Saturday night musings

from http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/art-gallery-by-day-ndash-bondage-club-by-night-1911271.html

This is my idea of a good night of fusion: art; culture and kink. All that's missing is haute cuisine. And the great outdoors. Ok, we need to do this in the Med. Pick an ancient civilisation and check that the pillars on site are still sturdy. Please note the vital distinction between a bondage and kink fashion club - and a swingers' club. I am suggesting the former not the latter. You don't want to get the artefacts sticky with swingers. If you can't be arsed to make with the clicky clicky then this is the article:

Art gallery by day – bondage club by night
Project linking museum with its taboo-breaking past angers conservative Austria
By Tony Paterson in Berlin
Friday, 26 February 2010

A venerated Vienna museum has provoked a furious political row after opening a swinging, bondage and S&M club on its premises in an attempt to encourage debate about the role of scandal in art.

The club is housed in the basement of the Secession museum, the home of Austria's once taboo- breaking Jugendstil art movement. Elsewhere there are works by such august names as Gustav Klimt; below ground, though, visitors may be surprised to find a space equipped with bondage equipment, leather sofas, pornographic paintings, curtained niches, mirrors, and even a gynaecologist's examination chair.

Men and women clad in a variety of leather and latex costumes, high heels and corsets were the paying guests at the club on its opening night. "We want to give as many people as possible the chance to overcome their inhibitions," insisted the manager, Michael Högler.

The club opens its doors nightly at 9pm to paying guests aged over 18. Video footage of the activities inside showed a middle-aged woman in a leather vest being elaborately tied up by a burly man with a piece of coarse rope. Her deadpan expression suggested she wasn't particularly enjoying the experience.

The project is the work of the Swiss artist Christoph Büchel, who has a reputation for staging provocative stunts. He claims the club aims to link the present with the scandal that erupted at the turn of the 20th century, when taboo-breaking erotic works by Jugendstil painters such as Klimt, Egon Schiele and Oskar Kokoschka were first shown to the public.

However, Büchel's views are not shared by what appears to be a majority of Austria's politicians and public figures. The far-right Freedom Party has been the most vociferous in its criticism. "Group sex in the Secession – has our society gone mad?" asked Heinz-Christian Strache, the party's leader.

Gerald Ebinger, Vienna's cultural spokesman, was equally vitriolic: "Gang-bang parties and dominatrix chambers have absolutely nothing to do with art and culture," he insisted. Ursula Stenzel, one of the city's chief councillors, complained that she had been tricked into allowing the project to go ahead: "It was supposed to be an arts project with a nightclub – there was never any talk about a swinger club. I have been grossly misled," she said.

The museum says that the swinger club draws a deliberate parallel to the controversy that erupted in 1902 when Klimt's famous erotic painting Beethoven Frieze was first exhibited. The painting, which is the centrepiece of the Secession's current exhibition, shows three virtually naked women covered only by their long tresses of hair. The work was widely dismissed as obscene when it was first unveiled.

The Secession has leapt to the defence of its club project. "Provocation is part of art, you cannot just write it off as being dirty," said Sylvie Liska, the president of the Secession's Friends Association.

Yesterday, Büchel appeared to have almost totally succeeded in his aim to rekindle scandal in art – even in his native Switzerland. Outraged politicians from the country's far-right Swiss People's Party were demanding "radical cutbacks" in funding for the country's Pro-Helvetia arts body after it emerged that it had subsidised Büchel's Vienna project to the tune of €10,000 (£8,900).

I'm thinking the newly renovated Portrait Gallery, The Dean or the National Gallery on The Mound... They are all wheelchair accessible, though the latter has the best pillars.

le weekend plus St David's Day

Tonight (Saturday 27th):
Medieval Feast with Perfidious Albion at Old St Paul's Church
and
Secret Cabaret at the Big Red Door, Lady Lawson Street (BYOB - corkage charges only)


Tomorrow (Sunday 28th):
Last day of Chinese New Year! The Lantern Festival, yum. If you don't already have your own plans, you could head up to the Zoo:

Craft activities – Lantern making workshop and an introduction to Chinese culture, plus a fun demonstration of how to use chop sticks! This workshop will take place in the Education Centre's Rainforest Room from 11am – 3pm (times to be confirmed.)

Tiger Film – to celebrate the Year of the Tiger, this film will be shown in the Budongo Trail theatre instead of the normal chimpanzee film at 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Chinese-themed craft workshops – additional craft workshops run by Big Al's Entertainment will be held from 11am - 3pm in Budongo Trail

Chinese-themed catering will be available in Stripes restaurant both days, in addition to Stripes' usual menu.

