Coffeeshops as 2nd places?

Around the world we all started hanging more in cafes. But maybe that's not going to last. Have you tried to sit in a cafe recently? You can't there are hardly any seats and, certainly, no table space left!

PSFK.com

An interesting article on PSFK.com that asks the question... Is The Bedouin Worker Killing The Third Place?

I haven't really experienced the encroaching of work into the third places I spend time in... but can imagine it happening soon. My co-conspirators in the website thing I have been working on regularly meet in coffee shops... and I take my moleskines with me when I grab some time away from the desk.

I think one possible solution for this... is co-working. Places where you have the best of both worlds (2nd & 3rd places).

Food for thought... check out the article.

SaveNetRadio.org

I DJ every-so-often for my pal JD Blundell :: he has a wee net radio station called Orange Noise Radio over in Texas... playing some great tunes over 'tinterweb. I have appreciated the opportunity to drop some crazy mixes... from ambient electronica through to cheesy Christmas rock via acoustic guitar... its something fun that I don't get to do as often as I would like.

His radio space under threat with the changes to legislation... and I ask you to support him... and savenetradio.org in any way you can. Please follow the links... and see what you can do.

Oh and while we are talking about JD - he get's married today! I've watched from afar as his relationship has blossomed... and on behalf of the ol' nanolog community... I would like to wish Laurie & JD every blessing for their future together. As Olly and I can testify... it just gets better and better!

Technorati Tags: netradio

Institutional cooking can be very predictable. The same meals can be served at the same time on the same day of the week. The food may be very good. The anticipation can be enjoyable: you know what to expect. The opportunity to make new use of new ingredients is never there. The thinking habits of the last millennium were concerned with the repetition of success. This repeated success was better than failure, uncertainty or the wastefulness of trial and error. But the new opportunities brought about by new technology, new values and new lifestyles cannot be utilised by mere repetition - no matter how successful.

Edward de Bono :: New thinking for a new millennium

Sound familiar? Repeat what works... repeat what is successful... repeat instead of trying to create new ideas... new designs... something new and inherently different from what is there just now.

April's gathering

Not long back from April's gathering... and am buzzing from a couple of caffe nero strength lattes... some inspirational conversation... and the fact I have a loving wife and wonderful we'ans to come home to.

It was great to see Julie and catch up with what she is doing in her wee small corner... it was also great to welcome Laura, Laura and Paul to the gathering.

Laura, John & Alistair were just back from their essential interviews and were buzzing too. Paul... look tired... on the other hand.

A guitar came out at one point... which was cool. Good times! Thanks to everyone who came.

Technorati Tags: glasgow, gathering

iGrill

Summer is coming... and just when you thought that everything that could be incorporate with the iPod had been... George Foreman brings out the iGrill :: a grill and iPod / MP3 speaker system.

Wow!!! What will they think of next?

Thanks to iLounge for the heads-up.

...and it leads me onto a question for the nanologgers out there: its summer and you are cooking on the ol' iGrill... what are you cooking? and what are you listening to? Leave a comment and let the community know.

Technorati Tags: barbeque, iPod

Blackbird

I like this. A simple blog for an exclusive men's boutique in Seattle called Blackbird. It gives you all you need to know about the store... plus posts on all their new gear. Gives personality to the store... and adds value to the regulars.

Why am I posting this on the hardthink? I think it demonstrates how a simple blog can be used to great effect... and I am thinking specifically about charityshopping.

Bellshill Salvation Army are looking closely into opening a charity shop... and I think the concept of coolhunting could be used to great effect in conjunction with a simple blog. They work well together because of the random and limit nature of donations... special "cool" merchandise could be put to one side and "advertised" via the blog.

I think this will work. Thanks to Josh Spear for the heads-up.

((deep)) @ ignite

Its hard to distill a vision I have been given into a 15 minute something...

For more... go here

In addition to presenting ((deep))... I got the opportunity to spend some time with John B (sporting his new hairstyle... a halfro) and had a good natter on music and netlabels (I've got him into Earth Monkey and Sutemos)... music software... and things related to the Salvation Army. Thanks for your company!

Had a great night... Hope you did too?

((deep)) @ ignite

I launched the concept of ((deep)) tonight to the ignite gathering at the City Centre Corps in Glasgow.

My slides can be downloaded from here:: box.net.

About 30 something people gathered for pizza and "pop"... and to discuss the concept of ((deep)) along with the essential programme Paul Clement is leading and another essential programme being run in Easterhouse, Glasgow;

I was a tremendous opportunity to engage with this group of people and try to present the concept of ((deep)) to them.

