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Tuesday 21 June 2011
Monday 13 June 2011
Walking for Blind Heros
Two years ago the first Seaside Saunter took place on a lovely sunny day. A lovely walk along the seafront in Brighton followed by refreshments on the lawn between a lovely band and various stalls and activities. Oh how different today's event was, all due to the poxy English weather. Too windy for the marquee, the band had to be cancelled and the walk was more of an endurance event than a pleasant stroll. Still a small band of dedicated walkers turned out and walked, ate the cake and drank the tea.
Putting that moan into perspective the Saunter co-incided with a much more ambitious event, 100km walk from London to Brighton. About 200 walkers including Maureen Smith from the HR dept of St Dunstan's set off from Richmond yesterday. Quite a number were unable to complete the whole route, but not Maureen. Just to put this distance into perspective, its like two marathons with a 10 miler between them ALL ON THE SAME DAY. There were some very sore feet and legs holding up very tired bodies arriving at Ovingdean on Sunday.
Putting that moan into perspective the Saunter co-incided with a much more ambitious event, 100km walk from London to Brighton. About 200 walkers including Maureen Smith from the HR dept of St Dunstan's set off from Richmond yesterday. Quite a number were unable to complete the whole route, but not Maureen. Just to put this distance into perspective, its like two marathons with a 10 miler between them ALL ON THE SAME DAY. There were some very sore feet and legs holding up very tired bodies arriving at Ovingdean on Sunday.
Sunday 5 June 2011
The murder victim's Penelope Pitstop
I bought this book not expecting a great literary work and I was not disappointed on that score. Predictable holiday page turner. The sort of book I would love to be able to write myself.
I hadn't thought I was a Prude
I met a lovely lady in the queue for Howard Jacobson's autograph at Hay and we got talking (as you do at Hay) about books we were reading. I admitted rather shamefully that I bought this book along with a copy of Patricia Cornwell's Port Mortuary on a two for £7.99 deal at Sainsbury's in Hereford as I couldn't go any further than page 411 (of 728) of Orhan Pamuk's The Museum of Innocence. I still haven't finished that one as my new friend advised me that nothing ever does happen.
I've read Val McDermid in the past and enjoyed her storytelling and plot construction but the back story of this one left me wondering whether I was a bit prudish about lesbianism. It seemed a little to me to have so much incidental reference to gay issues as to make it read like a 'recently emerged from the closet' work. And, for me, those references added nothing to what was exactly the escape into a world of intrigue and problem solving I was looking for.
In conclusion I can say is that a lot happens in this book, and I finished it within 36 hours of purchase.
I've read Val McDermid in the past and enjoyed her storytelling and plot construction but the back story of this one left me wondering whether I was a bit prudish about lesbianism. It seemed a little to me to have so much incidental reference to gay issues as to make it read like a 'recently emerged from the closet' work. And, for me, those references added nothing to what was exactly the escape into a world of intrigue and problem solving I was looking for.
In conclusion I can say is that a lot happens in this book, and I finished it within 36 hours of purchase.
Saturday 4 June 2011
Early Start - Late Finish. A busy day at Hay
Rolf Heuer talks to John Snow
One of the advantages of booking lots of tickets a long time before an event is that by the time you get there you have forgotten what you are about to enjoy (or endure). I had forgotten completely who Rolf Heuer but was looking forward to John Snow anyway. As soon as the event started I knew I'd picked a winner. Heuer is the Director-General of CERN in Switzerland and gave a lively and interesting view of the LHC (large Hadron collider) which may not be what anyone was expecting from a German particle physicist. I particularly enjoyed the way he dealt with fatuous questions from the audience. One being the suggestion that there was some connection between the LHC and the earthquake in Japan, there isn't. Another asked if he went to church, dismissed as a personal question and a third regarding religion that I can't recall fully but was introduced as 'it being Sunday' although it wasn't.
Mansoura Ez Eldin, Kamel Riahi and Youseff Rakha talke to Ariane Koek
It wasn't clear until we got into the tent whether the three writers were in Hay or in Cairo. We were given radio headsets with instructions about which channel to tune into and told that the event was broadcast from Egypt in Arabic with English simultaneous translation. This technological element was challenging for the volunteer stewards who I suspect would have been much more comfortable explaining how a deck chair is erected.