All activities are free to Zoo visitors. Normal Zoo admission rates apply.
http://www.edinburghzoo.org.uk/whatson/promotions/index.html


Monday:
St David's Day.
http://www.cookuk.co.uk/soup_starter/leek-potato-soup.htm
http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/database/leekpotatoandbaconso_3682.shtml
http://www.deliaonline.com/recipes/type-of-dish/soups/leek-onion-and-potato-soup.html
http://www.a-taste-of-france.com/leek-pie.html
http://www.riverford.co.uk/recipes/recipe.php?recipeid=16&catid=4
http://www.allotment.org.uk/recipe/996/leek-pie-recipe/
http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/turkey-recipes/turkey-and-sweet-leek-pie
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/foodanddrink/recipes/4228454/Greek-spinach-and-leek-pie-recipe.html

Or disregard recipes and chuck the leeks into a pot with some tatties, vegetable stock, salt, pepper and garlic. It's done when you can stand a spoon up in it.

Despite what my friends say, I maintain that leek (and onion and garlic) ice cream is delicious. You don't have to make it from scratch, you can just grate it all on and mix it up into a big beautiful allium sundae.

a date for your diary!

Big Red Door Fundraiser night at the Caves on the 23rd of April

Bands, circus, music, art, debauchery, drama, general rampaging gorgeousness - all to be announced asap!

Exactly one week before Beltane, there should also be a few costumed acrobatic surprises...

(good wheelchair access but no specifically disabled loo)

Iaido display on Sunday

(katana in action)
Walpole Hall
St Mary's Cathedral
off Manor Place

Sunday 28th Feb
4.30pm

To celebrate the tenth anniversary of Genbukan Edinburgh, there will be a public display fight at Walpole Hall on Sunday. It will be a breathtaking display of Japanese swordmanship and a rare opportunity to see these international fighters here and together, so call ahead to reserve seats or start to queue very early. The dojo currently has ten dedicated members and hopes to use this seminar as a start to establishing Edinburgh as the European Centre of Excellence for Iaido.



There should be a ticklist for newbies at the door for these things, I'm thinking maybe:
*There will be no vwooosh vwoooosh light sabre sounds allowed during sword play (wrong film)
*There will be no Jackie Chan dubbing impressions allowed during sword play (wrong continent)
*Don't touch the katana if you want to leave with the number of digits you originally brought along.

access to justice

Access to the law in Edinburgh:

I think today is a good time to provide useful links to the free legal services in Edinburgh, along with a bit of encouragement. I know from recent personal experience that the biggest barrier in seeking help for hidden crime like scams, cons and fraud isn't the cost of solicitors, but the shame of being seen as a gullible victim, the fear of 'provoking' someone into worse behaviour, and being called a liar if you don't have proof or are speaking out against someone popular. You might feel that no-one would believe you anyway, one person's word against another after all because who bothers to get all deals (or threats) in writing?

Please don't hesitate in making an appointment, perhaps with a friendly law firm, perhaps at your local CAB, to just talk to someone. Most of the CAB offices have wheelchair access, and all help from them is free. It'll take longer to get a home visit if you are too ill to attend a meeting, but you will get the chance to talk about it on the phone in the meantime. Don't delay! Even if you were gullible - or a complete prat - they won't judge you and they will remind you that there was never an excuse for someone to take advantage of it. Don't be embarrassed, and don't be scared. CAB keep boxes of kleenex on the desks for a very good reason - and I'm sure they calculate a good ten minutes of sobbing time into your initial meeting!

Citizens Advice
We operate an appointment system, but if the matter is urgent, please let us know and we will try to see you as soon as possible. Call the appointments line on: 0131 558 3681.

Central CAB
Address58 Dundas Street, Edinburgh, EH3 6QZ
Tel. no. 0844 848 9600 0131 558 3681 (appts.) Fax. no. 0131 557 3543
Emailcentral@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk(Please note, advice via E-mail is not available from this office) Website addresshttp://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/

Opening hours Monday9.10 - 16.00 Tuesday9.10 - 16.00 Wednesday9.10 - 12.30;13.30 - 15.00 (Drop In);18.00 - 20.00 Thursday9.10 - 16.00 Friday Closed, Saturday Closed, Sunday Closed

Leith CAB
Address166 Great Junction Street, Edinburgh, EH6 5LJ
Tel. no. 0844 848 9600 Fax. no. 0131 553 5984
Emailleith@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk(Please note, advice via E-mail is not available from this office) Website addresshttp://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/

Opening hours Monday09.30 - 15.30 Tuesday09.30 - 15.30 WednesdayClosed Thursday09.30 - 15.30 Friday09.30 - 15.30 Saturday Closed, Sunday Closed


