BBC News
"Campaigners are seeking a judicial review of the decision by a London council to close half its libraries. [...]"
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
Charity "pay to read" / "pay to view" author web pages
Authors, poets and film makers could donate stories, poems and films for a charity to host on pay per view web pages. In order to read the poem or the story or to view the film, a user would either pay per story, poem or film or by adding credit in advance and then using it up one item at a time.
The creative works donated by writers and artists would each have a price to view and a "Total Raised". I suggest that they be beautifully presented, with page continuation buttons as required to complete reading and perhaps also a "Print" button, for someone to get a copy of a poem to read at leisure.
The beauty of it is that the donor gets something in return for his or her money, it costs little or nothing for the charity to host and authors can see how much their contribution has clocked up in charity donations. Authors would be giving in that way, not selling, and so their contributions would be immense and they could rightly take pride in them.
This idea is intended for the highest level of charities and I hope for those alleviating hunger, particularly at the time of writing when famine has been declared in Somalia. The entire proceeds of the donation should go to the charity, as far as that is possible. This is not an idea for YouTube to give 10%, it's an idea for, say, Save The Children to get 100%.
Additionally this should not be patented or copyrighted in any way that would restrict other charitable causes from implementing the same idea. There is no reason why there couldn't be such "pay per view" items and accounts on many different charitable websites.
Ossian
The creative works donated by writers and artists would each have a price to view and a "Total Raised". I suggest that they be beautifully presented, with page continuation buttons as required to complete reading and perhaps also a "Print" button, for someone to get a copy of a poem to read at leisure.
The beauty of it is that the donor gets something in return for his or her money, it costs little or nothing for the charity to host and authors can see how much their contribution has clocked up in charity donations. Authors would be giving in that way, not selling, and so their contributions would be immense and they could rightly take pride in them.
This idea is intended for the highest level of charities and I hope for those alleviating hunger, particularly at the time of writing when famine has been declared in Somalia. The entire proceeds of the donation should go to the charity, as far as that is possible. This is not an idea for YouTube to give 10%, it's an idea for, say, Save The Children to get 100%.
Additionally this should not be patented or copyrighted in any way that would restrict other charitable causes from implementing the same idea. There is no reason why there couldn't be such "pay per view" items and accounts on many different charitable websites.
Ossian
Please, BBC, don't cut short your short stories
Books | guardian.co.uk
"Listening to Katherine Mansfield's The Garden Party, expertly delivered by Romola Garai, was a transportive moment on a grinding seven-hour drive last Sunday. So please, BBC, think again before you wield the knife – and please, the rest of you, get signing that petition*." (Sarah Crown)
* http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/noshortstorycuts/
"Listening to Katherine Mansfield's The Garden Party, expertly delivered by Romola Garai, was a transportive moment on a grinding seven-hour drive last Sunday. So please, BBC, think again before you wield the knife – and please, the rest of you, get signing that petition*." (Sarah Crown)
* http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/noshortstorycuts/
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Monday, July 11, 2011
Philip Pullman supports Save Kensal Rise Library!
From: Save Kensal Rise Library!
Wednesday 20 July, 7pm
Queens Park Community School hall.
Tickets available from:
- The Lexi Cinema, Chamberlayne Road, NW10
- Queens Park Books, tel. 0207 625 1008
- L’Angolos deli College Rd NW10
Word has it that Philip Pullman will read from his latest book "The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ" and then be in conversation with novelist Maggie Gee and take questions.
Saturday, July 09, 2011
Brent SOS - Save Our Six libraries
Harriet Walter in conversation with Deborah Moggach
7 pm, 13 July 2011
The North London Tavern,
375 Kilburn High Road
London NW6 7QB
The Judicial Review into the closure of Brent libraries will take place on 19 & 20 July – just 2 weeks away - so support for ALL the Brent SOS fund-raising activities is very urgent. Further details here.