At one point, if I am honest, I felt I was trying to explain snow to a Bedouin... Its hard to distill a vision I have been given into a 15 minute something. I came over a bit vague with a fuzzy idea... but I believe the people there got the gist... or at least a flavour of the gist... and I am encouraged by that.

To be honest... I feel flat... deflated... and tired. Its out there and will hopefully begin to take a live of its own... people should be talking about it... and thinking about how they can contribute to the whole... rather than just consume.

Paul's presentation on the musical essential programme was great. He is a man with a vision that will compliment elements of ((deep)) - the essential band, for example, will become the house band for ((deep))... with the team actively working with the ((deep)) team to make the events / gatherings happen.

It was also encouraging to hear about another essential opportunity in Easterhouse. Its an amazing opportunity... for the right person.

Where do we go from here? Need to handpick the team... and look for premises.

I'm encouraged that it is happening... just need to stamina to see it through.

another simple prayer

Holy Three protect me
From my blatant hypocrisy
Holy Three you can see
Everything deep inside me
Holy Three let there be
No difference for others to see

between what I say
and what I do
between what I think
and how I act
between where I stay
and where I go

Holy Three you love me
even with my hypocrisy
Holy Three you can see
all the potential within me
Holy Three let it be
bring together the whole of me

Holy Three please deliver me.

Technorati Tags: prayer

Musical Aspects by the Bellshill Salvation Army Band

Last night it was my pleasure to attend the launch of Musical Aspects... the new CD from the Bellshill Salvation Army Band.

The event was held at the local High School. Over 400 people came to hear the Band with the other Bellshill sections (Songsters / Young People's Band and Singing Company) launch the album with tracks from it. Of these 400 people... 200 or so, including local councilors and the MSP, did not have an "Army" background.

The concept is to tie in the "spiritual" songs of Andrew Lloyd Webber with the songs of Larrson & Gowans from the Salvation Army. At first I thought the idea was a compromise... I'm not a fan of Webber's work and I thought it watered down the wonderful music of the Army musicals. After last night I have change my mind... Using Webber's work opens the door to people who do not know or can not relate to Army music. Webber's work is popular in our society and it draws people... because they are familiar with the song and the musical from which the song came from. This is used to great effect on the CD and live... and reminds me of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 (NIV):

Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible. To the Jews I became like a Jew, to win the Jews. To those under the law I became like one under the law (though I myself am not under the law), so as to win those under the law. To those not having the law I became like one not having the law (though I am not free from God's law but am under Christ's law), so as to win those not having the law. To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.

The band play Webber in order to reach people who connect / appreciate Webber. Simple. Effective.

In addition, I think the use of Webber's work demonstrates the power and additional meaning of the Army's musicals such as Spirit, Jesus Folk, and Blood of the Lamb. It shows the work as on a par, if not stronger.

The solos on the CD are first class... Lynn Shanks plays fluegal horn on the song I don't know how to love Him from Jesus Christ Superstar. I'm not a big fan of the song... but Lynn makes it her own... and takes it to another... higher... level.

Yvonne Ferguson plays cornet on the track Someone Cares from the Army musical Take-Over Bid. A song I am not familiar with... but one I am beginning to love.

Gemma Gunn's vocal solo, from The Phantom of the Opera... Wishing you were somehow here again... is on a level with the best of Webber. The next Elaine Paige??? I think so.

The last soloist is someone very close to my heart... my wee wifey... Olwyn Mathie whose rendition of Burning, Burning from the Army musical Spirit was something very precious and simply wonderful. I am biased... but I don't care. She sealed the night with a song that speaks of the power of the Holy Spirit.

Burning, burning, brightly burning.
Brightly burning Fire divine.
Satisfy my spirit's yearning.
Fill this empty soul of mine.

Burning, burning, brightly burning.
Holy Spirit stay with me;
To your will my will is turning
What you will I want to be.

Wow. Her song was a great contrast from the big sound of Webber... it was simple... stripped back... vulnerable... open... with accompaniment from Yvonne Ferguson on piano. The song made my night... and I believe I wasn't alone.

Great effort from the Band and the soloists. They made me proud. Ian Dickie, pictured above, should be congratulated for this. His vision is appreciated by me!

You can buy the CD on Amazon or from World of Brass. All profits will go to our building fund.

Check it out.

