure out why
We all disappear down a plug `ole
When the time comes upon us to die.

Comment is about WASHED UP (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

Hi Greg; re The Old Kent Road. So pleased you read this , I hoped it might fit the bill. I do so enjoy these cartography exploits. Just like to slip one in now and again.
Of course that word should have been horde, it will be remedied. thanks for spotting it. Re open mikes, I think enjoying what you write is important and trying to infect the listeners. I hope that works for me at least. Not quite ready for a pulpit yet. Re Bricklayers Arms, it started life as a passenger terminus, and i'm sure I read that royal trains ran there at least once . An earlier version of i'm a celebrity get me out of here probably.

all the best as always. Ray

Comment is about Greg Freeman (poet profile)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Lovely stuff, Ray. A psychogeographer's delight. (I'm guessing "hoard" should be "horde"?) And I'm also guessing that there will be one or two open mics there or thereabouts ...

Comment is about THE OLD KENT ROAD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

thanks cynthia! and yes you are correct although he will be one in February!

i have a friend who visited tokyo a few years back and told me he used to stand in the middle of akihabara (possibly not spelling that right) and let all the noise and neon wash away the fact that he could not sleep.

Comment is about take me to tokyo where the lights may blind me (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Don't you have a new baby in the household? If so, life in general must be taxing. Forgive me, if I'm wrong, but something is twinge-ing in my memory.

There are many fine ideas here, and well expressed.

Lights in Tokyo are indeed overwhelming. It sure is a catching title.

Comment is about take me to tokyo where the lights may blind me (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Colin, i'm glad you got the feel - The Old Kent Road area could be a fitting counterpoint to those grimy northern stongholds as a poetry bash area. There were always a lot of music pubs on the way out of town. Famous and still there is the Thomas a Beckett with a boxing club upstairs, scene of many a blooding. South London was always the poor neighbour but not any longer. Plan away my friend!

Very intuitive response David to pick up the main ingredients - I kept repeating Road to try to reinforce the remorseless nature of the subject, Thanks. As a point of interest, the M25 is a bit like a walled in psychological impasse for me, or an unwelcome centrifuge. Apparently some drivers have lost the plot on the way round (that couldn't be you could it?) I was on it once when my alternator faded and just about got home!

Cynthia thanks for liking this. The word Dance is a playful substitute for a more considered alternative, just came to mind!
Congratulations on getting WOL by the way- a clever and socially commendable contribution.

Ray.

Comment is about THE OLD KENT ROAD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

'Majesty' need not be elaborate, just simply true, and truly simple. Put this in your own wallet to have it with you always. It's that special.

Comment is about unto the newly borne.. (blog)

Original item by nunya

Dreaming in colour is a rarity, isn't it? I also dream in colour; no idea why, presuming a perfectly viable, scientific reason. But then, I'm very sensitive to colour in every waking hour, thrillingly so.

I don't know anyone who apologises for their poetry. Why do you call yours 'unapologetic'? The phrase is 'catchingly' alliterative.

Comment is about Michelle Smith (poet profile)

Original item by Michelle Smith

Well thought, and well put.

Comment is about My joy is mine (blog)

Original item by Michelle Smith

Terrific. The repetition is fabulous and expertly placed.

Comment is about Someone You Know but You Don't Know (blog)

Original item by Nigel Astell

Enjoyed this, Ray. I like the final stanza; wish there was another word for 'dance' but can't think of one either. So, it's thought-provoking, and that's a good thing always.

Comment is about THE OLD KENT ROAD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

love it Ray - the hipsters are gentrifying the city's poorer suburbs whilst the developers gouge holes and replace the bulldozed land with names that echo the past that no-one has an inkling of knowledge of the history - hell, you've got me back on town planning again my friend - all these years my talents have been wasted writing shite poetry!

Old Kent Road and Whitechapel were always my favourite properties on the Monopoly board along with the pinks and oranges. My brother went for the blues, greens, Mayfair and Park Lane - no guessing who always won - I think I'm still paying him back for outstanding rents.

Good night!