The judicial review does not come cheap. Barristers' fees have to be paid. The case will be made against Brent's summary closure of six libraries contrary to the express wishes of its citizens. Let there be a late English Spring, resist the wreckers. Don't let the generosity of previous generations be undone by the meanness of the present.
The Labour council has voted to close six of Brent's libraries, including Kensal Rise library, which was in part covenanted by donors on condition that it remained in perpetuity as a resource for the local people, and was opened by Mark Twain. The great man would turn in his grave to think that things had degenerated so far in London since his visit that the library he opened and five others simultaneously have to be killed on the order of a bunch of jumped up petty local wheelers and dealers.
Remember Brent Council also has a plan in train to demolish the focal Willesden Library Centre, which they have been systematically running down, and turn it into a building site till 2014 for flats and council offices, with a remnant of a library proposed. They have spent over £600,000 including specific grants obtained since 2006 on refurbishing the library centre and moving the Brent Museum from its previous home. With typical profligacy and who knows what cosy contracts (any kickbacks, do you think?) they now intend to demolish the place. With the six local library closures and Willesden library centre demolished, there will be no libraries for miles around.
7 pm, 13 July 2011
The North London Tavern,
375 Kilburn High Road
London NW6 7QB
The Judicial Review into the closure of Brent libraries will take place on 19 & 20 July – just 2 weeks away - so support for ALL the Brent SOS fund-raising activities is very urgent. Further details here.
The judicial review does not come cheap. Barristers' fees have to be paid. The case will be made against Brent's summary closure of six libraries contrary to the express wishes of its citizens. Let there be a late English Spring, resist the wreckers. Don't let the generosity of previous generations be undone by the meanness of the present.
The Labour council has voted to close six of Brent's libraries, including Kensal Rise library, which was in part covenanted by donors on condition that it remained in perpetuity as a resource for the local people, and was opened by Mark Twain. The great man would turn in his grave to think that things had degenerated so far in London since his visit that the library he opened and five others simultaneously have to be killed on the order of a bunch of jumped up petty local wheelers and dealers.
Remember Brent Council also has a plan in train to demolish the focal Willesden Library Centre, which they have been systematically running down, and turn it into a building site till 2014 for flats and council offices, with a remnant of a library proposed. They have spent over £600,000 including specific grants obtained since 2006 on refurbishing the library centre and moving the Brent Museum from its previous home. With typical profligacy and who knows what cosy contracts (any kickbacks, do you think?) they now intend to demolish the place. With the six local library closures and Willesden library centre demolished, there will be no libraries for miles around.
Saturday, July 02, 2011
Friday, July 01, 2011
The Tree That Bleeds: A Uighur Town on the Edge
Read an excerpt at The China Beat
You know what we're going to say. Yes, Nick Holdstock also writes marvellous fiction, including the much appreciated "Amy" in New Short Stories 3.
June 18: "Nick Holdstock [...] has a new book coming out later this week from Luath Press. In The Tree That Bleeds: A Uighur Town on the Edge, Holdstock recounts the story of his year teaching English in Yining, a border town that in 1997 saw an outbreak of violence, and his efforts to discover the truth about what happened there." (The China Beat)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Textures of the Collective Unconscious
Deivis Slavinskas' Contemporary Fine Art
Lively, beautiful and mysterious artworks by Deivis Slavinskas
Textures of the Collective Unconscious
21 June to 15 July
The Gallery
Willesden Library Centre
95 High Road
London
NW10 2SF
They are all outstanding but "Standing Male Figure" and "The Book of Salome" I found particularly striking. Because of their psychological resonances, they are quite at home in the building together with the current exhibition of works by Louis Wain, which is upstairs in the Brent Museum. There are other exhibits in the gallery so all in all it's well worth a visit. Deivis Slavinskas' exhibition is in the main concourse and so can be viewed any time but the gallery room only opens for limited hours from noon (I think). The museum space with the Louis Wain exhibition opens normal hours, see below for more details.