Technorati Tags: salvation army, bellshill

a simple prayer

Father God you give me life
Saviour Jesus you give me love
Holy Spirit you give me strength

life so that I can live for you
love so that I can love others like you
strength so that I can stand for you

Father God I give you my life
Saviour Jesus I give you my love
Holy Spirit I give you my strength

I will live for you
I will love like you
I will stand for you

Holy Three you have my life
Holy Three you have my love
Holy Three I will stand for you

Amen

The Roots challenge

Olly and I are not going to Roots this year... unless anyone can spot us the money :-) Our wee romantic jaunt to Edinburgh to celebrate our togetherness means we can't make it to Southport.

Its a wee bit annoying... considering Chris and Dawn, the Rous (plural), Jonny Laird and his posse, and a number of other nanologgers are going. We could have had a gathering or something...

Anyway... I'd love to set a wee challenge for anyone going to Roots this year. Go to the Tommy Ball discount shoe shop on the main street and get yourself a pair of classic Pro-Keds. These shoes were the first shoe to have cult status in the NYC hippity-hoppity community (Stussy recently did a collab with them)... and I find them really hard to source.

I thought they were deadstock... but from their official website :: prokeds.com :: they still have the Royal-Master in weird colours in the vintage section.

I think they are better than Chucks and would recommend them to anyone. I have asked Chris to pick me up another pair (or maybe 2) - they are selling for £4 each.

Maybe Nanologgers could identify themselves via their brand new Pro-Keds while at Roots. Silly, I know... but fun... we could start a trend. Whatcha think?

Technorati Tags: pro-keds, roots

We will never know why!

I have been silent on the tragedy at Virginia Tech... I just don't have the words to say! I was gutted when I read Existential Punk's post on how her friend has lost her brother.

It just doesn't make any sense. We need to act... and in doing so we should heed the words of Robert Owen... founder of New Lanark... and educate our young. We should not glorify violence... or let our kids run around with guns. We should glorify peace and recognise Peace heroes.

My heart goes out to everyone affected in this tragedy... and also remember a family who have lost a son. We will never know why!

Too Many Cookies EP by [Proem]

While I was on Monotonik's site... I found an EP by Proem called Too Many Cookies and I am loving it too!

From 2000... it brings so much to the listener. In hyla1 you have atmospheric synth work that builds in intensity... you eagerly wait for the beats to come... like rain in a drought... and then the patter starts with romanian fruit bowl. Wow. Loving this.

Seriously... check this label out. So much on there. Saw loads of Sleepy Town Manufacture that I'm going to check out.

Technorati Tags: netlabels, monotonik

Suitable for a desire to share by [flutterspot]

On a netlabel tip over the last few days... Its amazing what is out there for free. My latest discovery is on the Monotonik netlabel :: Suitable for a desire to share by Flutterspot...

We're delighted to present a second release from Finnish graphic artist and musician Flutterspot, following the 'Labmat EP' back in early 2006, and this time round, 'Suitable For A Desire To Share' is almost 40 minutes of lushly layered electronic music to die for - or at least freeze a little bit.

I am loving this album. It reminds me of Boards of Canada but with more sun... if that makes any sense. The beats are crisp and the soundscapes are suitably interesting... enough to keep you hooked until its over. Layers of melody... with a tremendous sense of feeling and warmth. Its not all synths... there are guitars too... albeit they are manipulated in some electronica-mojo kind of way.

Fav track..? Probably the glitchy You are not an end of a rainbow or the opening IDM of Small, brightly coloured, highly arboreal. Well recommended. Check it out.

Technorati Tags: netlabels, monotonik

A lurker finally said hello

A lurker finally said hello... Everyone... big welcome to Stewart who blogs over at Scream Without Raising Your Voice. He left a comment on the Streets of Philadelphia post... and we've kind of connected. He lives near me in Hamilton, Scotland; and works for the United Reformed Church in Scotland.

So hey Stewart... welcome to the ol' nanolog... kick off your shoes and make yourself at home. Let's grab that coffee soon?!?

If you are a longtime lurker and want to say hello then leave a wee comment. About 100 folk read the nanolog most days... I know a lot of you and welcome your presence in my life... but there must be some folk who never say hello... voyeurs into my sad existence... well, now is the time... grab the opportunity and lurk no more.

Electronica Unplugged

Loving the latest free download from the Aerotone Netlabel... entitled electronica unplugged - its a fab collection of ambient abstract leftfield electronica that is more live, acoustic and unplugged than normal:

A collection of nearly acoustic tunes only influenced by electronica

Loving it. Loads of ambient soundscapes and glitchy ticks to keep me happy as Larry.