Comment is about THE OLD KENT ROAD (blog)

Original item by ray pool

love the poem M.C. but just couldn't resist trying to out-limerick Mr Hill,hence......

Gazing down at red stained water in a slow draining sink
they came in and arrested me and clapped me in clink
cos I absent mindedly forgot to wipe all the blood off the knife
now I go day to day in an orange jumpsuit
for trying to end Colins life.

(I'll get him next time! MWAH-AH-AH-AHHHHH!)

Pardon the lunacy Mr N.


Rose ?

Comment is about WASHED UP (blog)

Original item by M.C. Newberry

I forgot to thank you both for your interest and comments.

Sorry if mine are a bit turgid.

Comment is about About Jumbo (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

elPinter and M.C.

Better late than never.

I was surprised to hear that America (To us, the land of the young and go ahead) also has an aging problem. I looked up some stuff on the internet and it was very interesting...Listening to the effect our own perpetual moans about the N.H.S. must have internationally I can now see why the Americans are not so very keen about it.

The point of my blog, is that the root cause of immigration
is low birth rates and the lack of sufficient replacement kids to grow up and become workers (and therefore also
consumers, and taxpayers) in the economy, which leads to the need of substitutes in the form of immigrants to keep the whole caboodle going...This cause of the problem is
studiously ignored in most of the arguments about it.

Barring a huge onset of female broodiness added to an enormous growth of male libido this situation is likely to continue.

I am Just trying to draw attention to it.

M.C. makes some very controversial points (which could set the generations against each other)

Pensions and the N.H.S. are paid for by the re-distribution of income which we call taxation. Large parts of that taxation go to pensioners in the form of pensions and in free health care. We are living longer and more liable to need more care (and our having to pay towards it upsets
us -and our heirs- quite a bit)...But come on Lads! with both rising salaries and house prices we never had it so good- in general - this last thirty or forty years.. (the one`s we poetically rant about are those who have been excluded from the party) with this depression, we`re not
doing so well but that, as the American`s say, `Is the way the cookie crumbles`

M.C. brings up the point of the robotic/electronic effect on redundancy. But at five percent unemployment In both Britain and America there is no redundancy - in fact it is full employment!...The government, by borrowing and increasing the deficit further is keeping the wheels of employment turning. Unfortunately this, cheap money, (and those in work payments causing so much comment) make the achievement of any kind of real `productivity`
(in economic terms) impossible, so how we`re going to fare in the big, tariff-free world of Brexit (and keep full employment) is quite a question.

Maybe the word is not uncertainty - but impossibility?

The question of how we share the fruits of increasing automation among ourselves in the future is going to
take a lot of thinking about.

Comment is about About Jumbo (blog)

Original item by Harry O`N eill

quite cohen-esque and lovely

Comment is about Lonely beat (blog)

Original item by Green

Thanks guys,
your right Colin the 'and' isn't necessary, Thanks! x

Comment is about Lonely beat (blog)

Original item by Green

Thanks Colin for the social extra dimension so apt for this poem. What I found fascinating is the contrast of aspirations in the building. Apparently M & S wanted the space but presumably were elbowed out by the ching ching boys, who knows? Your utopian vision would be great with a few twists of arms.
Thanks Stu, I have spent about three pounds in there in the last year, so consider that quite an outlay.
Things are good thanks, now over the cold!

Ray

Comment is about RETAIL RISE AND FALL (blog)

Original item by ray pool

Another great night at Write Out Loud Woking on Monday night! Fabulous poetry, a generous supply of audience, and we were pleased to welcome Michael Cutchey to the New Inn for the first time. Thanks also to Peter Morley, Karen Izod, Peter Taylor, Carla Scarano, Ray Pool and Eddie Chauncy. Eddie shared poems from his book Meditations, which is already sold out. We demand a reprint! Thanks also to co-hosts Rodney Wood and Greg Freeman. Next one will be our Christmas gathering, on Monday 19 December - make sure you're there!

Review is about Write Out Loud Woking on 21 Nov 2016 (event)

A superb, informed and fascinating review, Neil. Thank you.

