Tim Atkinson's Blog, page 30
January 27, 2017
Interesting times...
It's Holocaust Memorial Day today.
We live in 'interesting times' as the (alleged) Chinese curse would have it - walls built, people condemned for what - not who - they are. Nationalistic drawbridges drawn up. Hatred.
We've been there before. In living memory (just). I'm sure the 1930's were 'interesting times' for those old enough to live through them. And lucky enough to survive them.
I was stopped in my tracks this morning by a song I'd never heard before, from a composer I'd never heard of. Adolf Strauss was a Jewish inmate of Terezin; this poignant song - Ich weiss bestimmt, ich werd Dich wiedersehen (I know I will see you again) was written weeks before he was killed in Auschwitz.
If you do nothing else to mark the day, do this. Have a listen. (It's the first song).
We live in 'interesting times' as the (alleged) Chinese curse would have it - walls built, people condemned for what - not who - they are. Nationalistic drawbridges drawn up. Hatred.
We've been there before. In living memory (just). I'm sure the 1930's were 'interesting times' for those old enough to live through them. And lucky enough to survive them.
I was stopped in my tracks this morning by a song I'd never heard before, from a composer I'd never heard of. Adolf Strauss was a Jewish inmate of Terezin; this poignant song - Ich weiss bestimmt, ich werd Dich wiedersehen (I know I will see you again) was written weeks before he was killed in Auschwitz.
If you do nothing else to mark the day, do this. Have a listen. (It's the first song).
January 18, 2017
Winnie the Pooh
It's Winnie the Pooh day - or, the day on which (in 1882) the author of the eponymous tales A.A.Milne was born. Here he is, looking very typically author-ish:
Which can't have been his normal pose, can it? I mean, Winnie the Pooh - as well as being such utterly charming, captivating children's literature - contains in such a little space so much love and fun and wisdom that I can't imagine A.A.Milne as anything other than a sort of cross between Peter Pan, Lewis Carroll and Plato. And a lot more fun than Plato.
So, let's raise a jar (of honey) and remember some of his best lines, shall we?
Have you got a favourite Winnie-the-Pooh quote?
Which can't have been his normal pose, can it? I mean, Winnie the Pooh - as well as being such utterly charming, captivating children's literature - contains in such a little space so much love and fun and wisdom that I can't imagine A.A.Milne as anything other than a sort of cross between Peter Pan, Lewis Carroll and Plato. And a lot more fun than Plato.
So, let's raise a jar (of honey) and remember some of his best lines, shall we?
Have you got a favourite Winnie-the-Pooh quote?
January 3, 2017
Love the Sales?
It's that time again, and if you love the sales you'll love Love the Sales - the site that brings the best bargains from all the big names, brands and stores together and where every day is sale day.
Here are a just a few examples of their current largesse:
Up to 75% off in the boys clothing sale
Beauty products, many over 50% off
Up to 80&% off top mens clothing brands
And that's just for starters. The site is full of all manner of things from electronics, household goods, furniture, outdoor goods as well as a clothing range no High Street store could ever stock. And all to be browsed from the comfort of your own home.
I have a confession. I hate sale shopping. (I don't much like non-sale shopping if truth be told!) But I love a bargain. So sites like Love the Sales are my idea of heaven - all the discount, none of the discontent.
See you at the (Love the) Sales!
This is a sponsored post
Here are a just a few examples of their current largesse:
Up to 75% off in the boys clothing sale
Beauty products, many over 50% off
Up to 80&% off top mens clothing brands
And that's just for starters. The site is full of all manner of things from electronics, household goods, furniture, outdoor goods as well as a clothing range no High Street store could ever stock. And all to be browsed from the comfort of your own home.
I have a confession. I hate sale shopping. (I don't much like non-sale shopping if truth be told!) But I love a bargain. So sites like Love the Sales are my idea of heaven - all the discount, none of the discontent.
See you at the (Love the) Sales!
This is a sponsored post
December 15, 2016
The cup that cheers
It's International Tea Day. No, I didn't know there was such a thing, either. But now I do it occurs to me, sitting here sipping my morning cuppa, that the humble char is actually quite significant. As an emblem of Britishness.
Our love of tea virtually defines us. We drink gallons of the stuff. There's a song about 'stopping for tea' and the tea-break has been a source of comfort to workers and strife for employers for centuries.
