Talking without sound.

Recently at work I had an idea, why not try and learn some basic sign language? See I work in a supermarket located in an area with lots of hard of hearing people living near by. Sure most customers who are hard of hearing come into our store with a support worker, which is great! But does that make us lazy in a way? We all talk to the support worker rather than the customer themselves. Would we want someone talking to our friend rather than us because they assume we cannot understand? Of course we don’t know sign language and for some customers using their support worker is their only way to communicate clearly, but what if we could make it easier for them?!

I brought this up at work and suggested we try and learn some basic signs so we can communicate with our customers at least a small amount rather than completely through their support workers. It was well received by my colleagues and so we set about trying to make this work. A friend of mine (who works with me, how lucky am I!) agreed to help out. He can sign, and agreed to help by teaching those interested a few phrases such as ‘can I help you’, ‘welcome’ and ‘my name is’.

The sign language session at work went really well! So many colleagues wanted to genuinely learn and they took to it so easily! Sure we are not professionals and couldn’t have a detailed conversation in sign language, however it is a start to making our customers feel even more welcome, appreciated and respected. But most of all it’s making their shopping experience easier.

The success of this got me thinking should we be teaching sign language in schools or basic phrases relevant to jobs as part of their new starter training? Imagine how many people would no longer feel frustrated because they cannot communicate what they want. How many children would feel less confused and left out because finally their friends can talk to them. How many people it would give a new lease of life to if we all knew even just a handful of phrases and words in sign language!

Surely anything we can do to make life easier for people should be embraced and encouraged? Learning some sign language, putting in ramps for disabled people, even having dedicated cinema screenings for people with autism! Any one of these things could change someones life.

So why are we not making sign language more accessible to learn?

‘What is perfect, and how do I become it?’

I overheard a young girl say this the other day whilst I was walking through town, as she said it she pointed at her face. ‘What is perfect, and how do I become it?‘ And it got me thinking what is perfect? Why do we all strive to be it? Why do we all want to be the same?

Of course there have been times I’ve wished I looked what society called perfect, and there are times I wish I acted in a way society classed as perfect, but what is perfect? I feels like it changes all the time! One minute the magazines and tv say tanned, skinny with a thigh gap and blonde hair is perfect. Next minute it’s skin so pale it looks like snow and red hair. No matter how you look you will never be permanently perfect. One minute we’re told to be skinny, next we are told to be curvy.  We are told to be quiet and keep ourselves to ourselves, then we are told to be loud and confident. And that’s just the ideas thrust onto women! Of course men have ideals put onto them too! Nobody is safe from the perfect brigade! There is a temporary idea of perfect, that is it. You’ll see the latest instagram model online and you’ll strive to look like her, you’ll spend all your money on fad diets and hair dyes, fake tans and make up. But you’re still going to be you, and you know what? That is what makes you perfectly perfect.  Why try and be someone you know you aren’t? Does that not get exhausting? I find it exhausting pretending to be perfect, I know that much.

Why are we all striving to be perfect, when nobody can actually decide what perfect is? EMBRACE who you are! If we all acted the same and looked the same life would be boring! Wear that shirt you’ve had your eye on, Try that lip colour even though its not fashionable. Wear those jeans, shout if you want to shout or be quiet if you want to be quiet. Eat the damn cake and enjoy yourself. You get one life, don’t waste it by worrying about if you are perfect to other people or not.

You are beautiful, talented and smart. Even if you don’t feel it. You’ll find love and you’ll get what you dream of. Don’t change yourself! Embrace yourself.

Ryan Hamilton And The Traitors-Capital Spirits. A review

May 4th saw the release of Ryan Hamilton And The Traitors live album “Capital Spirits” recorded in a church in London back in March 2017.  The album opens brilliantly with Ryan asking ‘Can you say fuck in a church?’ and then smoothly moves into the song “The Gulf Of Mexico”. Ryan’s vocals as ever are smooth and easy listening, and Carol Hodge’s contribution on keys and backing vocals part way through is truly beautiful. Carol’s voice adds something different from  how the track sounds on the studio album “The Devil’s In The Detail” but it works oh so well.

“Karaoke with no crowd” a firm favourite is the next track. This song is one of those songs that has everybody singing along. Fun fact, as this song plays whilst I’m writing this I’m bobbing my head and singing (very badly I admit) along.  It’s one of those songs that just really grabs your attention.