Ferry Road CAB
Address661 Ferry Road, Edinburgh, EH4 2TX
Tel. no. 0844 848 9600 Fax. no. 0131 332 8549
Emailpilton@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk(Please note, advice via E-mail is not available from this office) Website addresshttp://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/

Opening hours Monday9.30 - 12.30 Tuesday9.30 - 15.30 Wednesday9.30 - 12.30
Thursday9.30 - 15.30 Friday9.30 - 12.30 Saturday Closed, Sunday Closed


Portobello CAB
Address8a - 8b Bath Street, Portobello, Edinburgh, EH15 1EY
Tel. no. 0844 848 9600 (advice) 669 9503 (appts) Fax. no. 0131 657 3943
Emailportobello@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk(Please note, advice via E-mail is not available from this office) Website addresshttp://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/

Opening hours Monday9.30 - 15.30 Tuesday9.30 - 15.30 Wednesday9.30 - 12.00 and 18.30 - 19.45 (Alternate Weeks) Thursday9.30 - 15.30 Friday Closed, Saturday Closed, Sunday Closed


Fountainbridge CAB
Fountainbridge Library, 137 Dundee Street, Edinburgh, EH11 1BG
Tel. no. 0844 848 9600 (advice) 474 8081 (appts)Fax. no. 0131 474 8082
Emailgorgiedalry@citizensadviceedinburgh.co.uk(Please note, advice via E-mail is not available from this office) Website addresshttp://www.citizensadviceedinburgh.org.uk/

Opening hours Monday13.30 - 16.00 and 17.30 - 19.00 Tuesday10.15 - 12.45 and 13.30 - 16.00 Wednesday10.15 - 12.45 Thursday10.15 - 12.45 and 13.30 - 16.00 Friday Closed, Saturday Closed, Sunday Closed


another very good option is:
The Advice Shop
85-87 South Bridge
Edinburgh EH1 1HN
0131 225 1255
advice.shop@edinburgh.gov.uk

1.To arrange an appointment call 07799724648 and leave your contact details and a brief outline of your problem on the answerphone.
2.The answerphone is checked regularly and someone will get back to you to discuss possible appointment times.
3.Once a time has been agreed your appointment will be confirmed in writing, along with directions to the Centre.
4.At the appointment you will be able to discuss your problem with the members of the team assigned to your case.
5.After your appointment you will receive a written letter offering advice, further work that the Centre can do on your case, or referral to relevant organisations.


additionally I can recommend:

Edinburgh School of Law Free Legal Advice Centre

How to get Free and Confidential Advice:

For the last three years Diploma students at the University of Edinburgh, members of staff, and hundreds of solicitor volunteers across Edinburgh have successfully come together to offer free legal advice and support to the local community.

The Free Legal Advice Centre covers a variety of legal issues, varying in severity, from property disputes, contract interpretation, succession issues and the like, to the time constrained cases involving Employment Tribunals and asylum claims. This scheme is mutually beneficial as students receive valuable practical experience and furthered client care skills, while our clients leave with one less issue. With growing popularity and ambition we aim to expand on the services currently provided to the public, both in terms of the legal problems we can advise on and our accessibility.


Depression Alliance Scotland

Helpline 0845 123 23 20
Mon - Fri 11am - 1pm, 2 - 4pm
mailto:%20info@dascot.org

Self-help group meetings:

Tuesday Evenings 7pm - 8.45pm. Square Centre, 25 Nicolson Square, Edinburgh

Wednesday Evenings 7pm - 9pm. Shandwick Room (meet in foyer), St George's West Church, 58 Shandwick Place, Edinburgh.

also, speak to your GP.

Ok, lecture over, resume the position.

Aye Write - Glasgow's Book Festival

Mitchell Library, North Street, Glasgow

Glasgow hosts Aye Write, its own book festival, from 5th - 13th March, tickets on sale now for a great array of names and talks - with some of the bigger events already sold out.

http://www.ayewrite.com/NR/rdonlyres/639B3114-2B71-422F-8472-95727B6953B6/0/AyeWriteBrochure11Jan2010.pdf

http://www.ayewrite.com/Festival-Information/Getting-To-The-Festival/

and for one of the events in particular:

Leading SF and fantasy novelists Richard Morgan, Ken MacLeod, Hal Duncan, Deborah J. Miller and Mike Cobley discuss the shape of thingsto come with editor, critic and general ne'er-do-well Andrew J.Wilson at "The Early Days of a Better Future?".

Can things only get better or do we have to look over a mountain of rubble to see beyond the next fifty years? Scottish writers areleading a renaissance in British speculative fiction, but does ournational identity have any future at all? Are rhetorical questionsall we've got to offer?
Join the panel for a lively debate punctuated with short, sharp andshocking stories -- and some very special surprise guests.

