Thursday, 30 December 2010
Sunday, 19 December 2010
Saturday, 18 December 2010
What a shit day
18.12.2010 - Captain Beefheart died yesterday and I heard this morning and wednesday lost 5-1 at Exeter.
Nothing to do but cry.
"We're matter - the stars are matter - but it doesn't matter."
Rest in Peace Don Van Vliet
Nothing to do but cry.
"We're matter - the stars are matter - but it doesn't matter."
Rest in Peace Don Van Vliet
Wednesday, 15 December 2010
W.E.A. - 2
Well, a major WEA fuck-up today has spurred me on to write something about it.
Use it as a focus for writing about education, politics and post-modernism.
It is incompetent and bureaucratized for a reason. It is not simply an accident.
There is a celebration of anti-education in the WEA - or more precisely an approach to 'education' that guarantees that the receiver of it will never move beyond the formulaic challenges of 'old Marxism'.
My emotional response is very important too - as someone from a working class background who has educated himself via the higher education system, I strongly resent what they are peddling as education. It promotes passivity. It sucks. They are giving this to 'my people' - dumbing down so that the learners can feel 'educated' but not actually challenging anything at all.
The other huge thing is that no-one (??) has written anything that is critical of the WEA - apart from daft Trots and maybe some anarchist groups. Must find something....!
To be continued.........................
Use it as a focus for writing about education, politics and post-modernism.
It is incompetent and bureaucratized for a reason. It is not simply an accident.
There is a celebration of anti-education in the WEA - or more precisely an approach to 'education' that guarantees that the receiver of it will never move beyond the formulaic challenges of 'old Marxism'.
My emotional response is very important too - as someone from a working class background who has educated himself via the higher education system, I strongly resent what they are peddling as education. It promotes passivity. It sucks. They are giving this to 'my people' - dumbing down so that the learners can feel 'educated' but not actually challenging anything at all.
The other huge thing is that no-one (??) has written anything that is critical of the WEA - apart from daft Trots and maybe some anarchist groups. Must find something....!
To be continued.........................
Monday, 13 December 2010
The Workers Educational Association
I've been meaning to write something substantial about my experience of working for the WEA from Sept. 09 to Sept 10 - for some time now. It was an unbelievably draining and disempowering experience.
At first I thought that it was just my immediate colleagues that were the problem but, unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that it is much more widespread than this and possibly includes the whole national organisation.
I did come to the WEA after working in universities for 13 years. This post is just a mapping out for a future piece of writing as I don't have the time to write it now.
1. Introduction - The WEA - aims and objectives, mission and history.
2. Some commentaries - I have seen many and my first thought is that it wil be difficult to find anything substantial that is critical. Look.
3. My experience - on a one year active citizenship project. The discrepancy between the treatment of students/ learners and staff. The incompetence, the lack of education, the muddle-headedness, the pointless and very heavy-handed bureaucracy, the insensitivity, the inverted arrogance of working-class South Yorkshire folk. The stupidity. The intransigence regarding what constitutes a useful educational approach. The anachronism - pre-modern!! The lack of understanding of the contemporary world. The destructiveness of all of this.
4. How has this happened? Something to do with relationship between adult and higher education - inferiority complex, defensive arrogance. The WEA has frozen itself in a time warp and said 'we are right' without any reference to any agency outside the organisation.
Yet it has managed to continue to exist for 105 years! How?
5. Conclusion - the WEA as an unhealthy element in the panoply of adult education providers. A workerist, horny-handed, laughable and anti-education organisation.
Sounds interesting!
At first I thought that it was just my immediate colleagues that were the problem but, unfortunately, I've come to the conclusion that it is much more widespread than this and possibly includes the whole national organisation.
I did come to the WEA after working in universities for 13 years. This post is just a mapping out for a future piece of writing as I don't have the time to write it now.
1. Introduction - The WEA - aims and objectives, mission and history.
2. Some commentaries - I have seen many and my first thought is that it wil be difficult to find anything substantial that is critical. Look.
3. My experience - on a one year active citizenship project. The discrepancy between the treatment of students/ learners and staff. The incompetence, the lack of education, the muddle-headedness, the pointless and very heavy-handed bureaucracy, the insensitivity, the inverted arrogance of working-class South Yorkshire folk. The stupidity. The intransigence regarding what constitutes a useful educational approach. The anachronism - pre-modern!! The lack of understanding of the contemporary world. The destructiveness of all of this.
