World Book Night

Last night was World Book Night and in an effort to get people reading 1,000,000 books were given away nationwide.  40,000 copies of 25 titles that cover many literary genres.  A great idea in a time when libraries are under threat and the standard of literacy is declining. 

To celebrate World Book Night Birmingham Library were hosting an evening with local authors Mike Gayle, RJ Ellory and Catherine O'Flynn.  Clare and I headed into Birmingham to see what they had to say. 

If I'm honest, I only knew of Mike Gayle prior to last night. I listened to them all speak about books, their passion for reading as well as writing and about their lives generally. I was impressed by them all but RJ Ellory really struck a chord.  Not backwards in coming forwards he commandeered the stage and not only talked about books and authors but also put across his ideas as to why the education system was failing.  I have to say some of the things may have been controversial but on the whole I agreed with him entirely.

The session was just short of two hours and was entertaining, thought provoking and funny.  As we left we had the chance to lay our hands on some of the free books.  I had a copy of Seamus Heaney's poems and David Mitchell's Cloud Atlas.

We left the theatre and headed for the library proper for the second part of the evening.  Storytelling, poetry and a book reading in front of Birmingham's Central Library.  As it was chilly it was moved into the foyer. 

First up was Katrice Horsley, a storyteller.  She was very charismatic and completely absorbed you into the story.  Next up was Matt Windle, former Birmingham Young Poet Laureate, who recited 3 or 4 poems.  I really enjoyed his stuff and though he probably wouldn't thank me for it, his work reminded me of that of The Streets' Mike Skinner.  Paul McDonald read a passage from his book, Kiss Me Softly Amy Turtle.  Again, I really enjoyed this.  The final act was Birmingham Poet Laureate, Roy McFarlane.  He read 4 poems and although I could appreciate the verse I did not connect with the themes.

All in all a good night.  I learnt a few things, met some nice people and came away with some free books.

Below are a couple of  links to the sites of some of the people involved.

RJ Ellory

Matt Windle

Mike Gayle

Birthday Weekend

It was my birthday yesterday. Last night Clare, my parents and I went for a bite to eat at Bella Italia in Solihull.  It was lovely and I think we all enjoyed it despite Bella having no olives or beer! Apparently they were still waiting for a delivery.

Earlier in the day I dragged Clare into Birmingham. Sir Michael Caine was signing copies of his book at Waterstone's and I decided that I wanted to go.  The signing was due to start at 12.30pm and we arrived at just gone 11.  The queue was already quite big and we took our place at the back.  The Waterstone's representative gave us a raffle ticket (number 172) and made it quite clear that this did not guarantee us a place. We were given a post it note with my name on, if you wanted the book personalised you had to stick it on the inside cover.

Michael arrived just before 12 and within a few minutes the queue began to move.  Prior to his arrival a Waterstone's security guard had moved along the queue telling everyone that it was only the book that would be signed and no memorabilia.  This was a blow as I had bought a copy of the Italian Job and wanted that signed as well.

The queue moved quickly enough and it wasn't long before we were in the store. Here, another staff member took the book, opened it and presented it to Michael.  Before I knew it I was in front of Sir Michael Caine, watching him copy my name into a book.  He didn't speak and only looked up when he passed the book back. We were ushered to one side and the next person moved in.  Someone asked for a picture and a member of staff said that he would not pose for photographs but if you wanted to take one from the back you could.  I tried to get a decent photo but failed.

The whole thing fell a bit flat.  Now, I can understand the memorabilia not being signed.  The queue was large and if someone has a carrier bag full of DVDs it means that someone at the back of the queue might miss out.  I can also understand the post it note with your name on.  Not only does it speed things along but also saves on embarrassing moments with spelling or repeating awkward names. What I don't understand is the rudeness of the Waterstone's staff and the whole conveyor belt feel to it.  I could never claim to have met Sir Michael Caine. I can claim to have made eye contact and I can say I said thank you but that is it.  There was no personal element. I came away feeling slightly duped.  I wasn't expecting a long conversation but having queued for 2 hours and shelling out for the book, a "thank you" would have been nice.