Noël Knowall
Lively, beautiful and mysterious artworks by Deivis Slavinskas
 |
| The Dancer 30x24 cm acrylic on canvas |
21 June to 15 July
The Gallery
Willesden Library Centre
95 High Road
London
NW10 2SF
They are all outstanding but "Standing Male Figure" and "The Book of Salome" I found particularly striking. Because of their psychological resonances, they are quite at home in the building together with the current exhibition of works by Louis Wain, which is upstairs in the Brent Museum. There are other exhibits in the gallery so all in all it's well worth a visit. Deivis Slavinskas' exhibition is in the main concourse and so can be viewed any time but the gallery room only opens for limited hours from noon (I think). The museum space with the Louis Wain exhibition opens normal hours, see below for more details.
Noël Knowall
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Why Is It So Hard (to make it in America)
"Charles Bradley, backed by The Menahan Street Band, performs "Why Is It So Hard" live from Mellow Johnny's Bike Shop in Austin, TX, during KEXP's broadcast at SXSW. Recorded 3/17/2011."
Charles Bradley has got his first recording contract at the age of 62. X-Factor etc eat your little hearts out.
Jacintha
Saturday, June 25, 2011
BBC iPlayer - Glastonbury: 2011: Morrissey
BBC iPlayer - Glastonbury: 2011: Morrissey
"Mark Radcliffe introduces Morrissey's performance from the Pyramid Stage."
Available until: 9:59PM Fri, 1 Jul 2011
First broadcast: BBC Four, 9:00PM Fri, 24 Jun 2011
Duration: 60 minutes
This is top class.
"Mark Radcliffe introduces Morrissey's performance from the Pyramid Stage."
Available until: 9:59PM Fri, 1 Jul 2011
First broadcast: BBC Four, 9:00PM Fri, 24 Jun 2011
Duration: 60 minutes
This is top class.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Willesden Green Architectural Salvage
They have everything you could ever possibly need round the back, including park benches outside in the street (round the corner in Willesden High Road), tempting to try.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Moon River on Google's Les Paul birthday logo
There is now a permanent link to the Google Les Paul guitar logo, which first appeared on what would have been Les Paul's 96th birthday, 9 June 2011.
You can play music on it and it has a Record button as well. Music can be played by typing letters on the keyboard. The top row of letters has been used here, though the row of numbers above it might be better - but some compact keyboards might not have those numbers so easily accessible.
Moon River on Google Les Paul logo
Music by Henry Mancini. Words by Johnny Mercer
q o i
(Moon River,)
u y t r t
(wider than a mile,)
q u y t r t
(I'm crossing you in style)
q w
(some day.)
e q t e
(Oh, dream maker,)
w q t e
(you heart breaker,)
w q e t i u
(wherever you're going)
y u y t y
(i'm going your way.)
t o i
(Two drifters)
u y t r t
(off to see the world-)
q u y t r t
(there's such a lot of world)
q w
(to see.)
e q e t i
(We're after the same)
o i t
(rainbow's end)
u y t r t
(waiting round the bend,)
q u y t r t
(my huckleberry friend,)
q r w
(Moon River)
e q
(and me.)
________________
Bartell Darcy writes:
It seems to be polyphonic for up to three notes together, probably no more because of the technical limitations of what a computer keyboard can signal. Keyboards never ask for more than three keys to be clicked simultaneously, e.g. Ctrl-Alt-Del. Still a lot can be done with the strings and notes available on the Les Paul logo. Here is a way to strum "She's an Artist" by Bob Dylan. It's a "three chord trick" plus a little seventh to spice it up a bit.
The home chord, which I think is E major, will be made by tapping/vamping Q and E together, blam, blam, blam, blam quite quickly. You'll see what rhythm you need, about 8 beats per line but it may be seven with the eighth on the next line, perhaps.