4. How has this happened? Something to do with relationship between adult and higher education - inferiority complex, defensive arrogance. The WEA has frozen itself in a time warp and said 'we are right' without any reference to any agency outside the organisation.
Yet it has managed to continue to exist for 105 years! How?
5. Conclusion - the WEA as an unhealthy element in the panoply of adult education providers. A workerist, horny-handed, laughable and anti-education organisation.
Sounds interesting!
Sunday, 5 December 2010
it's a new life
Things are happening.
Other Things is up and running with excellent potential.
I have learned some things about love recently.
AND my work situation is the most relaxed since I came to Sheffield in May 09.
And when we have wood-burning stove in basement - I'll be able to work (art) and listen to music at same time....
Bloody 'ell - can life get any better?
Other Things is up and running with excellent potential.
I have learned some things about love recently.
AND my work situation is the most relaxed since I came to Sheffield in May 09.
And when we have wood-burning stove in basement - I'll be able to work (art) and listen to music at same time....
Bloody 'ell - can life get any better?
Tuesday, 28 September 2010
what is it going to take?
To get me into a situation where I am enjoying most of the things that I do?
I am 55 now - so it is my time.
Leaving WEA tomorrow - unbelievably drained and disillusioned by it.
It would be excellent to write something substantial about it. It has been an awful time.
It is up to me to change things.
I am 55 now - so it is my time.
Leaving WEA tomorrow - unbelievably drained and disillusioned by it.
It would be excellent to write something substantial about it. It has been an awful time.
It is up to me to change things.
Monday, 30 August 2010
Monday, 23 August 2010
Human
I am going to be human again very soon.
Blast the WEA!
I will be able to start making incisive comments and taking part in informed discourse in a matter of weeks!!
For the moment, Up the Owls.
Blast the WEA!
I will be able to start making incisive comments and taking part in informed discourse in a matter of weeks!!
For the moment, Up the Owls.
Friday, 25 June 2010
fuckin ell
Had a virus on laptop which prevented me posting And had busiest 3 weeks ever.
phew and fuckin ell.
I'll write when I have some energy...
phew and fuckin ell.
I'll write when I have some energy...
Wednesday, 19 May 2010
recent times
Wednesday (sheff wed.) went down to League One, we have the Tories back in government and I am now 55!
Doing well though.
Doing well though.
a strange interregnum
a quiet, downtime - after the madness and strain of my laptop having (still has) a virus.
Gym was nice - took my time and breathed in there. Burton St Centre has the best gym in the whole world - without exception or doubt.
Looking forward now to the rest of my life.
Phew...........!
Gym was nice - took my time and breathed in there. Burton St Centre has the best gym in the whole world - without exception or doubt.
Looking forward now to the rest of my life.
Phew...........!
Saturday, 15 May 2010
Job Application
The deadline for applications for the post at point Blank was the 30th April.
Not heard a dicky-bird from them.
In that time we have had a general election, a hung parliament, some serious horse-trading between three parties, a decision for a Lib-Con coalition, a new government and Billy Hague has gone to meet Hillary in Washington and Dave Cameron to meet Alex Salmond in Scotland. And, either they haven't shortlisted yet OR they have and they haven't answered my query e-mail from 3 days ago.
What does this tell us about the relative efficiency of government processes and the recruitment practice of a small theatre company?
Dunt matter....or does it?
Not heard a dicky-bird from them.
In that time we have had a general election, a hung parliament, some serious horse-trading between three parties, a decision for a Lib-Con coalition, a new government and Billy Hague has gone to meet Hillary in Washington and Dave Cameron to meet Alex Salmond in Scotland. And, either they haven't shortlisted yet OR they have and they haven't answered my query e-mail from 3 days ago.
What does this tell us about the relative efficiency of government processes and the recruitment practice of a small theatre company?
Dunt matter....or does it?
Monday, 10 May 2010
a prediction
10th May, 3.07pm - Thank you Mr Clegg for delivering a Tory government.
I can only presume that you are too young to remember the last one properly?
I can only presume that you are too young to remember the last one properly?
Monday, 3 May 2010
SWFC
Wednesday are finallly relegated to Div 1 on the last match, last 5 mins of the last match of the season. Bugger! An eventful match and an eventful post-match experience with Wednesday fans going on the rampage.