Following that, we went for coffee before doing a bit of shopping.  We decided against lunch as we were going for a meal in the evening and had started the day at Sainsbury's for breakfast. We arrived home with books, DVDs and CDs and just enough time to play them before my parents arrived.

One final note, whilst queueing, there was a couple behind us who talked constantly at another couple (who they didn't know) about all the famous people they have met. Jamie Oliver (nice bloke), Nigella Lawson (good looking woman), David Attenborough (really nice, chatted about their cat), Justin Lee Collins (down to earth) and Martin Shaw.  I would just like to say to that couple that Martin Shaw probably didn't give you an autograph because he realised just how irritating you are!

Saturday. Clare had sorted out a bit of a get together with some friends.  She spent a fortune on food and drink (still have food left 3 days later!).  There was a 1920s theme and everyone turned up in appropriate attire.  They all looked great.

I don't usually celebrate birthdays (never have) but I had a really good evening as did everyone else.  At one point, I was outside having a cigarette when a neighbour popped his head out of the window and asked if we were having a party.  Due to a bus passing I never caught what he said next. I wasn't sure if he was complaining or not so did the only thing I could and invited him up for a drink.  He declined.

It was a lovely night and I would like to say thank you to everyone who turned up and especially to Clare for making my birthday a special one.

A Crime Night In

Had a very odd evening last night.  A Crime Night In at Birmingham Library, with Mark Billingham, Martin Waites and Andrew Taylor, was a lovely evening. All three read from their new books, talked about their own writing process and told anecdotes.  They took questions from the audience and there seemed to be a lot of budding authors out there as a lot of the questions were about publishing and research. At the end of the evening they sat and signed books. I bought Mark Billingham's new book and got him to sign it.

I have to admit to having read none of their books and although I'd heard of Mark Billingham I had no idea what the others were like.  Each took their turn at the podium with Mark reciting emails he'd received from fans.  It was very funny.

The night hadn't started well.  Clare and I arrived in Birmingham early. We needed to collect the tickets and decided we would do that before heading for the pub.  We made our way to Centenary Square and as we rounded the corner at the side of the Council House we were confronted by a police cordon.  The library, which was a few yards in front of us, was sealed off.  Another cordon stretched along the other side and another along the side of the Town Hall. The whole of Paradise Forum was closed. We approached an officer and asked if we would be able to get to the library.  He said no and that the cordon could be gone in 20 minutes or 8 hours.  He asked why we needed to go there and we told him we were there for a crime night.  I think he smiled.  He wouldn't tell us the nature of the incident but said that on the plus side we were not gong to be late as it wasn't taking place.  We retired to the pub to sit it out.

We sat in Bennett's and tried to find out what was going on.  Clare ordered food while I phoned my parents to see if there was anything on the news.  We tried all the local news websites. Nothing.  The only thing that mentioned anything was On Birmingham via Twitter.  Eventually my Dad called, Midlands Today had reported a man threatening to jump off a bridge in Birmingham City Centre. The police had closed the place off so he had no audience to play up to.

After about an our or so in the pub we headed back up.  The cordon was still in place but this time a small crowd had appeared.  They looked like a crime writing crowd and so we meandered over.  Across Centenary Square was Mark Billingham and the other authors.  We went over and Mark said the evening had been cancelled.  As soon as he said it a library official arrived and said that it was going ahead.  Mark looked concerned. A lot of people had either left or not arrived due to the traffic, his Mom included.