THE EARLY DAYS OF A BETTER FUTURE?
Sunday 7 March, 20:00-21:30 at the Mitchell Library, Glasgow G3 7DN.
Tickets: 7.00 (6.00 concessions)

Book early to avoid disappointment and ensure that it's not justGlaswegians who get to have their say.

the Turing Lecture

Tickets selling out for the Turing Lecture:

Thursday 18 March

Embracing Uncertainty: The new machine intelligence
by
Professor Christopher Bishop Chief Research Scientist, Microsoft Research Cambridge

In honour and recognition of Alan Turing’s contribution in the field of computing, the IET and the BCS established the Turing Lecture in 1999. It is a world leading event, presenting a topic from current research in computer science given by an acknowledged expert in the field. This year’s lecturer, Professor Christopher Bishop, continues that fine tradition.

Computers are traditionally viewed as logical machines which follow precise, deterministic instructions.

The real world in which they operate, however, is full of complexity, ambiguity, and uncertainty. In this year’s Turing Lecture, Professor Chris Bishop discusses the field of machine learning, and shows how uncertainty can be modelled and quantified using probabilities.

He looks at the recent developments in probabilistic modelling which have greatly expanded the variety and scale of machine learning applications, and he explores the future potential for this technology.

Registration and refreshments
17:00
Lecture commences
17:30
Buffet
19:00
Close
21:00

The lecture is free of charge but there is a charge should you wish to attend the buffet. Please register to reserve your place. ( The lecture and buffet are both open to members and non-members of the IET and the BCS).

http://conferences.theiet.org/lectures/turing/index.htm

community centres closing

Community centres have traditionally been the kind of place you could almost guarantee wheelchair access. From this week's Evening News (sorry) the list of vital centres to be axed is as follows:

Sighthill Community Centre
Longstone Community Centre
Colinton Mains Community Centre
Gorgie Memorial Hall
Platform Adult Learning Centre, Wester Hailes
The Number Shop (numeracy tuition centre) the Pleasance

Bingham and Duncan Place had also been earmarked for closure but were saved, for now.

I'd suggest writing to the council but the postie would never get past the tram works to reach them.

Insomnia, Truax and the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency

I had to cancel my appointment with the Sleep Clinic, too ill to go to hospital.

On Saturday night I fell asleep at... 3pm on Sunday afternoon. I woke at 6pm. Fell asleep 3am, woke at 11am (hoorah!)

Last night I fell asleep at... 8am. Woke at 10am. I'm soooo looking forward to tonight. No really. Cos I just lurve the twinkly sparkles round the edge of my (blurred) vision, digestion being an optional extra and the feeling that english is a newly-learned language.

I was hoping to review for you the magnificent innovations of Thomas Truax on Thursday eve at the Wee Red Bar at the art college (off Lady Lawson Street) 7.30pm onwards (bar open till 3am), but it may not be possible in this deep fried state of being. Please do scoot along and see him. Wee Red Bar is fully wheelchairly accessible.

Aaand Alexander McCall Smith is the guest author at Christ Church, Bruntsfield on 3rd March (next week!) Tickets available from the Edinburgh Bookshop, 181 Bruntsfield Place, and will be redeemable against the price of a book. Call in or just call (229 9207) for a ticket, £5.

Wednesday 3rd March
Christ Church
Bruntsfield
7.30pm - 9pm





I think insomnia isn't quite a strong enough word.

emails

Brilliant, emails from the Guardian and from Wickerman!

erm...

job vacancies contd

I found a rare performing arts vacancy that made me think of a few people (for sooo many reasons), so despite the fact that it isn't in Edinburgh, here it is (courtesy of the Guardian jobs section) and though it doesn't mention it, there is no reason why someone in a wheelchair couldn't do it. You just need to scrub up very, very well. Hey, if you coped at Fettes, it'll be a breeze!

The Cheltenham Ladies' College
Required for August 2010
Salary up to £30,000 per annum depending on experience

The Cheltenham Ladies' College opened a brand new arts centre in September 2009.
Comprising a modern, intimate auditorium seating 320+ linked to a beautifully renovated grade 11* listed Regency stucco villa, the centre combines teaching, performance and exhibition space for drama, dance, music and art.

This exciting new role has two main functions. Firstly, to ensure the smooth running of all front of house activities supporting all performances and exhibitions held by various College departments in the arts centre. Secondly, to establish the Parabola Arts Centre as a venue for commercial and community use. Reporting to the Marketing and Communications Director, the post holder is part of the communications team. The successful candidate will ideally have previous experience of working in a theatre or a festival background, be an excellent organiser and communicator with a demonstrable passion for theatre and the arts. The post holder will be expected to have a flexible approach to work as evening and weekend work will be required on a regular basis.