Comment is about Umbrellas of Edinburgh anthology, Freight Books (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

brilliant ray. my poundland does pick n mix so im happy but i understand the sentiment! a sing song piece with a really dark message. hope you are well.

Comment is about RETAIL RISE AND FALL (blog)

Original item by ray pool

beautiful, poignant and pointed. so few words, so many stories that spread from them. proper poetry.

Comment is about as you pass (blog)

Original item by Trevor Alexander

i agree with david, very 'reprogram unit' and 1984. wonderful lilt to the whole piece as well. great stuff.

Comment is about unto the newly borne.. (blog)

Original item by nunya

thanks both! fine praise indeed. elP if this somehow finds its way on to your bulletin board i would be most pleased.
this was written last night david during a particularly shite nights sleep so i think you are right. ive been so wrapped up in this god awful book im writing i havent felt i could express myself properly for ages, this is what came out!
im taking the day off today so im looking forward to reading through some of the stuff i have missed on here.

Comment is about take me to tokyo where the lights may blind me (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

I would definitely call them prisons..quite a depressing thought but there's no getting out of it until the big sleep. I was thinking about your comment while getting cleaned up this morning and it seems to me that societal institutions seek either to harness, overcome, or destroy..I suppose that's the prison we're born into.

Thanks for your comments, David.

elP

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pjcwXSmY294

..bet you can't guess who I've been listening to this morning..

Comment is about unto the newly borne.. (blog)

Original item by nunya

Congratulations, Cynthia! It's bloomin brilliant! - Dorinda x

Comment is about 'The Boy Who Conquered Fractions' by Cynthia Buell Thomas is Write Out Loud Poem of the Week (article)

Original item by Greg Freeman

Nicely put, Jimmy. Needs to be said.

Comment is about Fall back (blog)

Original item by Jimmy Andrex

Thanks, Colin. I should do a Compendium of Verse about Pentland Javelins. As you rightly say, it's what poetry's been missing.

Comment is about GARDEN OF LOVE (YOUR MOTHER'S SYCAMORE TREE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

nice one Ray - with online shopping and out of town malls these behemoth high street stores seem to have been left behind and somehow have no place in the modern day shopping experience. Mine's a B&M Bargains - never been in it and probably never will. These stores are all a false economy sucking the last pennies from the poor in the belief they are getting a bargain.

I don't miss Woolies. But I blame the council for sky high rents and the lack of vision in not repurposing these big buildings. We need at least one in the centre of every town, subdivided into small retail outlets for local artists, artisans, craftfolk, producers etc. Bring back the nation of shopkeepers in all their local splendour. Well that's my great scheme.

cheers mate.

Comment is about RETAIL RISE AND FALL (blog)

Original item by ray pool

I want to print this and post it to my bulletin board..hope you don't mind me saying so, but I like it that much. Quite swift follow-throughs in the imagery you use and the trails of thought you express.

elP

Comment is about take me to tokyo where the lights may blind me (blog)

Original item by Stuart Buck

Ray,getting the impression(no pun intended re my Van Gogh poem)that you are something of a film buff,may I ask if you have seen the Kirk Douglas portrayal of Van Gogh,in the film titled 'Lust for life' ? If you haven't,I strongly suggest that you 'Net' it-pun intended! Thank you.Jemima.

Comment is about ray pool (poet profile)

Original item by ray pool

CBT: What exactly abt 'AmeriKana USA' do you not agree with Cynthia? :- )

Comment is about Cynthia Buell Thomas (poet profile)

Original item by Cynthia Buell Thomas

Two great lyricists, Hill and Barker. The original of this is viewable on YouTube, MC, and is classic.

Comment is about GARDEN OF LOVE (YOUR MOTHER'S SYCAMORE TREE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey

Ooo - roll those eyes and leer ? Benny Hill's naughty
lines preceded the style used by Ronnie Barker to good
effect later on.

Comment is about GARDEN OF LOVE (YOUR MOTHER'S SYCAMORE TREE) (blog)

Original item by John Coopey