Q+E
She's got everything she needs,
R+Y
she's an artist, she don't look
Q+E
back
Q+E+I
R+Y
She's got everything she needs, she's an artist, she don't look
Q+E
back.
W+T
She can take the dark out of the nighttime or make the daytime
Q+E
black.
(etc.)
_____________________________
Ossian writes:
Here is a Moore's melody for you: "Believe me if all those endearing young charms" by Thomas Moore:
ewqwqq
Believe me if all those
etryui
Endearing young charms
uytrewqwe
Which I gaze on so fondly today
ewqwqq
Were to change by tomorrow
etryui
And fleet in my arms,
uyti ewqwq
Like fairy gifts fading away
tretii
Though would'st still be adored
tyyrii
As this moment thou art
uytrewqwe
Let thy loveliness fade as it will
ewqwqq
And around the dear ruin
etryui
Each wish of my heart
uytie
Would entwine itself
wqwq
Verdantly still.
You can play music on it and it has a Record button as well. Music can be played by typing letters on the keyboard. The top row of letters has been used here, though the row of numbers above it might be better - but some compact keyboards might not have those numbers so easily accessible.
Moon River on Google Les Paul logo
Music by Henry Mancini. Words by Johnny Mercer
q o i
(Moon River,)
u y t r t
(wider than a mile,)
q u y t r t
(I'm crossing you in style)
q w
(some day.)
e q t e
(Oh, dream maker,)
w q t e
(you heart breaker,)
w q e t i u
(wherever you're going)
y u y t y
(i'm going your way.)
t o i
(Two drifters)
u y t r t
(off to see the world-)
q u y t r t
(there's such a lot of world)
q w
(to see.)
e q e t i
(We're after the same)
o i t
(rainbow's end)
u y t r t
(waiting round the bend,)
q u y t r t
(my huckleberry friend,)
q r w
(Moon River)
e q
(and me.)
________________
Bartell Darcy writes:
It seems to be polyphonic for up to three notes together, probably no more because of the technical limitations of what a computer keyboard can signal. Keyboards never ask for more than three keys to be clicked simultaneously, e.g. Ctrl-Alt-Del. Still a lot can be done with the strings and notes available on the Les Paul logo. Here is a way to strum "She's an Artist" by Bob Dylan. It's a "three chord trick" plus a little seventh to spice it up a bit.
The home chord, which I think is E major, will be made by tapping/vamping Q and E together, blam, blam, blam, blam quite quickly. You'll see what rhythm you need, about 8 beats per line but it may be seven with the eighth on the next line, perhaps.
Q+E
She's got everything she needs,
R+Y
she's an artist, she don't look
Q+E
back
Q+E+I
R+Y
She's got everything she needs, she's an artist, she don't look
Q+E
back.
W+T
She can take the dark out of the nighttime or make the daytime
Q+E
black.
(etc.)
_____________________________
Ossian writes:
Here is a Moore's melody for you: "Believe me if all those endearing young charms" by Thomas Moore:
ewqwqq
Believe me if all those
etryui
Endearing young charms
uytrewqwe
Which I gaze on so fondly today
ewqwqq
Were to change by tomorrow
etryui
And fleet in my arms,
uyti ewqwq
Like fairy gifts fading away
tretii
Though would'st still be adored
tyyrii
As this moment thou art
uytrewqwe
Let thy loveliness fade as it will
ewqwqq
And around the dear ruin
etryui
Each wish of my heart
uytie
Would entwine itself
wqwq
Verdantly still.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Wednesday, June 08, 2011
Korea's got talent
Sung-bong Choi faced snobbish laughter when he said he was a manual worker (or did he put it in a deliberately amusing way?) However, his life story was so sad that he gained the sympathy of the audience and the jury. Then he sang, creating a moment very like when Susan Boyle did the same. It's a real tearjerker. He seems a nice chap, deserving of a few bob.