Once we were in the tent we discovered the three writers were there in person along with the interviewer. Youseff Rakha is fluent in English and Arabic and his parts of the event were interesting and informative. The other two writers were not sufficiently confident with English to answer questions and made use of the translator who sat in a little black shed to the left of the stage. Unfortunately the translation didn't seem very good as his translation was very much shorter than the material he was translating even though he had quite a pronounced stammer. I suspect it was rather a disappointing event for the three writers and they may well have concluded that their English would have been a more effective tool with which to engage with the audience.
Howard Jacobson - The Finkler Question
At the other end of the communication spectrum came Howard Jacobson. Winning the Booker Prize after a writing career spanning many years was obviously greatly appreciated, and quite rightly so. He read a very moving extract from the book which I understand (from a comment he made at the book signing afterwards) that he added extra sentences in for this performance. It hadn't ever occurred to me that a writer might do that, of course they have every right to do so as it's their own words they are playing fast and loose with.
Jacobson describes himself as the male Jane Austen and prefers the 19th century novel to those of the 20th century, particularly Dickens although he made an exception for Lawrence. I agreed up to this point as I find Lawrence a bit boring but will give Sons and Lovers another go, but how could anyone not like Graham Greene?
There was a very long queue for the book signing and it gave the opportunity to chat to some lovely people. There isn't very much interaction between visitors to Hay which is a pity as the people I did get to speak to were quite charming, particularly the lady who agreed with me that more or less 'nothing happens' in a book we had both read recently.
Philip Pullman - The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ
The length of the queue for Howard Jacobson's signature made me a bit late for this so I missed the beginning and had to sit on the side quite a long way back.
A much more serious man than other writers at Hay, even the scientific ones. The way he expresses himself suggests to me that he is rather less concerned about whether readers agree with, or like him, than many other writers. Thoughtful and outspoken Pullman strikes me as a man with integrity happy to share his views and opinions which some people find radical.
David Wengrow - What Makes Civilization
This was quite scholarly and intense for a late evening session. In common with many academics Wengrow was publicly scathing of rival historians and commented that he had no 'killer apps'. You certainly got the impression that history on TV is not for the serious.
However his lecture, it was a lecture, was very interesting and contradicted some of the received wisdom of European preferences.
One of the advantages of booking lots of tickets a long time before an event is that by the time you get there you have forgotten what you are about to enjoy (or endure). I had forgotten completely who Rolf Heuer but was looking forward to John Snow anyway. As soon as the event started I knew I'd picked a winner. Heuer is the Director-General of CERN in Switzerland and gave a lively and interesting view of the LHC (large Hadron collider) which may not be what anyone was expecting from a German particle physicist. I particularly enjoyed the way he dealt with fatuous questions from the audience. One being the suggestion that there was some connection between the LHC and the earthquake in Japan, there isn't. Another asked if he went to church, dismissed as a personal question and a third regarding religion that I can't recall fully but was introduced as 'it being Sunday' although it wasn't.
Mansoura Ez Eldin, Kamel Riahi and Youseff Rakha talke to Ariane Koek
It wasn't clear until we got into the tent whether the three writers were in Hay or in Cairo. We were given radio headsets with instructions about which channel to tune into and told that the event was broadcast from Egypt in Arabic with English simultaneous translation. This technological element was challenging for the volunteer stewards who I suspect would have been much more comfortable explaining how a deck chair is erected.
Once we were in the tent we discovered the three writers were there in person along with the interviewer. Youseff Rakha is fluent in English and Arabic and his parts of the event were interesting and informative. The other two writers were not sufficiently confident with English to answer questions and made use of the translator who sat in a little black shed to the left of the stage. Unfortunately the translation didn't seem very good as his translation was very much shorter than the material he was translating even though he had quite a pronounced stammer. I suspect it was rather a disappointing event for the three writers and they may well have concluded that their English would have been a more effective tool with which to engage with the audience.
Howard Jacobson - The Finkler Question
At the other end of the communication spectrum came Howard Jacobson. Winning the Booker Prize after a writing career spanning many years was obviously greatly appreciated, and quite rightly so. He read a very moving extract from the book which I understand (from a comment he made at the book signing afterwards) that he added extra sentences in for this performance. It hadn't ever occurred to me that a writer might do that, of course they have every right to do so as it's their own words they are playing fast and loose with.