Download it for free and enjoy it for yourself!

Technorati Tags: netlabel

Leeds... on the train

I have a fondness for the North of England: I love Leeds... York... Scarborough... and from my last break... Northumbria in all its beauty.

I needed to do some face-to-face work in Leeds yesterday and decided to take the train. Less carbon... and I can get the train at Motherwell. It maybe takes me 30 mins more to go by train than to fly (or should I say cab-plane-cab) and I can get some much more done.

Another thing in favour of traveling by train... first class! I fly economy... but, for some reason, get to go 1st if the journey is more than 2 hours. The trip to Leeds (via York) is 3hrs 40ish mins... so free shortbread and coffee for me! The lassie looking after the carriage was determined to get me wired - my coffee cup never ran dry... which was conducive to creating graphics in visio for a discussion pack.

York Station is beautiful... with amazing perspectives if you look up. That's one of the things I love about traveling... time! Time to look out the window at the green and yellow flashing by... or time to look up and see the architecture. Time to work... time to listen to tunes... and time to read.

Grabbed lunch and a latte in Stabucks with my colleague... I walked him through the presentation I finalised on the train (and presented today). Later on... as a wee treat... I grabbed 10mins in Muji. I don't know why they don't have one in Glasgow. Loads of stuff caught my eye... but nothing grabbed my wallet (thankfully). The shops in Leeds are supersonic... especially Hip with their supply of Stussy and Supreme. Could only window shop.

Life is a blur if you don't take time out to look... listen... enjoy!

On the way home I finished the book I've been reading on St Aidan - brilliant. I am inspired by this Holy Man. Will write more on him soon. It was sweet to see Lindisfarne from the train. Made the story that wee bit more special.

Arrived in the 'Well just before 2000hrs. The we'ans were still up and it was lovely to come home. Life is not about what we have... but who we have in our lives! We finished the day off in each others arms... watching Dante's Peak on the telly. Its a wee bit worrying that the we'ans can sleep through a pyroclastic cloud!!!

Days like this help me move on... forget my troubles... and just rest in the presence of the Divine... and his many blessings.

After Forever

Have you ever thought about your soul? Can it be saved?
Or perhaps you think that when you are dead you just stay in your grave.
Is God just a thought within your head or is he a part of you?
Is Christ just a name that you read in a book when you were in school?

When you think about death do you lose your breath or do you keep your cool?
Would you like to see the Pope on the end of a rope? Do you think he's a fool?
Well I see the truth.
Yes I've seen the light and I've changed my ways.
And I'll be prepared when you're lonely and scared at the end of our days.

Could it be you're afraid of what your friends might say
If they knew you believed in God above?
They should realize before they criticize that God is the only way to love.

Is your mind so small that you have to fall
In with the pack wherever they run?
Will you still sneer when death is near
And say that you may as well worship the sun.

I think it is true it was people like you that crucified Christ
I think it is sad the opinion you had was the only one voiced.
Will you be so sure when your day is near say you don't believe?
You had the chance but you turned it down now you can't retrieve.

Perhaps you think before you say God is dead and gone
Open your eyes, just realize that he is the one,
The only one who can save you now from all this sin and hate.
Or will you jeer at all you hear?
Yes! I think it's too late.

After Forever (including The Elegy) by Black Sabbath from their Masters of Reality album.

Got given this album a while back from my brother-in-law. I was into alt. rock (aka grunge) at high school / uni... and Colin thought it would bring back some memories - IMHO Soundgarden ripped off Black Sabbath's sound something rotten! I really like this album... and would recommend it for people who love to rock.

Was surprised when I heard this song. Not really paranoid... is it? You find Christ in some surprising places.

Now everyone... after me... shout...

OZZY!!!

Streets of Philadelphia :: Bruce Springsteen

I love this video... just watched it on the telly. Reminds me of that cold November weekend where I took a big step out of "the box" and was so rewarded for it.

Not sure if anyone from the West Philadelphia Salvation Army read the ol' nanolog... but that Sunday was a beautiful experience for me and one I will treasure for ever.

Why I am a connector...

The success of any business lies in a realisation that you aren’t the best at everything, and in fact you may not (yet) be the best at anything, in the humility to acknowledge that you need other people, and through the generosity to respond to the reality that other people need you.

Andy White

Another quality post from my pal down south. This is why I am a connector... I will never be the best at everything... I'm not that good at most things! but I can and do build bridges between people.