A brief consultation with the other authors and then it was announced that it would be going ahead.  The group were gathered up and marched around the back of the Library, into Paradise Forum and through a service entrance and the into the building.  We were, in effect, in the middle of the cordon. Police and security were the only people around.  Although there did seem to be people eating in restaurants in the middle of the cordoned off area? As we walked in I noticed a man lying on the floor with an oxygen mask on and a coat over his legs.  A woman sat over him.  There was no explanation and  I wondered if this was our would be suicide victim.

Having collected the tickets we were offered a glass of wine or orange juice and then took our seats in the auditorium.

The evening past quickly, and when it was over, staff announced we would be led out in groups as the cordon was still in place. We asked a member of staff if the man was OK and she said he was still there. It turns out that the man with the oxygen mask was a separate incident, the second that day!

Birmingham was still gridlocked. Luckily we had come into town by train so we walked back to the station and headed home.  It was an odd evening which I really enjoyed but I can't help thinking that whilst we were drinking wine and having a nice time there was a man a few hundred yards from us standing on a bridge, wanting to end it all.

Whilst writing this, Clare has phoned to say the man has spent the night on the bridge and is still threatening to jump.  The cordon is still in place.

I've Read It In Books

I've just finished a great book.  Head On by Julian Cope.  It tells the story of his time with The Teardrop Explodes.  Formed in Liverpool from members of the punk scene. It charts their rise and inevitable demise over a period of six years. In band fighting, jealousy and drugs, lots of drugs all play their part. 

Julian writes well and you are sucked into the story.  Sometimes funny, sometimes sad and sometimes just maddening.  You don't need to be a fan to enjoy this but if you have an interest in bands on the road then this book is for you.

It's a few years old now (I picked up my copy in a charity shop) but I'm sure it would be easy enough to track down. It 's definitely well worth it.

Half Year Report

So as July arrives and June is confined to history it's time to look back on the first 6 months of 2010.

The weather over the last couple of months has been lovely and so I have spent a lot of time outdoors. Some things I've already written about, but prior to starting the blog I've had some lovely days out with Clare. We have been to Warwick quite a bit and on one occasion did the Castle. Thoroughly enjoyed it too, despite my fear of heights on the ramparts. We have also been to Dudley Zoo and Castle. I'd not been there since I was a child and again had a great day out. A day out at Whixall Moses with friends, wandering the streets of Cheltenham, or just spending time in the park or on the canal tow path. I've enjoyed it all

A day at Packwood House which was spoilt by over zealous staff who seemed to think we could not be trusted to be left alone in a room.  Despite paying to get in and then being the only ones on the guided tour, and obviously showing an interest, they seemed to think we had bad intentions.  It's a shame as the house and gardens are lovely but I was made to feel as if I shouldn't be there.

Outings to Warwick consisted of going to the market, stocking up on food (bread, cheese, fruit etc.) and then eating it by the river.  On one occasion we went with friends and, following the food, we hired a rowing boat which I nearly capsized.  My oar missed a stroke and I fell off my seat. This started the boat rocking and at one point the side of the boat was actually level with the water.  After we had spent time on the river we climbed St Mary's Tower. The highest building in Warwick. This was against the Church Warden's advice as one of our friends was 9 months pregnant at the time. 

A trip to the NEC for an antiques fayre.  Luckily somebody gave us free tickets as would have been extremely upset if we had paid the 12 pound admission price.  The flyer said something for everyone. What it should have said was something for everyone with over 500 pounds to spend!  Despite my lack of wealth I did quite enjoy it.

A disappointing day at Birmingham Mac's opening weekend. Lot's of people milling about but ultimately not much to do. The building itself is OK but I was a bit underwhelmed. For 15 million pounds I'd hoped for something more. Oh, there was an exhibition about defining Birmingham but it seemed to do nothing more than reinforce stereotypes or include phrases and sayings from the Black Country.  I couldn't be bothered to find out who the artist was because whoever it was couldn't be bothered to find out about Birmingham.