After the sing along fest that is “Karaoke with no crowd” we are given “We never should of moved to LA”. Cheekily introduced to us as a ” sweet c**ty sing along”. If you’ve never heard the song before you’d be forgiven for thinking Ryan is being rude for the sake of it but hes actually referring to a clever play on words in the lyrics.  As with most Traitors songs this is one of those songs you pick up part way through the song and start singing along to.  Despite being interrupted by an evil churchy fly flying up Ryan’s nose the song continues in all its See You Next Tuesday glory.

An immediate sing along follows in the form of ” Be Kind Rewind”. Who can resist singing along to a ‘La La’ or 3? “Oh My God” comes next and is a great track to just sit back and chill to. “Smarter” offers some great head bopping material and “Records And Needles” brings an almost nostalgic feel to proceedings with its lyrics, and you’ll be joining in with Hodges backing ‘ba badas’.

With an almost eerie opening we get “Scottish mud” next up. Carol’s backing vocals on this are truly haunting but extremely beautiful. Opening up the next song Ryan reminds us that “whatever makes you different, what makes us unique is what makes us beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you different. Embrace that shit.” which is the perfect intro to a song called “Freak Flag”.  This song in my eyes is the Modern day, fuck it, non sticky sweet pop, embrace yourself soundtrack. Much Like Christina Aguilera’s “Beautiful” was in the early 2000’s.

“Heavy Heart” One of those songs that punches through your chest, grabs your heart and smooshes it and goes ‘LISTEN TO MEEEE!’ Beautifully performed, every time I hear this version of “Heavy Heart” I feel my eyes start to go it’s just that well done.

Finally we get “Ode To The Idiots” Which gets you moving. A great track to end an album like this on as its full of energy!

As with a majority of live albums we get some of the stage chatter and randomness which adds some extra character to an already great album. Although I wasn’t there during the recording, whenever I listen to this album I feel like I was there. It’s amazingly produced, and all the guys (and Carol) on the night sound like they were on top form. This is the best live album I’ve heard in a while.

You can get “Capital Spirits” via all your usual online music retailers (amazon, itunes, spotify etc) Why not get a taste of the live action in August when the guys go back on the road in the UK, tickets and info available at:  http://www.ryanhamiltonandthetraitors.com/home.html

One person, not a whole community.

Manchester, Monday 22nd May 2017.  22 people lost their lives during a terrorist attack at an Ariana Grande concert. The events of Monday evening have me heartbroken, angry and just plain confused. How can one person (I refuse to call him a man for his actions are that of a coward not a man) cause so much destruction and heartbreak? Why? This person attacked some of the most vulnerable people are country is home to, children. Children, teenagers and guardians all killed because of one persons selfish, cowardly act.

Ariana Grande is well known for being a hit with the younger music fans, this person knew what they were doing. They knew who would be hurt.

For many victims this would of been their first concert. Maybe a birthday or Christmas present from parents. For many of the people there on Monday this would be the first time they experienced just how great live music can be, the first time they experienced the excitement, the friendship and the fun of a live gig. For some people it would also sadly be the last time.

Music is something that brings people together, gets people through tough times and is the first building block in some friendships. This person, this coward tried to ruin that for young people. And for what? To prove a point?

Acts of terror like this will not tear this country apart though. Hundreds of people opened up their homes and businesses (for example taxis giving free lifts) in the Manchester area after the attack. Hundreds of emergency staff worked throughout the night to help as many people as they could. People came together, and they will not come apart now.

The actions of this individual are not ok, but it is important to remember that he is exactly that, an individual. His actions do not speak for all the Muslims in Britain. Just because the attacker followed a faith different to your own does not mean his actions reflect all in that faith. Do not pop everyone of the same faith into the same box. We all stand as one.

This persons actions have only made us stronger. We will not be afraid. We will not give you what you want. We are not a country burying our heads in the sand. We are a nation who are going to support those around us. We are going to share our kindness with those in need and WE ARE NOT GOING TO BE PUSHED DOWN. We will get through this. WE WILL STAND TOGETHER.

R.I.P to all 22 lives lost on Monday.