The post offers a number of benefits including free gym membership and generous fee remission for the daughters of staff.

Closing date for applications: Friday 26 February 2010
Interviews will be held: Wednesday 17 March 2010

The Cheltenham Ladies' College is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All applicants who are offered employment will be subject to a check by the Criminal Records Bureau. All applicants must complete an application form.

Big Red Door classes and workshops (for kids too)

*** Suzanna McDonald Album Launch***
26th March 8-1
Theatrical, dramatic and intense with music and lyrics inspired by poetry, places and literature as well as personal insights, Suzanna's music is not to be missed. Check her out on myspace here: http://www.myspace.com/susannamacdonald

***Secret Saturday Cabaret***
27th Feb 8-1
We are always looking for new acts, so if any of you gorgeous people has something they'd like to do on stage, please email us at tepooka.org. Now that we're running regular classes and workshops, we're keen to give people the chance to demonstrate their new talents on stage.If that doesn't appeal, then come along, kick back and enjoy the show!

***Close Up Magic***
27th and 28th Feb 10-6
Can you keep a secret? This weekend intensive covers all the basics of card magic, coin magic and most importantly misdirection. With an emphasis on performance this course gives you the skills, knowledge and psychology to perform amazing feats! For more details and to book email info@tepooka.org or bigreddooredinburgh@gmail.com

***Full Moon Party***
28th Feb 8-1
Come and boogie yourself into ridiculous as the moon swells to fullness and spring creeps out of the ground. Acts to be confirmed, but we haven't let you down yet. There'll almost certainly be drums. Loud drums :D

Some of the following classes and workshops are held upstairs but call the office on 0131 228 4567 in case there's a way of holding it downstairs. Both spaces are busy and some require the equipment only available upstairs so this might not be possible.

Tuesday 23rd Feb6.30- 8.00 HULA HOOPLA LA
From basic moves to hooping tricks to finding your own style of hooping. Learn at your own pace in an open, fun, hooptastic environment. Funky music, hula hoops, learn tricks, share tricks, Hooping jam... Hoops provided but bring your own if you have one!
6 weeks 23rd feb-30th march £30 or drop in £7 (£5 members) 6.30 – 8.00

PHYSICAL COMEDY and IMPROVISATION
Guest tutors each week. Learn fooling and clowning, character development and mime. A fascinating class, check it out.

Wednesdsay 24th Feb
LUNCHTIME BELLY DANCING FEAST 12-13 pm drop-in. £5 non-members £4 members . This class will introduce you to the skills and variations of belly dancing combining tradition with a little bit of modern funk. Constantina will create for you a fun and supportive space to learn in a class that is good core exercise for any level of fitness and a whole new experience for women in relation to developing confidence for self expression and celebrating their body . Sound good to you? It does to me!

OPEN STUDIO TONIGHT
4.30-6 pm drop in
Come climb on each other or play with your toys (and ours) all for the princely members price of £4!

STRETCHING & CONDITIONING
Stretch yourself silly with the Big Red Door's own Sarah Phizacklea. Let's get our bend on!

Thursday 25th Feb
OPEN STUDIO
4.30-6.30 drop in
Same as above - but with more time!

Thursday BARTITSU
6.30-8.30 Drop in £4 Members
Edwardian Martial art - learn to protect the lady whilst keeping your frock coat clean!

Thursday BEGINNERS POI WITH FIRE SPINNING
For only £40 for members, this 4 week course will teach you awesome spinning skills leading to firey goodness - who doesnt want to swing flames?! Be brave and give it a go. Taught by Antti Jalkanen

Friday 26th Feb
MINI MISCHIEF MAKERS 4- 5pm Drop in
with Sarah Phizacklea and Thomas Hutchinson
For 5-11 year olds destined to great things...like running away to join the circus! (Don't knock it, it worked out for us!:D) Learn jugglings, acrobalance, acrobatics and poi, stilt walking, clowning and more... A bargain at £3 weekly

Sunday 27th Feb
JUGGLING CLUB
3-6 Drop in £3 members
Come and learn the proper way to play with your toys. Practise till you've got it, then practise again :D

te POOKa's Big Red Door
The Big Red Door
10 Lady Lawson St
Edinburgh
EH3 9DS
0131 228 4567

BFS open meeting review

Sadly the lift at the St Margaret Arts Complex broke down at the weekend so please accept my apologies for anyone who turned up to the BFS open meeting on Sunday expecting accessibility.

Fire Performers - Edinburgh

http://www.spinoffevents.com/JoinTheTeam.html

Bored of the 9 to 5 grind? Looking for something a bit different to fill your time? Well now's your chance.