Nothing to do but look forward to the next season.
Performance idea - use the 'stage' of a snooker match for a show....to be developed (slightly).
Nothing to do but look forward to the next season.
Performance idea - use the 'stage' of a snooker match for a show....to be developed (slightly).
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
today
Right now I am thinking about, and slightly dreading our project staff meeting this afternoon. Dreading because I have a few things to say - constructive things about the rest of the project - but I fear:
1. There will be a defensive reponse;
2. That nothing will happen anyway - business as usual on a bumbling along project.
1. There will be a defensive reponse;
2. That nothing will happen anyway - business as usual on a bumbling along project.
Wednesday, 21 April 2010
yesterday
James Y in Birmingham left me with a parting shot - "What is the opposite of toxic shock syndrome?" It was in response to me saying that I felt revatilized by the (expensive) peach and mint drink that I'd just had in a cafe on New Street. So, what is the opposite of toxic shock syndrome?
The online Cambridge dictionary doesn't have an entry for toxic shock syndrome, nor one for 'toxic shock', so 'toxic' is: poisonous and unpleasant, 'shock' is: surprise and damaging effect.
'Syndrome' is: a combination of medical problems that commonly go together, which might show the existence of a particular disease or mental condition.
Opposite (and I have some Derridean-inspired resistance to dichotomize in this way) might be:
"Revitalizing, pleasurable, expected and nourishing health boost." OR
Pleasant nourishing sense of well being...
Mmmmmm - not too satisfied with this.
The online Cambridge dictionary doesn't have an entry for toxic shock syndrome, nor one for 'toxic shock', so 'toxic' is: poisonous and unpleasant, 'shock' is: surprise and damaging effect.
'Syndrome' is: a combination of medical problems that commonly go together, which might show the existence of a particular disease or mental condition.
Opposite (and I have some Derridean-inspired resistance to dichotomize in this way) might be:
"Revitalizing, pleasurable, expected and nourishing health boost." OR
Pleasant nourishing sense of well being...
Mmmmmm - not too satisfied with this.
Sunday, 4 April 2010
post-show
It happened - we finally did it. The first show of Other Things - but definitely not the last.
Only seven people turned up - Brenda, Matthew, Lucy and Rachel, Carol and Peter and Anthony.
I really hadn't anticipated so few people.
Then, it was going well and Stephen got to the last monologue - the Theatre one. Going well, and then he left something out!!! He tried to recover but it wasn't working, so he said 'Sorry, I'm going to start again', He recovered amazingly.
Things I am learning:
1. Other Things is about liberation.
2. Persuade Stephen (with others) that it doesn't have to be word perfect etc.
3. Let's play with the group - have fun.
4. Let's never use Walkley Community Centre again (they were fixing the heating just as the show was about to start)
5. Find a way to find 4/5 new performers....
Lucy taught me something about love yesterday....and not anger...
Only seven people turned up - Brenda, Matthew, Lucy and Rachel, Carol and Peter and Anthony.
I really hadn't anticipated so few people.
Then, it was going well and Stephen got to the last monologue - the Theatre one. Going well, and then he left something out!!! He tried to recover but it wasn't working, so he said 'Sorry, I'm going to start again', He recovered amazingly.
Things I am learning:
1. Other Things is about liberation.
2. Persuade Stephen (with others) that it doesn't have to be word perfect etc.
3. Let's play with the group - have fun.
4. Let's never use Walkley Community Centre again (they were fixing the heating just as the show was about to start)
5. Find a way to find 4/5 new performers....
Lucy taught me something about love yesterday....and not anger...
Saturday, 3 April 2010
show today
It's the day of our show - and I am more nervous than if I was performing myself.
Stephen had a few very wobbly moments in the last rehearsal yesterday - things that have never happened before....! Seemed to fit the stereotype of the last rehearsal - getting all the last bits of problems out. But let's see what happens tonight.
I'l be very relaxed by 9pm this evening.
Is it worth it?
Stephen had a few very wobbly moments in the last rehearsal yesterday - things that have never happened before....! Seemed to fit the stereotype of the last rehearsal - getting all the last bits of problems out. But let's see what happens tonight.
I'l be very relaxed by 9pm this evening.
Is it worth it?