Sunday, June 05, 2011
Obama plugs 'Lost in Transition'
Example of what can be done to encourage new fiction by young writers. Lost in Transition: Stories by transition year, Students from Scoil Chaitriona was helped by Fighting Words (Ireland). Is there a similar project in Britain?
Friday, June 03, 2011
The Art and Mind of Louis Wain at Brent Museum
Communicating Through Cats: The Art and Mind of Louis Wain
"An exhibition of work by Louis Wain (1860-1939), who is best known for his 'humanistic' cat drawings. The show explores how the artist saw the world during a life troubled by tragedy and mental illness. It also looks at how understanding and appreciation of Wain's work has varied over the past 100 years." (Time Out)
Brent Museum (upstairs at Willesden Library Centre)
8 May to 29 October 2011
Free admission
This is a fabulous exhibition of paintings, drawings, illustrations and even some small sculptures or ceramics (his "Futurist" cats) by Louis Wain in the special exhibition centre in the Brent Museum. Contrary to what is said in the publicity it is not ALL cats, there are other marvellous subjects as well. People should be queuing round the block for this but there was nobody there this lunchtime, till a lady came in who agreed that it should be better promoted (not even in the this month's Brent magazine, for example). While we were talking two schoolkids came in to sit in the gallery and chat (no harm in that).
The exhibition has what looks like 50 or more of every kind of work, some quite large, others of more moderate sizes, painted and drawn in various media, e.g. gouache on paper, some sort of paint on mirror glass etc. There are also some books ("Louis Wain annuals") and notes, including a couple of examples of some of his handwritten "secret notes" that are said to fascinate psychologists interested in his mental states. To be fair, the museum has organised a varied series of ten events for schools and families, together with another six or so for adults, all in connection with the exhibition, as well as guided tours. So I'm not sure what more they could do. However, you can do something: go and see it! You can also join in adding special written tags to trays underneath some of the pictures, a selection of which will be published online later.
"The exhibition includes work selected and supplied by Chris Beetles Gallery, St James's, London, and loans from the Bethlem Art and History Collections Trust and the Wellcome Library. A free programme of adult and family events and activities will be running alongside the exhibition. In addition, volunteers will be running lunch-time tours of the exhibition on the last Wednesday of every month, starting at 12pm." (Dates, times and details).
I can't find a copy online of the leaflet listing all the events but you can pick up one at the museum. Louis Wain lived in Kilburn.
Noël Knowall
Thursday, June 02, 2011
Wednesday, June 01, 2011
Small earthquake in Blackpool, major shock for UK's energy policy
Science, News - The Independent
"The process involves pumping millions of gallons of water, mixed with rock-dissolving chemicals, into the earth to unsettle rocks and release the gas trapped there."
Duh, the clue is in the description. When will we ever stop "cutting off the branch we're sitting on"? Earth is our home, stop digging it up, burning it, dissolving it and start protecting it. No?
"The process involves pumping millions of gallons of water, mixed with rock-dissolving chemicals, into the earth to unsettle rocks and release the gas trapped there."
Duh, the clue is in the description. When will we ever stop "cutting off the branch we're sitting on"? Earth is our home, stop digging it up, burning it, dissolving it and start protecting it. No?
Literary competition news
The Frank O'Connor Award long list
Congratulations to all who have been long-listed for the Frank O'Connor international short story award 2011, the world's largest short story prize, and particularly to four of our previous WH short story competition finalists, Jo Cannon, Vanessa Gebbie, Valerie Trueblood and Tom Vowler. They are in the running with the likes of Yiyun Li and Colm Toibín.
Congratulations to all who have been long-listed for the Frank O'Connor international short story award 2011, the world's largest short story prize, and particularly to four of our previous WH short story competition finalists, Jo Cannon, Vanessa Gebbie, Valerie Trueblood and Tom Vowler. They are in the running with the likes of Yiyun Li and Colm Toibín.
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