But that blend of leaves infused in boiling water is a lot less British than you think. Tea can be 'China' or 'Indian' yet grown in Sri Lanka or Kenya. There's not a lot British about that!
Or is there? Because at the end of the day that's what defines us as a nation, isn't it? Whether it's language (those terms like entrepreneur that the French haven't got a word for Mr President) or saints (Google St George if you don't know where he came from) or clothes or food (our national dish? chicken tikka masala, apparently) we seem to specialise in taking what's best from other cultures and celebrating and assimilating it.
We don't threaten to build walls. That was the Romans. (Ok, we voted Brexit but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that was about Brussels bureaucracy than bolstering our borders.)
Britain traditionally seems to have made a virtue of diversity, not unity.
And long may it continue.
Cheers!
Our love of tea virtually defines us. We drink gallons of the stuff. There's a song about 'stopping for tea' and the tea-break has been a source of comfort to workers and strife for employers for centuries.
But that blend of leaves infused in boiling water is a lot less British than you think. Tea can be 'China' or 'Indian' yet grown in Sri Lanka or Kenya. There's not a lot British about that!
Or is there? Because at the end of the day that's what defines us as a nation, isn't it? Whether it's language (those terms like entrepreneur that the French haven't got a word for Mr President) or saints (Google St George if you don't know where he came from) or clothes or food (our national dish? chicken tikka masala, apparently) we seem to specialise in taking what's best from other cultures and celebrating and assimilating it.
We don't threaten to build walls. That was the Romans. (Ok, we voted Brexit but I'm still keeping my fingers crossed that was about Brussels bureaucracy than bolstering our borders.)
Britain traditionally seems to have made a virtue of diversity, not unity.
And long may it continue.
Cheers!
December 14, 2016
Cheers!
It's International Tea Day. No, I didn't know there was such a thing, either. But it occurs to me, sitting here sipping my morning cuppa, that the humble char is actually quite significant. As an emblem of Britishness.
Our love of tea virtually defines us. We drink gallons of the stuff. There's a song about 'stopping for tea' and the tea-break has been a source of comfort to workers and strife for employers for centuries.
But that blend of leaves infused in boiling water can be China or Indian and grown in Sri Lanka or Kenya. There's not a lot that's British about it.
Or is there? Because at the end of the day that's what defines us as a nation, isn't it? Whether it's language (those terms like entrepreneur that the French haven't got a word for Mr President) or saints (Google St George if you don't know where he came from) or clothes or food (our national dish - chicken tikka masala, apparently).
Britain seems to make a virtue of diversity, not unity. Long may it continue. Cheers!
Our love of tea virtually defines us. We drink gallons of the stuff. There's a song about 'stopping for tea' and the tea-break has been a source of comfort to workers and strife for employers for centuries.
But that blend of leaves infused in boiling water can be China or Indian and grown in Sri Lanka or Kenya. There's not a lot that's British about it.
Or is there? Because at the end of the day that's what defines us as a nation, isn't it? Whether it's language (those terms like entrepreneur that the French haven't got a word for Mr President) or saints (Google St George if you don't know where he came from) or clothes or food (our national dish - chicken tikka masala, apparently).
Britain seems to make a virtue of diversity, not unity. Long may it continue. Cheers!
December 13, 2016
Christmas book review
I do love small presses. They take risks. They bring things out that aren't just tired re-workings of an old 'success'. And one of my favourites at the moment is the excellent Valley Press. Based in Scarborough, Valley has brought out a wonderfully diverse range of poetry and prose over the past year, including this fabulously funny poetry collection - Lucky Dip by Catherine Boddy. If your copy of Roald Dahl's Revolting Rhymes is looking tired and if the kids can recite A.A.Milne's 'Now We Are Six' from memory, get them this as a stocking-filler.
I've been teaching Classics this term, as in epic poems from the classical era. I've been teaching myself first, then the class. And it's worked largely because I've found two wonderfully fresh and vivid translations of first the Iliad, then the Aeneid, both by the late Robert Fagles. They're not the 'set texts' as prescribed by the exam board. So (obviously) we've been studying the 'boring' books in class. But these first-rate versions are what you need to bring the ancient texts to life, and they come complete with fabulous introductions making it crystal clear what's happening. You can even buy a collection that includes the Odyssey, too. They don't write 'em like this anymore!