Fire Performers - Edinburgh

We are currently looking to recruit a number of fire performers in the Edinburgh area.
We offer high quality performance to our clients, so all applicants must meet the following criteria:
- 2 years performance experience Minimum.
- Full UK Driving License and Car.
- £2 million public liability insurance (including fire performance) minimum.
- At least three fire performance skills at a good level: (Poi, Staff, Breathing, Body Burning, Fire Eating, Juggling, Hoop, Levi-stick, etc...)

In order to apply please drop us an email to applications@spinoffevents.com attaching all the following information. Good Luck!

Application Form: (Download from site)
Tell us a bit about yourself and why you want to get involved.

Video:
send us a link to a video to show us all your performance skills at their best
- 10 minutes long Max.
- Must show YOU performing, not just a group show

motorbikes in your diary

You've left it too late to get tickets for the Hairy Bikers' Edinburgh appearance but you can still get your motorbike fix at the Scottish Motorcycle Show. I'm telling you now so that you can buy your tickets and get yourself organised. Its the Hairy Bikers the following weekend if you've been lucky enough to get tickets, and then its MY BIRTHDAY!! If I can't get a wee shottie on pillion for that then I don't know when I can *sob*.

The website has cofnused 2009 and 2010 but it would appear that the show is on:

Saturday 20th March, 9am - 5pm
Sunday 21st March, 9am - 5pm

Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston
http://www.scottishmotorcycleshow.com/

I don't remember it closing it so early. Where does everyone go on the Saturday night? I will find out. Its a double shame as I was going to suggest to the organisers that they hire te POOKa for a fire show in the evening. It would have been a huge hit with the punters and useful for tP too.

Knockhill Scottish Championship Bike Racing starts the following month on Sun 4th April, then Sun 2nd May, Sat 14th & Sun 15th August, Sun 29th August and Sun 3rd October - 9am-5pm

East Fortune Road Racing Championships will be on 16th, 17th, 18th April, more details to follow.

There isn't much in the meantime. This is the season to faff, twiddle, oil and rev.

The Edinburgh Lectures: Making Scotland

The Edinburgh Lectures: Making Scotland - Sergio Della Sala
23 Feb '10
18:00 - 19:15
£3 per ticket non-refundable admin fee
Playfair Library Hall
The University of Edinburgh, Old College

Neuroscience in Education: The good, the bad and the ugly

In a recent survey of teachers, almost 90 per cent thought that knowledge of the brain was important, or very important, in the design of Educational Programmes. This is not necessarily a good thing. Some enthusiastic educationalists have over-simplified the findings from neuroscience and over-interpreted the outcome. This has given rise to a number of tall tales on how the brain works. And this has influenced teaching. Science (Neuroscience) investigates, describes and interprets but is never prescriptive. Educationalists and pedagogues need to evaluate the accruing results from neuroscience research with considerable caution and scepticism and perhaps develop an evidence based science of Education.
Professor Sergio Della Sala

The eighteenth series of The Edinburgh Lectures presents and discusses 'Making Scotland' focussing on "how physical, political, commercial, and cultural issues shape our country and its people and Scotland's role on the global stage." In part, the theme ties into the 10th anniversary of the establishment of the Scottish Parliament.

The Lectures are led by the City of Edinburgh Council and presented in partnership with The University of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh Napier University, The Open University in Scotland, National Museums Scotland, the Scottish Arts Council, Scottish Government, The Royal Society of Edinburgh and Queen

then

The Edinburgh Lectures 2009-10 'Making Scotland' - Rev William Hewitt, Moderator of the Church of Scotland
Assembly Hall
01 Mar '10
18:30 - 19:45
£3 per ticket non-refundable admin fee
The Mound, Edinburgh

Scotland and Malawi - a special relationship

For more than 150 years there have been strong links between Scotland and Malawi. Livingstone's journey in 1859 was followed by many others from Scotland including that of Dr and Mrs Laws, who went for two years and stayed for 53, and in doing so achieved some of the most impressive medical mission work in Africa. The relationship from the heart of Scotland to the warm heart of Africa has grown ever since. Today ties among government, church, schools, universities and individuals, whose heart has been left in this country, mean that these links continue to grow and strengthen with an ever increasing flow of people and ideas between Scotland and Malawi which has continued to benefit both nations. This lecture will trace that relationship, particularly in relation to the Church of Scotland.

Writers' Bloc

Turns out we have a MySpace page! Found it by accident when checking to see if our website had been updated to include the new chapbooks. I'm delighted to see that my artwork for a rejected poster has actually been used as the MySpace page icon.

Do you lot not actually communicate I hear you ask? C'mon, we're writers, we're crap with words.