Tuesday, 30 March 2010
mmmmmmmm
Of my draft article, Performance & Politics, Gary H wrote: "The main things is you don't have an argumentative structure. You need to frame this much more. What is the overall argument you are trying to make? Once you've got that, then that will guide your analysis and the examples you use." AND: "Your argument needs to be driving this, not your life biography. But I don't know what your argument is. If it's about the political possibilities of experimental theatre, then you need to engage with the scholarship on those subjects, and let that structure your analysis - not just restrict your analysis to examples that you have personally experienced."
I guess he's right.
I guess he's right.
Sunday, 28 March 2010
today
It's Sunday - and a very relaxing one too.
I am becoming a human being after just two days of not working.
Rehearsed yesterday for the last time in our house and for the first time with Helen present. Her presence was benevolent and benign - a good thing!
Going round to mum and dad's later to give them H's Hong Kong presents and to pick up a camera to computer connection. My dad warned me that they will be watching Dancing on Ice all night.
Goodnight blog - 6.05pm, 28.3.10
I am becoming a human being after just two days of not working.
Rehearsed yesterday for the last time in our house and for the first time with Helen present. Her presence was benevolent and benign - a good thing!
Going round to mum and dad's later to give them H's Hong Kong presents and to pick up a camera to computer connection. My dad warned me that they will be watching Dancing on Ice all night.
Goodnight blog - 6.05pm, 28.3.10
Friday, 26 March 2010
well...
I could be coming out of the most down periods I have had for a while.
That would be great. Work has completely got the better of me - for all sorts of reasons, some of them nothing to do with me whatsoever (incompetence and disorganization) and others to do with my distress patterns.
Here's to my holiday for 10 whole days!
end of starship blog - 26.3.2010
That would be great. Work has completely got the better of me - for all sorts of reasons, some of them nothing to do with me whatsoever (incompetence and disorganization) and others to do with my distress patterns.
Here's to my holiday for 10 whole days!
end of starship blog - 26.3.2010
Monday, 22 March 2010
frustration
MMMMmmmm - things are not quite right.
Spending so much time doing crap and so little time doing what I want.
So little time in fact that I forget what is important.
Get caught up with the crap.
Jonathan Richman is helping to remind me - 'The Lovers are here and they are full of sweat.' I can always count on him.
End of 4th blog - 4.55pm, 22.3.2010
p.s. everything to play for.
Spending so much time doing crap and so little time doing what I want.
So little time in fact that I forget what is important.
Get caught up with the crap.
Jonathan Richman is helping to remind me - 'The Lovers are here and they are full of sweat.' I can always count on him.
End of 4th blog - 4.55pm, 22.3.2010
p.s. everything to play for.
Sunday, 21 March 2010
rehearsal
I'm feeling a lot better. Just had a really good rehearsal with Stephen - some of it in the garden for the first time. It went really well and I re-connected with what is good about our show. I have asked Helen to get involved in the last 3 (ish) rehearsals. She will bring something different - something that we don't have.
I am looking forward to it now - I feel a sense of ownership again and I think that Stephen does too. I will still be nervous though.
A future for Other Things?
End of blog, 4.09pm, 21.3.2010
I am looking forward to it now - I feel a sense of ownership again and I think that Stephen does too. I will still be nervous though.
A future for Other Things?
End of blog, 4.09pm, 21.3.2010
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Friday, 19 March 2010
my first blog
My first blog ever.
What to write?
Well, we (Other Things, my new performance group in Sheffield) have a first show - Stephen's Stories at Walkley Community Centre, Fir St, S6, 7.45pm, 3rd April 2010, £3.
Our first ever show of a new performance group. Everything seems to be new.
Just in case you were wondering - PLEASE DON'T confuse me with that other (younger) Paul Allender, the guitarist of the Cradle of Filth - PLEASE, no connection whatsoever.
First blog over - 19.3.2010, 4.55pm
What to write?
Well, we (Other Things, my new performance group in Sheffield) have a first show - Stephen's Stories at Walkley Community Centre, Fir St, S6, 7.45pm, 3rd April 2010, £3.
Our first ever show of a new performance group. Everything seems to be new.
Just in case you were wondering - PLEASE DON'T confuse me with that other (younger) Paul Allender, the guitarist of the Cradle of Filth - PLEASE, no connection whatsoever.
First blog over - 19.3.2010, 4.55pm
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