Patent Pending-Other People’s Greatest Hits album review.

On April 17th, at the merch stand of the first show of Patent Pending’s Spring Break tour I got my grubby little mitts on their new album ‘Other People’s Greatest Hits’ The album is officially out May 26th, however people who attended their Spring Break tour across the UK could pick a copy up early! Which is what this girl here did.

The name of the album explains it all really, this album is a covers album of other people’s greatest hits, with a PTPG twist to them. There is a good range of recent and older hits on the album with covers ranging from Spice Girls Spice Up Your Life, to Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You.

The start of the album is a mash up of the two EDM songs Wasted and Wake me up. These songs have been smooshed together and made into something great. I’d never actually heard the song wasted before so this was new to me, however I love it! The beginning is really strong, and gets you properly in the mood for the listening experience this album brings.

Then we move into Spice Up Your Life by The Spice Girls. Like many 20 something year olds this song was the soundtrack to my childhood, so when I heard this was one of the songs I was worried. I didn’t need to be though! (This song played live especially is great! The crowd really got into it!). This track is probably the grittiest on this album with lots of gang LaLa’s and a strong beat. When listening to this, you can imagine the guys Slamming to the left and shaking it to the right, it’s one of those tracks you can actually picture how it would sound live.

Other songs on the album include Can’t Take My Eyes Off You by Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, which is the best cover of this song I have ever heard! It’s not a carbon copy but it’s not so different you can’t tell what song it’s meant to be. (One Of the issues I’ve had with some covers of this song) It’s a nice modernised version in my opinion.

Then we have Never Gonna Give You Up By Rick Astley, which is the biggest earworm. You will be humming the guys version of this for days! Shout Out To My Ex by Little Mix is up after that, it’s a true seat wiggler of a song, again not changed too drastically but just enough to make it different. Livin La Vida Loca by Ricky Martin, what can I say other than ‘Oh Come On!’ Another song I didn’t expect on this album, but yet another song that the guys have managed to make work!

All Time Low by Jon Bellion is next, I had no idea this song existed, never heard it so I have no idea how this compares to the original, however if this hadn’t of been on a covers album I would of assumed this was a new PTPG song! For a true piece of 00’s nostalgia it’s Mr Brightside by the killers, a karaoke hit worldwide. The beginning of this cover made my ears prick up, It’s got a bouncy feel to it and another song I could imagine being played live.

The last two songs on the album are Shape Of You by Ed Sheeran, which is a song I’ve heard so much lately I was worried it would suffer what I call ‘over played, over covered syndrome’ where a songs original gets played so much , is still so fresh and so any cover you hear just doesn’t compare, but I am so glad to say that is not the case! Lastly we have Miley Cyrus song See You Again. I love this cover! I hate the original song but I’ve been humming this for days!

Overall this album is probably one of the best albums you’re going to pick up in the first half of 2017! It’s a great mix of childhood nostalgia, ‘wtf’ and bouncing around your bedroom. I just know you’re all going to love this as much as I do!

Halloween how to do it right!

It’s the day a lot of people have been waiting for, the day where the witches, ghouls and broken dollies come out to play. Yes it’s Halloween! Get your pumpkins out, your face paint on and your bags ready for your treats.

If you’re going out and about trick or treating tonight or taking a child or two out don’t forget your manners. It’s very easy in the excitement of it all to forget the simple Halloween etiquette, but that’s ok as we are here to give you our tips for a safe, fun, respectful Halloween whilst still getting lots of treats!

Kelly Parsons spooky pumpkin.
Credit: Kelly Parsons

• BE CAREFUL! Lots of costumes are made of very flammable synthetic materials. Stay away from open flames and be aware of pumpkins on doorsteps with candles inside.
• Cars still exist:It’s very easy for children to get excited and run across roads to the next house, but PLEASE remind the children in your care to stop, look and listen. Lots of costumes are dark, combined with the darkness of the night this can be a recipe for disaster.
• Remember NO lights means NO thank you: If you get to a house with no lights on and no notice on the door do not knock on the door. This house is not giving out treats tonight.
• If a door has a sign READ IT: Some families with young babies, or dogs that bark may put up signs asking you not to knock, please respect these requests.
• Say THANK YOU: The people who you are asking for treats from have spent their money on these goodies, so don’t forget to say thank you!
• BRING A TORCH: It’s going to be dark and you are going to need light to make sure you don’t trip over.
• DON’T BE MEAN: Yes Halloween is meant to be spooky, but don’t go hiding behind bushes and jumping out at smaller children. Sure scare your friends if you think they can take it, but don’t be horrible and scare random children, you will ruin their night.
• Don’t do anything you would NEVER NORMALLY DO: If you wouldn’t normally get an egg and throw it at someones house don’t do it tonight.
• DON’T EGG OR TOILET PAPER HOUSES: You will just make bad blood between yourselves and your neighbours and make where you live look disgusting and messy.
• And the most important tip of all: HAVE FUN!