Jacobson describes himself as the male Jane Austen and prefers the 19th century novel to those of the 20th century, particularly Dickens although he made an exception for Lawrence. I agreed up to this point as I find Lawrence a bit boring but will give Sons and Lovers another go, but how could anyone not like Graham Greene?
There was a very long queue for the book signing and it gave the opportunity to chat to some lovely people. There isn't very much interaction between visitors to Hay which is a pity as the people I did get to speak to were quite charming, particularly the lady who agreed with me that more or less 'nothing happens' in a book we had both read recently.
Philip Pullman - The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ
The length of the queue for Howard Jacobson's signature made me a bit late for this so I missed the beginning and had to sit on the side quite a long way back.
A much more serious man than other writers at Hay, even the scientific ones. The way he expresses himself suggests to me that he is rather less concerned about whether readers agree with, or like him, than many other writers. Thoughtful and outspoken Pullman strikes me as a man with integrity happy to share his views and opinions which some people find radical.
David Wengrow - What Makes Civilization
This was quite scholarly and intense for a late evening session. In common with many academics Wengrow was publicly scathing of rival historians and commented that he had no 'killer apps'. You certainly got the impression that history on TV is not for the serious.
However his lecture, it was a lecture, was very interesting and contradicted some of the received wisdom of European preferences.
A Little War - a Lot of Fiction
David Edgerton - Britain's War Machine
Received wisdom of much WWII history is challenged and compelling evidence is brought to support the position taken in this interesting work that confronts the common myth of Britain as the 'plucky underdog' coming from behind and triumphing, against all odds, over an unstoppable enemy.
Official government documents show that imports of fuel doubled during the war, imports of meat reduced by 25%, not the 50% commonly quoted and many foodstuffs were not rationed at all. Workers in war effort industries were provided with canteens where all food supplied was off rations. Food to the armed forces was not subject to any rationing. A similar picture is painted about the military supplies of hardware including tanks, rifles, aircraft etc. The idea that everything was left behind on the beaches at Dunkirk is not supported by the evidence offered by Edgerton.
A member of the audience asked about the colonial troops, all volunteers, including 2 million from India. - It may be just about time to attempt a more objective point of view about WWII and this book seems to be attempting that. Official history written in the late 40's doesn't really include the colonial troops and I speculate that this may be the source of some of the xenophobia and anti immigrant attitudes of some Britons.
Phil Rickman - Midwinter of the Spirit
Not really the type of book I would usually chose but I might just give it a go after hearing the author speak about it and do a reading.
Belinda Bauer - Darkside
Her second novel following the fantastic success of Blacklands
which I enjoyed very much. I've pre-ordered this from Amazon as its not yet out in paperback.
Obviously the part where she actually wrote the first book required much more than luck but Belinda Bauer described how she had been astonishingly lucky to get an agent and a 2 book deal following her entry into a literary competition (that she didn't win). Then some duffer in the audience asked a very long winded statement that eventually turned into a question about how to self publish - you wonder why some people bother to maintain their ears.
Elly Griffiths - The Crossing Places
A rather un-Haylike welcome bit of glamour under canvas was provided by Elly Griffiths who's real name is Domenica de Rosa and she uses this name for another genre of her writing.
Alexander McCall Smith - The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
Interviewed by Anne Robinson who called him what sounded like Sandy throughout the interview although never gave any explanation for this. A very funny man who must be a nightmare to interview as its not clear where the line is between truth and comedy. He apparently quite seriously suggested that pushy mothers are a serious problem in Glasgow. Anne Robinson's deadpan delivery was a peculiar foil for this rather mercurial character. Fortunately she didn't (or couldn't) overshadow him.
Received wisdom of much WWII history is challenged and compelling evidence is brought to support the position taken in this interesting work that confronts the common myth of Britain as the 'plucky underdog' coming from behind and triumphing, against all odds, over an unstoppable enemy.
