Why I Hate ___

I've been thinking of interesting stuff I want to do with this blog for some time now. Other than just the occasional and random update on my life - which let's face it is interesting to all of about twelve people - I find myself not really having much of actual interest to say.

So, I therefore decided to write a series of blogs entitled "Why I hate ___". Basically I'll try to be funny about things in my life that have aspects that I dislike (but as I was taught in Year 9: when writing for impact, always go with hyperbole and exaggeration; hence, "hate").* I cannot guarantee that it'll go well, or be even remotely funny. But the idea has been fermenting in my mind like the tea on my desk (perhaps the two are connected and I ought to continue letting the mould grow...) so bugger it.

I have a few ideas about things I could write about but would welcome suggestions and/or requests from anybody that sees this.




*In Year 9 for English we had the delightful Mrs Quayle teaching us, my fellow Holy Family survivors will probably know of her prowess at teaching. In any event, one of our lessons saw us reading a newspaper article about a dog attack, with certain words removed and options provided for what word would best suit the situation. The one that sticks in my mind was from the headline: "Woman ___ by dog" and our options were a) bitten, b) attacked, and c) savaged. I chose b whereas the rest of the class (who may have understood the task better than I did, I'm not sure) elected c as the most suitable answer. I accused them - and my teacher - of fomenting sensationalism, and being basically what keeps people reading such papers as The Sun or the Daily Mail. I'm not sure I deserved that detention.

Well Folk Me Sideways!

Good golly gosh!

I've never been to a music festival before, but I finally made it to one this year. They say that you always remember your first time and phwoar! Cambridge Folk Festival 2013, what a way to take my festival virginity. Plenty of alcohol was consumed (to the point where the festival was drunk completely dry of cider) and lots of antics were had.

Particularly brilliant moments included befriending some Norwegians at 2am on Saturday morning, before wandering off to find a session happening (which my big bro was taking part in); a young magician about the age of nine wandering the crowds and wowing us with some pretty swish tricks and patter; crouched handstands; and a midnight kebab.

Musical highlights were:

Bellowhead were the band I was most excited to see for the entire weekend; and they definitely did not disappoint! (Well, maybe a little... They didn't play my favourite song)

Undoubtedly the group favourite for the weekend: Four Irish fellas playing some amazing tunes with banjos, mandolins, a bodhran and a fiddle at points too... Saw them twice!

Utterly astounding guitarist, best player I've ever seen bar none. Being just one fellow and a guitar, his set was a little avant-guarde at points but folking hell was it good! An inspiration to listen to.


Where to begin? My uncle found us whilst this lot were playing and wandered past saying "I've just seen a young Seasick Steve!" I found myself on my way to see them, unsure what to expect but was totally blown away. The amount of sound coming off these three people was insane! And as the bearded wonder was keen to mention: they had no need of a bass player: all of the bass was played on the guitar at the same time. Incrediballs. (Incidentally, see 0:37 for the afore-mentioned handstands)

A folk quartet from Quebec, they were infectious to listen to. The foot-stomping violinist was awesome and you never see a hurdy-gurdy solo these days...

The amazingness of the weekend can be summed up by the fact that I was ready to commit to Cambridge 2014 within four hours of having arrived.

Result.

My aim for next year: become proficient enough at the guitar and whistle (and probably some other stuff too) to be able to find a session and just go nuts.