Sometimes it works... sometimes it doesn't... but its something I enjoy.

April's gathering

April's gathering will be next Wednesday [25th] at the usual time in the usual place.

I'm not sure if I can make it or not... but I have asked Alistair aka ClinicallyProvenHuman to host it... if I get there.

Hope you can make it?

Live well... Laugh often... Love much...

Olly and I are going through a really tough time just now. Ironically... its nothing to do with my work... but to do with personal relationships breaking down.

We are both struggling with the pain of unforgettable change... people who were once likeminded are now distant... and cool... if not cold.

We are all too busy... and our priorities are not always as they seem. Sometimes we have to choose... and in doing so... someone loses out.

If... by allowing myself to be spread too thin... offence has been taken... then I am sorry. There is no malice intended. No ill feeling. Sometimes life just gets too busy.

As the Good Book says... the greatest of these is love. Sometimes that's all we have... insofar as that's all we need.

Pom Poko

Watched Pom Poko (Heisei Tanuki Gassen Ponpoko) with my girls on Sunday... and absolutely loved it. There are so many dimensions to it... the girls love the cute raccoons and their antics as they fight back against the humans who have taken their land. I loved the eco "message" of protecting the environment... and our stewardship responsibility for creation.

Its a tremendous film with great humour and characterisation... that explores Japanese folk legends about transforming raccoons or tanuki. I love the way they "haunt" the humans in an attempt to scare them off their land... or need energy drinks to keep their strength up.

All in... we all enjoyed the film and are grateful, as always, to The Soos for the gift... and wish him well for his future.

Alan & Jacequeline's Wedding

I had the privilege of escorting my life to my cousin Alan's wedding.

He got married to the lovely, and must-be-very-patient-to-marry-him, Jacequeline at a sweet little service at the Baptist Church in Larkhall: The pianist played a couple of Disney tunes (The one from The Lion King and the one from Aladdin) and one of Jacequeline's pals sang Songbird.

The reception was held at New Lanark Mill Hotel and what a tremendous venue for it. It was truly stunning in the spring sun (we had about 22 degrees) with the water and the architecture. We had a wee bit of spare time... and wandered aimlessly with ice creams and tea-to-go while we waited for the photos to finish.

The meal was first class... and the speeches... especially the best man's (my cousin Keith) were funny and well presented.

Afterwards... we danced the night away to a ceilidh and some standard wedding tunes.

It was great to spend some time in the company of my extended family... although I was most happy to be with my wife... who was looking particularly good!

Good times! All the best Alan and Jacequeline! May God bless you abundantly.

Alpha / a life worth living

Another session of the Alpha Course commences tomorrow night with our Captains - Alec and Andrea - leading Alpha... and Kenny facilitating the discussion. Olly and I are doing something new... and leading A Life Worth Living.

Looking forward to this. Its a commitment... but a worthwhile commitment. One that I know works. Alpha breaks down stereotypes and allows people to ask questions in an open and safe space. Its about trying to understand the Christian faith for yourself... not what you have been told by others... or even from the media... but what you think.

I like the fact that I don't know all the answers... let alone any of the questions. I also love meet new people and developing connections.

If you can make it... I'd love to see you there!

To keep track of the dates... I've created a public google calendar - click on the badge below for the dates of this session.

UPDATE

The evening went well... as a result of the people who came along. We had 11 in total which... on the surface... isn't a great number... but they were there because they wanted to be. One chap, who is doing Alpha, is just bursting with enthusiasm... like his dad, who did Alpha before him. I was also delighted to see a friend join us for a life worth living... who had be unable to attend the previous course and missed out because we cancelled the home groups.

In addition... the home group was able to continue... with 7 people attending that.

Its not about the numbers... but the quality of experience! I am pleased to say that this is the start of another great session.

Technorati Tags: alpha course, bellshill

St Aidan and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne

One of our priorities while we were on holiday was to visit The Holy Island of Lindisfarne... and I am so glad we did. It is truly a beautiful island and a received a sense of the place I was reading about in Flame in my Heart... St Aidan for today by David Adam. I got the gist of the place St Aidan requested from King Oswald to be his Holy Isle in 635AD.

St Aidan's statue in the foreground of the Priory remains is beautiful with the Castle in the background.

Thing is... what struck me more was the legacy that St Aidan has left behind. Lindisfarne is where Christianity developed into the North of England and his approach... the Celtic approach to Christianity... has left a profound mark on me... because it is, in some way, an expression that I can, and do, connect deeply with.