The magic of tea.

Britain is known as a nation of tea lovers. Builders brew, loose leaf Earl Grey, fruity concoctions and even having the stuff all icy cold!  But why do we love tea so much?

I’m currently sat at my desk, with a pot of tea (loose leaf Oolong from Whittards if you must know) and as I took a sip of the warm liquid the thought came to me. Why do we love this stuff so much? It’s just flavoured water isn’t it? Now of course some teas contain ingredients that promote this and that for example you can get teas to help bust a cold and teas for boosting energy. But what is it about the slightly murky coloured water we love so much? Why do we use it as a comforter when something has gone wrong and why is it the ultimate relaxation drink?

Tea is something most of us love, of course not everyone, but most. It’s been around for what feels like forever. The actual base of all your tea grows its not built by a machine. It’s one of the most natural drinks in the world. With far too many different variations to count. It’s used in special ceremonies across the world, and to some it is a friend in a cup.

Maybe it’s the familiar warmth that we love, the way a cup of tea warms you through on a cold winters day. Or maybe its the variety of flavours and ways to make tea that we love. Some of us love tea that is more milk than tea, and some of us love tea where milk barely touches it. It could be all the antioxidants and whatnot that are packed into the wonderful little brew that we love. Or how about we just love it and we aren’t sure why?

To be honest I love tea for the variety, for the comfort , the taste, and the cute teacups and teapots you can get. I love how a pot of team makes me feel like I can achieve anything, I’m not entirely sure why. Maybe it’s because when I was younger I used to see all these important people on tv shows having a pot of tea whilst getting about their business. I love how a warm cup of tea feels in my hands and I love how the warm liquid feels when I drink it.

So in conclusion to my little tea time thought, I’m not entirely sure why we love tea so much. But that isn’t going to stop me asking: WHY DO YOU LOVE TEA?

 

Interview with Ryan Hamilton of Ryan Hamilton & The Traitors

Ryan Hamilton is a singer, songwriter, artist extraordinaire.  He’s the peoples singer, what do I mean by that though? I mean he’s one of the few modern day musicians who makes time for his fans, remembering faces and names and talking to them regularly.  You may of heard us talk about Ryan before as we featured his artwork in our David Bowie tribute piece. Ryan Hamilton & The Traitors are currently in the process of recording a brand new album! Which you can help fund by pre=-ordering the album on Pledge Music: http://www.pledgemusic.com/projects/ryanhamiltonnewalbum

We spoke to Ryan about the new album, living in a tiny house, and why he wants to get to know as many fans as he can!

1) You’re currently recording your second solo album, how do you think this album will differ from your debut?

We are indeed! It’s been such an amazing experience. I set the bar pretty high with Hell of a Day, so I put A LOT of my pressure on myself for this follow up to be even better. I think it is. Better songs, and we’re a better band. Actually, this is the first album we have recorded together as a “band”.

2)You’re recording in Scotland at the minute, why there?

I love Scotland. Especially further North. I find it incredibly inspiring. We are recording in Portsoy. We are close enough to the water/harbor that we can take a break, go for a 5 minute walk, and enjoy the fresh sea air. Love that.

3) Not many musicians anymore take the time out to talk to their fans , whereas you are known for talking to fans and even remembering their names. How important do you think it is for musicians to connect with their fans?

I think it’s the most important thing! I want to have a CAREER. Not just a few years of success. For me, it’s very important to make real connections with people. I want to create real relationships and have supporters that feel more like a family. I want us to all go on this adventure TOGETHER.

4) Pledge music has been the platform for your previous album and now this one, what is it you like about Pledge music?