There's a set up for audio files on MySpace, and some of the writers already have stories up. A friend has offered to record me reading some of my short stories so when I get them done I now have a place to put them. I do have a couple of CDs of recordings taken of my stories being read by others at gigs years ago before I started going on stage, but I don't think any gig has been recorded since I started reading with Bloc.

http://www.myspace.com/blocspace

fire, feasting, frills

Beltane Fire Society Open Meeting
St Margaret Arts Complex
151 London Road
Sunday 21st Feb
6pm prompt
(bring a notebook, a water bottle and a cushion...)

This is just along from Meadowbank Stadium. If you need to get a bus then Lothian routes 4, 5, 15, 26, 44, and 45 will get you there.

All GO positions and main roles filled, other groups open and keen.

I would like to have a handful of Medieval woodcuts printed out by then. I was already working on a possible poster design when this was suggested, so I should try to create images to match the current mood if I want to be considered. Its so different to present suggestions early on to a discerning critique, rather than appear as a saviour at the last moment with a design folk will just be grateful to see!

My eyes weren't strong enough to work on it yesterday or today so I'm falling behind myself. That reminds me, the Edinburgh College of Art printmaking classes for April - July are already fully-booked, but there are still spaces in other day and evening classes, call the ECA's Centre for Continuing Studies for details. Almost all are wheelchair accessible.

The pearls have been ordered with which to decorate the Tudor gown and French bonnet. Should your diary be blank on the 27th Feb I recommend contacting Perfidious Albion now to book a seat at the feast soon. Dig through your wardrobe and the local charity shop to find something to fit the AD 600 to 1600 era (I'm squeezing into the late (16th). Normally I'd suggest pure wool, linen, silk or brocade but it doesn't have to be living history standard for this (cloth woven from the sheep you grew on the loom you built, sewn with hand-twisted thread and a splinter needle), just passable by candlelight. So I have a mainly machine-sewn dress of matte velvet (yay), cotton (boo) and silk (yay) not nearly ornate enough for the upper middle classes never mind my blue-blooded girl. Don't mention my status sleeves because I don't have time or eyesight to slash and puff and bead and embroider them. I shall have to be a minimalist aristocrat or retreat to the middle classes.

Thanks to various other committments I am quadruple-booked for that weekend, and for once all things are wheelchair accessible so that doesn't help cut back. I don't need to review two of them as they are family things, but the fourth may be interesting. I'm hoping to get as long at the feast as possible, and to see some of you there. The food will be mostly historically accurate so I've dug out a pewter plate and spoon, wooden bowl, innacurate goblet - oh, I still need a knife - and will hide an anachronistic napkin in my pocket, shhh.

Of course unless my health picks up substantially I will be going nowhere, there will be a spare dress and bonnet, and no-one will be invited in to see my etchings.

Perfidious Albion Medieval Feast
Old St Paul's Hall
27th Feb
8pm - 1am

£15 non-members, £10 society members

Thank you to the droolworthy site Elizabethan Costume for keeping me occupied making the hood that is not a hood:
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/headwear/fhoodmake.html

upcoming accessible events

The Old Hat Books Library
4pm Wednesday 10th
Front room of the Forest Cafe, 3 Bristo Place, Edinburgh
Old Hat Books (the radical book and hat library in the Old Town) is having an open meeting this Wednesday. This is an opportunity to become a member of our collective, meet other members and shape the library to the way you'd like it to be. We are always looking to enlarge our group to make the library as diverse and sustainable as possible and keeping our energy high. For those who don't know of the library, we are...
1. a collectively-run and community-shaped radical resource.
2. sharers of radical, alternative, independent, creative and badass-hardcore books, zines, films and hats.
3. hoping to build an alternative institution in Edinburgh's Old Town and link in with other groups like us in the city and beyond.
PLEASE COME ALONG AND MEET US ALL AND CREATE THE LIBRARY!


Friday 12th Feb
there's a fundraising drinks night under the Rutland for the troups (Dreghorn lads and lasses head back to Afghanistan early March), but I think the venue doesn't have a lift yet, so my other fundraising suggestion is for the arts:
Fundraising party
Big Red Door
Lady Lawson Street
£3
BYOB (corkage charge)


Saturday 13th Feb
Scotland ♥s China!
11am - 3pm
SCOTTISH STORYTELLING CENTRE
43-45 High Street
Drop into the Storytelling Centre for a Scottish-Chinese circus of family stories, music and activities to mark the Chinese Year of the Tiger and celebrate links between Scotland and China for Valentine’s Day. Storytellers from all over Scotland join in with a day of fun and friendship with a special theme. Check www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.uk for the latest information
No Ticket Required
Free - just drop in
http://www.scottishstorytellingcentre.co.ukreception@scottishstorytellingcentre.comreception@scottishstorytellingcentre.com

Fabulous Stunners @ Big Red Door
Big Red Door
Lady Lawson Street
Fetish, glam, TV, Valentine's, goth or kinky dresscode as Stunners enjoys its second time at the BRD. £7
BYOB (corkage charge)


Sunday 14th Feb
Well, what a choice! Valentine's Day or the start of Chinese New Year? You'll probably have your own plans for one or the other or the avoiding of both, but I recommend fireworks, fire toys and sky lanterns. See that photo up there? That was me a couple of years ago at my beachy Chinese New Year party. Amazing how long I can stay upright for when planted firmly in the sand. Well, six minutes that time.

highland tours on wheels?