Official government documents show that imports of fuel doubled during the war, imports of meat reduced by 25%, not the 50% commonly quoted and many foodstuffs were not rationed at all. Workers in war effort industries were provided with canteens where all food supplied was off rations. Food to the armed forces was not subject to any rationing. A similar picture is painted about the military supplies of hardware including tanks, rifles, aircraft etc. The idea that everything was left behind on the beaches at Dunkirk is not supported by the evidence offered by Edgerton.
A member of the audience asked about the colonial troops, all volunteers, including 2 million from India. - It may be just about time to attempt a more objective point of view about WWII and this book seems to be attempting that. Official history written in the late 40's doesn't really include the colonial troops and I speculate that this may be the source of some of the xenophobia and anti immigrant attitudes of some Britons.
Phil Rickman - Midwinter of the Spirit
Not really the type of book I would usually chose but I might just give it a go after hearing the author speak about it and do a reading.
Belinda Bauer - Darkside
Her second novel following the fantastic success of Blacklands
which I enjoyed very much. I've pre-ordered this from Amazon as its not yet out in paperback.Obviously the part where she actually wrote the first book required much more than luck but Belinda Bauer described how she had been astonishingly lucky to get an agent and a 2 book deal following her entry into a literary competition (that she didn't win). Then some duffer in the audience asked a very long winded statement that eventually turned into a question about how to self publish - you wonder why some people bother to maintain their ears.
Elly Griffiths - The Crossing Places
A rather un-Haylike welcome bit of glamour under canvas was provided by Elly Griffiths who's real name is Domenica de Rosa and she uses this name for another genre of her writing.
Alexander McCall Smith - The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
Interviewed by Anne Robinson who called him what sounded like Sandy throughout the interview although never gave any explanation for this. A very funny man who must be a nightmare to interview as its not clear where the line is between truth and comedy. He apparently quite seriously suggested that pushy mothers are a serious problem in Glasgow. Anne Robinson's deadpan delivery was a peculiar foil for this rather mercurial character. Fortunately she didn't (or couldn't) overshadow him.
Thursday 2 June 2011
Dan Cruikshank to Dara O'Briain via Some Science
Dan Cruikshank is a secret British treasure. His delivery is idiosyncratic to say the least but his enthusiasm for architecture is so infectious he could take you on a journey through the sheds of Birmingham and it would probably be enthralling.
Favourite quote of the event 'is anyone in control of this?' he seemed happy to just keep on talking although the stewards did shut him up after the allotted 60 minutes.
In an utterly charming way he pointed out that although there are great houses open to the public such as Blenheim, Petworth, Chatsworth, there are also great houses of architectural merit that face possible demolition to make way for new houses unless individuals or organisations of means step in with viable plans to save them. He made an interesting point about how the separation of great houses from their land, a not uncommon practice, can decrease the likelihood of saving the house in the medium or long term.
Incoming! Or, Why We Should Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Meteorite - Ted Nield
The science one is fed on TV and in the popular press really has a lot to answer for in creating widespread hysteria and panelic theory. Relax, the likelihood of another event that might cause mass extinction as happened 65 million years ago is really very very remote. To do that much damage it needs to be in conjunction with another major cataclysmic even such as long term, and massive,. volcanic eruption.
It makes me wish I had paid more attention at school when I realise the directions open to those who do. The science profs at Hay are fascinating and thought provoking, the major appeal being in their supporting their theories with evidence and reasoning.
Ted Neild brought along a large lump of meteorite that had been sent to him in the post. I will always regret not having asked if I could have a go of it as I'm sure he would have agreed. maybe next time. We booked this one at the last minute because there was a big gap between events and it turned out to be one of my favourites.
Peter Atkins - On Being A Scientist’s Exploration of the Great Questions of Existence.
Another Oxford don provides a though provoking presentation arguing that scientific reasoning can be used to answer any question including those most difficult questions about existence and religion. Once again the audience audience questions illustrated how ignorant people can be. He asked Atkins to use his method to explain altruistic love which of course posed no problem to the don but did make the inquisitor look a bit foolish. There seems little point in attempting to crush many years of argument practice by the application of a spot of Daily Mail bravado. I suppose I should admire those who have the nerve to ask such fatuous questions but I do feel that better value for money would be had by extending the speaking elements of the events and shortening the time available for questions.
Dara O'Briain - was very funny.
Favourite quote of the event 'is anyone in control of this?' he seemed happy to just keep on talking although the stewards did shut him up after the allotted 60 minutes.