Tales out of School by Jeannette Ellwood is a wonderfully heart-warming collection of stories based on the author's own experience of teaching in a small village school in the Chilterns. As anyone who's ever worked in education knows, the classroom and its cast of characters - teachers, pupils, parents - is an abundant source of humour. But creating a well-turned tale from such day-to-day anecdotes is an art and Jeannette Ellwood has it in spades. Think Gervaise Phinn or James Herriot but in Hertfordshire.
And finally... my latest book might not be out yet (it's currently being crowdfunded by Unbound) but you can still buy a gift pledge if you want to. That way you get Christmas presents sorted both for this year AND the next (when the book will - mirabile dictu - be in their hands).
Oh, and I'll send them the certificate, too. After all, you've got enough to do at this time of year. Haven't you?
I've been teaching Classics this term, as in epic poems from the classical era. I've been teaching myself first, then the class. And it's worked largely because I've found two wonderfully fresh and vivid translations of first the Iliad, then the Aeneid, both by the late Robert Fagles. They're not the 'set texts' as prescribed by the exam board. So (obviously) we've been studying the 'boring' books in class. But these first-rate versions are what you need to bring the ancient texts to life, and they come complete with fabulous introductions making it crystal clear what's happening. You can even buy a collection that includes the Odyssey, too. They don't write 'em like this anymore!
Tales out of School by Jeannette Ellwood is a wonderfully heart-warming collection of stories based on the author's own experience of teaching in a small village school in the Chilterns. As anyone who's ever worked in education knows, the classroom and its cast of characters - teachers, pupils, parents - is an abundant source of humour. But creating a well-turned tale from such day-to-day anecdotes is an art and Jeannette Ellwood has it in spades. Think Gervaise Phinn or James Herriot but in Hertfordshire.
And finally... my latest book might not be out yet (it's currently being crowdfunded by Unbound) but you can still buy a gift pledge if you want to. That way you get Christmas presents sorted both for this year AND the next (when the book will - mirabile dictu - be in their hands).
Oh, and I'll send them the certificate, too. After all, you've got enough to do at this time of year. Haven't you?
December 1, 2016
Advent bin-men
It's the season of Advent once again and here, in our Advent calendar, come the bin-men...
What did you find behind the little door today?!
What did you find behind the little door today?!
November 23, 2016
Clangers for Kindness
They're lovely, aren't they?
And the series is narrated by the man, by common consent, declared the nicest in the world. What's not to love?
No wonder The Clangers are leading a campaign for kindness.
And you can get involved too. The campaign is trying to encouraging everyone - kids, parents, all of us - to spread a little kindness every day (just like the Clangers on their little blue planet). From giving a hug, to helping a friend in need, there are so many ways to spread some kindness. And goodness only knows, we need it!
And if incentive were needed, here it is. A bundle of Clangers goodies will be delivered as our own small act of kindness to the person who tells the tale of kindness that Charlie chooses.
So, get your thinking caps on. Tell us about something you've done - be it ever so small - or some act of kindness you've received. Leave a comment below, tweet a link to this post (using the hashtag #clangersforkindness) and Charlie and I will do the rest.
With a little help from the Clangers, of course.
And the series is narrated by the man, by common consent, declared the nicest in the world. What's not to love?
No wonder The Clangers are leading a campaign for kindness.
And you can get involved too. The campaign is trying to encouraging everyone - kids, parents, all of us - to spread a little kindness every day (just like the Clangers on their little blue planet). From giving a hug, to helping a friend in need, there are so many ways to spread some kindness. And goodness only knows, we need it!
And if incentive were needed, here it is. A bundle of Clangers goodies will be delivered as our own small act of kindness to the person who tells the tale of kindness that Charlie chooses.
So, get your thinking caps on. Tell us about something you've done - be it ever so small - or some act of kindness you've received. Leave a comment below, tweet a link to this post (using the hashtag #clangersforkindness) and Charlie and I will do the rest.
With a little help from the Clangers, of course.
November 21, 2016
Christmas at Thursford
The Thursford Collection is one of the largest collections of old steam engines anywhere in the world. It's amazing. But I'm not going to talk about that today. Oh no.