I've written to five highland bus tour guide companies based in and around Edinburgh to ask if its possible for wheelchairs to be incorporated into their terrain/ schedule/ system for the summer. In ten years I've never received a reply. Wish me luck this year!

carry a poem month

Edinburgh is Carrying a Poem this February. The annual City of Literature reading campaign is giving away thousands of free books & poetry pocketcards, and they’ve planned a month of poetry events:

Carry a Poem has arrived! Yesterday we launched our fourth reading campaign, and 13,000 free books along with 28,000 poetry pocketcards have been set free across the city - grab them from libraries, local cafes , cultural centres, community and leisure centres and special Carry a Poem events while you can. You can even read along for free online - we've uploaded the book to http://www.carryapoem.com/.

Keep your eyes open for our special poetry projections - the National Library of Scotland, the Poetry Garden in St Andrew Square, the City Chambers and the Usher Hall will all light up for poetry each February night.

As far as I can see, most of City Of Lit Carry a Poem events this month are wheelchair accessible except the salon for the writers and poets themselves as it is still being held upstairs in the Wash Bar, and the Old Town Poetry Trail. You can join in everything else though, as its free too.

Suddenly poets have become cool again. Last month saw three events where not only was I not able to join in due to being housebound and them being up/down stairs anyway, they didn't want writers and authors, they wanted POETS! Normally its the other way round. The old beat poet cool and chic has returned to replace the identity of dreadful zine-fillers and doggerel angst and events are popping up all over the city.

Well, in that case I'm going to head back to poetry, and then you'll be sorry!

There is no real difference between the flash fiction I've been writing and A Peom, so its mainly about perspective. I will relabel the flashes poems and see what happens to my head when I try to write another one. Will I write differently?

I had a google around to see what advice there is for folk who are keen to try writing a poem to ensure they would be, for the sake of humanity, dissuaded from doggeral verse. I found this site:

http://www.poetrymagic.co.uk/index.html

Which had a succinct and basic critiquing checklist that I may keep to hand for ordinary use:

title — appropriate to subject, tone and genre? Does it generate interest, and hint at what your poem's about?

subject — what's the basic situation? Who is talking, and under what circumstances? Try writing a paraphrase to identify any gaps or confusions.

shape — what are you appealing to: intellect or emotions of the reader? What structure(s) have you used — progressions, comparisons, analogies, bald assertions, etc.? Are these aspects satisfyingly integrated? Does structure support content?

tone — what's your attitude to the subject? Is it appropriate to content and audience: assured, flexible, sensitive, etc.?

word choice — appropriate and uncontrived, economical, varied and energizing? Do you understand each word properly, its common uses and associations? See if listing the verbs truly pushes the poem along. Are words repeated? Do they set mood, emotional rapport, distance?

personification — striking but persuasive, adds to unity and power?

metaphor and simile — fresh and convincing, combining on many levels?

rhythm and metre — natural, inevitable, integrate poem's structure?

rhyme — fresh, pleasurable, unassuming but supportive?

overall impression — original, honest, coherent, expressive, significant?

oops, a junction!

I've been lax in my duties as signpost to the good things...

However, I have done something useful. I knew I needed to write a blog about living with chronic illness but didn't want it muddying the water of this review blog so I have created a second blog across on Wordpress. Despite feeling at a loss where to start such a huge and personal story (huge to me), I laid down the foundations tonight. It still could be criticised as describing a story instead of living a story, but we are dealing with a whole decade - give me time to grow accustomed to sharing something like this! So, anyway, I'm over there if you want to know what lies behind the public facade of this not-in-the-least-bit prolific writer, artist and wheely reviewer, but I'm still here if you want to stick with the cheery sarky stuff.

I have been wondering if I should merge the two blogs but think I'd be shooting myself in the foot as folk wouldn't pop in here for events recommendations and festival news if they had to wade through paragraphs of blood tests, lack of drugs, not being able to wash for weeks, falling over and peeing in plant pots.

Wait a minute, doesn't that sound exactly like a festival review..?

Lets see how it goes.