In an utterly charming way he pointed out that although there are great houses open to the public such as Blenheim, Petworth, Chatsworth, there are also great houses of architectural merit that face possible demolition to make way for new houses unless individuals or organisations of means step in with viable plans to save them. He made an interesting point about how the separation of great houses from their land, a not uncommon practice, can decrease the likelihood of saving the house in the medium or long term.
Incoming! Or, Why We Should Stop Worrying and Learn to Love the Meteorite - Ted Nield
The science one is fed on TV and in the popular press really has a lot to answer for in creating widespread hysteria and panelic theory. Relax, the likelihood of another event that might cause mass extinction as happened 65 million years ago is really very very remote. To do that much damage it needs to be in conjunction with another major cataclysmic even such as long term, and massive,. volcanic eruption.
It makes me wish I had paid more attention at school when I realise the directions open to those who do. The science profs at Hay are fascinating and thought provoking, the major appeal being in their supporting their theories with evidence and reasoning.
Ted Neild brought along a large lump of meteorite that had been sent to him in the post. I will always regret not having asked if I could have a go of it as I'm sure he would have agreed. maybe next time. We booked this one at the last minute because there was a big gap between events and it turned out to be one of my favourites.
Peter Atkins - On Being A Scientist’s Exploration of the Great Questions of Existence.
Another Oxford don provides a though provoking presentation arguing that scientific reasoning can be used to answer any question including those most difficult questions about existence and religion. Once again the audience audience questions illustrated how ignorant people can be. He asked Atkins to use his method to explain altruistic love which of course posed no problem to the don but did make the inquisitor look a bit foolish. There seems little point in attempting to crush many years of argument practice by the application of a spot of Daily Mail bravado. I suppose I should admire those who have the nerve to ask such fatuous questions but I do feel that better value for money would be had by extending the speaking elements of the events and shortening the time available for questions.
Dara O'Briain - was very funny.
Wednesday 1 June 2011
There had to be one duffer
Michael Brooks - 13 Things That Don't Make Sense
An insect crawled up the right leg of my trousers at the beginning of this event and rather annoyingly bit me so I was slightly distracted for a few mins.
Not sure I agree with him on the Free Will thing but his argument that sexual reproduction is not very efficient seemed to make sense. And he had some very interesting thoughts on the placebo effect.
Roy Hattersley - David Lloyd George: The Great Outsider
The main argument seemed to be that public opinion about Lloyd George is so clouded by the consequences of the flaws in his character that he is generally not remembered for the few but significant ways in which he influenced British society. Apparently he was responsible for the National Insurance Bill that introduced old age pensions to Britain and was the forerunner of the NHS and Social Security payments.
He also argued that social mobility was starting to be seen in British politics an argument with which Adrian strongly disagrees. I need to examine the evidence before making up my mind.
We were in agreement on this shambles and so too were some other members of the audience who muttered as much as we left the Elmlea tent. I booked for this event because of my interest in the subject but tragically, in my opinion, the cause of reducing the working week will be hindered rather than helped by this bunch. Enough said.
An insect crawled up the right leg of my trousers at the beginning of this event and rather annoyingly bit me so I was slightly distracted for a few mins.
Not sure I agree with him on the Free Will thing but his argument that sexual reproduction is not very efficient seemed to make sense. And he had some very interesting thoughts on the placebo effect.
Roy Hattersley - David Lloyd George: The Great Outsider
The main argument seemed to be that public opinion about Lloyd George is so clouded by the consequences of the flaws in his character that he is generally not remembered for the few but significant ways in which he influenced British society. Apparently he was responsible for the National Insurance Bill that introduced old age pensions to Britain and was the forerunner of the NHS and Social Security payments.
He also argued that social mobility was starting to be seen in British politics an argument with which Adrian strongly disagrees. I need to examine the evidence before making up my mind.
NEF DEBATE 3: WHAT IF A 21-HOUR WORKING WEEK BECAME THE NORM?
We were in agreement on this shambles and so too were some other members of the audience who muttered as much as we left the Elmlea tent. I booked for this event because of my interest in the subject but tragically, in my opinion, the cause of reducing the working week will be hindered rather than helped by this bunch. Enough said.
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