I want to tell you about this...
The truly spectacular Thursford Christmas extravaganza is 40 years old this year. From its rather small beginnings as little more than a local carol concert, the show has grown into a three-hour entertainment extravaganza featuring more than 130 performers (dancers, singers, instrumentalists) It attracts over 50 coach parties daily from all over the country and costs more than £3 million a year to stage. It's a winter wonderland of a show worthy of the West End (many of the performers are West End pros!).
It's got everything. And there's something for everyone - from high-kicking, feather-clad dancing girls who might have stepped straight out of a Moulin Rouge floor show to a chorus of singers worthy of the Opera House. And there's more: a magnificent mighty Wurlitzer organ played by none other than the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom organist himself, Phil Kelsall.
No wonder the show attracts over 180,000 visitors each year (that's more than the 135,000 that attend Glastonbury!) and continues to grow. The fortieth anniversary performance runs from now until Wednesday December 23rd with two shows each day (2pm and 7pm) and tickets prices range from £28.50-£40.
Find out more on the official Thursford Website http://www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular.aspx
Book tickets online at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/thursfordchristmasspectacular
I want to tell you about this...
The truly spectacular Thursford Christmas extravaganza is 40 years old this year. From its rather small beginnings as little more than a local carol concert, the show has grown into a three-hour entertainment extravaganza featuring more than 130 performers (dancers, singers, instrumentalists) It attracts over 50 coach parties daily from all over the country and costs more than £3 million a year to stage. It's a winter wonderland of a show worthy of the West End (many of the performers are West End pros!).
It's got everything. And there's something for everyone - from high-kicking, feather-clad dancing girls who might have stepped straight out of a Moulin Rouge floor show to a chorus of singers worthy of the Opera House. And there's more: a magnificent mighty Wurlitzer organ played by none other than the legendary Blackpool Tower Ballroom organist himself, Phil Kelsall.
No wonder the show attracts over 180,000 visitors each year (that's more than the 135,000 that attend Glastonbury!) and continues to grow. The fortieth anniversary performance runs from now until Wednesday December 23rd with two shows each day (2pm and 7pm) and tickets prices range from £28.50-£40.
Find out more on the official Thursford Website http://www.thursford.com/christmas-spectacular.aspx
Book tickets online at https://www.eticketing.co.uk/thursfordchristmasspectacular
November 2, 2016
What FIFA needs to remember
In case you haven't heard, Football's world governing body has banned the England and Scotland football teams from wearing poppy armbands when they meet at Wembley in a World Cup qualifier next Friday... the 11th of November.
Their objection is that the poppy could be seen as a political symbol. Such things are banned, along with any 'commercial or religious' endorsement on official clothing.
It's not the first time that the poppy has come in for a hammering. Indeed, Christian Army chaplains once insisted it was dug up from British and Commonwealth war cemeteries as a 'heathen weed'. In the 1930s the Peace Pledge Union began distributing an alternative white poppy in protest at the tradition image's association with 'military power' and the 'justification of war'.
All of which misses the point. The poppy is our symbol of remembrance for two very simple reasons, which really conflate to one.
the prevalence of the flower across the battlefields of France and Flanders, and
the ubiquitous poem by John McCrae
There's little else to say, really. It neither glorifies war, celebrates military might or takes a political stance. It's a flower - a blood red flower - growing in abundance on the soil on which so many shed their own blood in a futile conflict.
They should remember that.
Their objection is that the poppy could be seen as a political symbol. Such things are banned, along with any 'commercial or religious' endorsement on official clothing.
It's not the first time that the poppy has come in for a hammering. Indeed, Christian Army chaplains once insisted it was dug up from British and Commonwealth war cemeteries as a 'heathen weed'. In the 1930s the Peace Pledge Union began distributing an alternative white poppy in protest at the tradition image's association with 'military power' and the 'justification of war'.
All of which misses the point. The poppy is our symbol of remembrance for two very simple reasons, which really conflate to one.
the prevalence of the flower across the battlefields of France and Flanders, and
the ubiquitous poem by John McCrae
There's little else to say, really. It neither glorifies war, celebrates military might or takes a political stance. It's a flower - a blood red flower - growing in abundance on the soil on which so many shed their own blood in a futile conflict.
They should remember that.