Over the next for days... maybe even weeks... I'm going to quote from David Adam's book... and demonstrate why I feel this connection. I look forward to your comments and constructive discussion... and hope we can all take something from this.

I'll kick off with this...

Too often, mission has wanted to change people into the image of the missionary. Too often, whole races and peoples have lost richness of their culture in the name of Christian mission. The later blossoming of the Hiberno-English culture in the Golden Age of Northumbria was proof of what was waiting to be discovered. Too often, in the name of Christ we have forced people to accept what we want rather than to listen to them. If we are truly to lead a person to Christ we must accept them as they are, and walk for a while in their shoes. The very image of our God is that He came down where we are, into our situation.../

We must accept people as they are. They are not trophies to be gained or numbers to be added to our lists. Each person has an individual experience and that can enrich ours as much as we can enrich theirs. It is too easy to deplore what we do not like, or to demand that they conform to the image that we want. This is far from the glorious liberty of the Children of God. The very diversity of peoples and nations is what enriches and adds colour to our world.

David Adam :: p19&20

I believe in the power of testimony... ours is to speak of the Gospel in a manner that is both relevant to people and in context with their situation. The Gospel is for everyone... but not everyone connects with being told. In my own experience, I relate to examples... to case studies... Theory has to have been put into practice for me to understand. The application of the Gospel in the demonstration of a changed life is a powerful example.

In addition, the people I come into contact with... my friends and colleagues... have their stories... their experiences that shape them. I try to meet them where they are... I share with them in everything... as best I can. I am enriched by them... as much as, I hope, they are enriched by being with me. I do not seek to change them to look like me.

OMGoodness... what would the world look like if we all shaved our heads... pretended we had beards... wore jeans that are too big for them... and thrift store Pringle jumpers (golfers are generous in Berwick-upon-Tweed!)... and rare trainers (rare because nobody else wants them!) What a scary thought!

Reminds me of the song from Pocahontas... My we'ans have a reggae CD of Disney songs... and JC Lodge was just singing the song "Colors of the wind":

You think the only people who are people
Are the people who look and think like you
But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger
You'll learn things you never knew you never knew.

I want to learn from others. I do not expect others to give up their otherness... and become like me. I am an original creation... just as everyone is. We are all unique... and the sooner we stop and realise this... the better.

Let's stop speaking... and start listening! and in doing so maybe more of us will experience the glorious liberty that comes from knowing Christ.

Technorati Tags: st aidan, celtic

Tinderbox and Hitherto

Grabbed a coffee with my mate and colleague Paul today. It was lovely and sunny... and we went somewhere dark and interesting... to catch up and hang out.

Tinderbox is a fab space at the corner of Montrose and Ingram. I say "space" because its more a continental cafe than a coffeehouse. Food looks fab... but have only tried their cupcakes (it was wonderful!) Their coffee, on the other hand, was superb... with a barista who took great care... and made a lovely leaf pattern on my beverage.

The space has some wonderful nooks and crannies... dark booths for intimate conversations... such as my 6-monthly appraisal (which I did just fine in!) and romantic liaisons (witnessed but not experienced! Will take Olly there soon)

The upstairs mezzanine is bright and functional... with a great big window for watching people on Ingram St.

There is wireless there... although I'm not sure of the provider... and they have a fantastic space in the back called Hitherto which is the kind of gift shop that I just love... and my bank manager hates. Full of unique... unusual merchandise with a handmade aesthetic. Bags, tees, wallets... notebooks (no Moleskine)... graphic novels... art... music... Fantastic! Will be back.

From Screendumps

Got me thinking... could be a good place for a gathering... Hmm! Nice place all in... reminds me of New York and London. Check it out... if you get the chance... or let's meet there sometime?!

Technorati Tags: one, two

Sensuous by Cornelius

From Album Covers

Wow... what an album... Sensuous by Cornelius is truly an awesome piece of imagination. Subtle at times... with bells (Sensuous) and delicate vocals from Kings of Convenience (Omstart)... moving to intense and unrelenting (Gum)... Keigo Oyamada has created a masterpiece of stereophonic joy. The soundscapes and electronics are breathtaking... as is the intricate rhythms and syncopation.

This is one album that deserves your full attention for the 47 minutes that it is on. Best heard through a decent pair of headphones... the sound moves and shifts... keeping you guessing...

I love this album... and recommend it to anyone looking for something new... something challenging... something ultimately rewarding and worthwhile.

Cornelius... I salute you! You've done it again.

Technorati Tags: cornelius