Exhibition wise, I enjoyed Ron Terada's Who I think I Am but that was mainly down to the vinyl album that was given away. With tracks by Jens Lekman, Beirut, Magnetic Fields, The Walkmen and Vampire Weekend to name a few he couldn't go wrong. Brigit Riley's Flashback was also good. Susan Collis' Since I Fell For You didn't really work for me although I liked the idea. Coventry Open and West Midlands Open Exhibitions had some really good stuff. Had some of the pieces been within my price range I would have definitely come away with something.

Another really good exhibition was Tom Murray's The Beatles A Mad Day Out, comprising of 23 unseen photographs of the band. There were limited edition prints for sale and at around £400 were quite reasonably priced. I did actually consider buying one for a short time.

It's been quite a quiet year on the gig front. I've managed a few. Half Man Half Biscuit at Leamington Assembly were fantastic. Finlay Quaye at The Rainbow was better than expected and British Sea Power at The Glee Club were excellent. I have also seen local band Hinge play a couple of gigs. Once at Academy 3 when I had a terrible headache and again at the Old Wharf where it was that loud that during the support bands I stood outside. Even from there I could here it perfectly. Little Girl Screaming, a band from Coventry I think, sounded very good.

Have had a couple of trips to the theatre this year. I have already mentioned Noises Off! on this blog. Clare and I also had a trip to Leamington Spa to see The Russian Ice Stars perform Snow White. It was a cold, snowy night in January which actually added to the whole evening.  The performance was amazing.  The way they throw themselves around such a small stage has to be seen to be appreciated.  A nice pub opposite the theatre provided a great place to sit and have a brandy to warm us up.

A very odd night at The Old Rep for The Enchanted Burlesque Show.  Not what I was expecting at all.  There were a couple of turns who I thought were very good but the girl who thought dressing up as Margaret Thatcher and stripping to Rule Britannia should have a re think!

 

I've seen a few films at the cinema. Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop and Chris Morris' Four Lions were my favourites but also enjoyed Alice in Wonderland 3D and Avatar 3D.  Iron Man 2 was entertaining but can't see it making any best of lists.

TV has mainly been The World Cup, Cricket, Big Brother and Pineapple Dance Studios.  I have no idea why I took to it but I didn't miss an episode. I also enjoyed Terry Pratchett's Going Postal.

Whilst on the subject of TV, I thoroughly enjoyed Election Night. Watching the TV coverage and having Twitter on the go along with texts from friends made the night a bit of an occasion.  The debates were also good although I became bored with hearing the same rhetoric by the third one. I voted for the first time in years and was glad I did  as my local MP scraped in by less than 200 votes. 

Books and Music.  As I've mentioned before I'm always behind with reading although I have just finished Start The Car, The World According To Bumble.  It is still in the best sellers list!   If you have an interest in cricket then it is definitely worth a read.  Then again, if you have an interest in cricket you would already know that.

Another good book I've read  (thanks to Clare) is Emergency Sex (and Other Desperate Measures): True Stories from a War Zone. Written by by Heidi Postlewait, Kenneth Cain and Doctor Andrew Thomson it is their accounts of their time with the UN during the early 90s. It is a few years old now but is a good read, track it down on Amazon.

LCD Soundsystem's new album is a good listen.  Brought to my attention by their performance on Jools Holland.   Also liking Art Museums. If School Of Seven Bells' new single, Babelonia, is anything to go by I can't wait for the new album.  Lanterns on the Lake have also been a good discovery.

Finally, I must admit that I haven't been very good with the football. I've only managed one trip away with Blues this year.  A trip to Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.  It was a freezing cold day, rain, snow flurries and trecherous under foot.  Blues were terrible and could only manage a 0-0 draw.  Will have to make more of an effort in the coming season. The cricket is even worse.  Despite pledging to go to more games I'm yet to make it to Edgbaston this year. Must try harder!

So, that's it then.  Chuck in a few meals out and a few drinks with friends and family and that has been the year to date. Not bad eh?