That I don’t have to deal with a record label. Haha! True.

5)What is it about the house party shows that makes you enjoy doing them so much?

It falls in line with what I was saying before. It’s important to me to create real connections and real relationships. House Party shows are the perfect opportunity for that. They are also some of my favorite shows to play. Such a cool, different, up close and personal experience.

6) Your artwork is amazing, but do you ever find it hard to find the right balance between music and drawing? 

Oh, well thank you very much. Drawing and painting is a great release for me. I try and create as much new art as I can, WHEN I can. I stay pretty busy these days. So, I know that I’m caught up on everything if I have time to draw or paint. Haha. It makes it a very rewarding outlet. I love it. Wish I could do more.

7) Living in a tiny house can’t be easy, how do you deal with being in such a small space, and do you have any tips for any one considering making their own home?

Building, and living in, the Tiny House was a huge challenge. But we have learned how to downsize and not be so focused on “things”. I learned a very valuable lesson. You really don’t need much in a home. Just the necessities and the people you love.

8) Is there anything else you would like to try out now or are music and drawing the only areas you are interested in?

Good question! Not sure. Right now, my brain (and schedule) are full of music and drawing. So, it’s hard to consider anything else at the moment.

9) Who are your biggest inspirations and why?

Bob Dylan and Tom Petty. Not only are they my favorite songwriters, but they did (and do) things THEIR way, and they weren’t going to let anyone tell them otherwise

10)What is next for Ryan Hamilton?

Releasing a new album! … and then, of course, going on tour. Seriously can’t wait for people to hear what we’ve done.

Shanna (owner of The FUD) and Ryan in 2015 at the Thekla in Bristol.

I’ll eat where I want to!

Cafe’s, restaurants, and greasy spoons with fried bread and grilled tomatoes, what do they have in common? I’ll tell you, they are places where people PAY to eat food prepared ON THE PREMISES. So what is with this growing trend of mainly teenagers (although the odd business man and woman are guilty as well) of eating our own food in these public places? Food that has not been ordered from smiley Brenda at the till, food that has not been prepared by the cooks in the back? Where has this lack of respect for businesses come from?

For example today my mother and I were eating in a local cafe, it’s not the biggest of spaces and it’s busy at lunch time anyway. But today it was particularly busy so busy in fact we got the last free table at that time. Now what’s the issue I hear you ask, why are you telling me this? Lots of people have to wait for tables at lunch time.Well the issue is most of these tables were taken up by pupils from the local school, eating their own food, feet up and bums plonked on the tables and yelling over each other.

I have a few issues with this, let me explain:

As someone who was brought, not dragged up, I have been taught to respect any signage in a business. In this cafe there are signs asking that customers eat food ONLY purchased in the cafe.

I have also been taught not to put my feet or my bum on tables, especially not with outside shoes on and even more so NOT on tables that will have food on them.

During this lunch time rush I noticed a group of elderly ladies who were chatting about how they couldn’t wait to sit down to a nice cuppa, only to notice the lack of space and walk out disappointed.

Not only is this culture of eating our own food in cafes affecting businesses, it’s affecting our community. It’s disheartening people when they are excited to sit down to coffee and cake but can’t as there is a group of school kids eating their own munch and shouting.

Please remind yourselves that cafes you are only meant to consume food and drink you purchase there, and NEVER EVER put your dirty feet on a table someone will be eating from later, its disgusting!

 

Easy peasy french tips.

For the longest time I’ve wanted pretty nails. I have always been envious of those people who are able to create intricate designs with seemingly no effort whatsoever. Whenever I tried nail art it would end up a sticky uneven mess with flooded cuticles and a sticky, bumpy surface.
One thing I’ve always wanted to try is the classic French manicure, but with clumsy hands and no funds to go to a salon I thought French tips were forever to remain a fantasy.
What is the solution you may ask?  Cheat. Yep. I admit it. I cheated. Today I achieved what I thought was the impossible. French tips that look good, and I’ll tell you how I did it – with sticky tape!

Things you will need:
Base and top coat – I’m using Sally Hansen’s Double Duty. (This is a little pricey but the results really make the price worth it, you can use this with any colour of polish from any brand and this will make it look beautiful)
Sheer nude coloured polish (I used Essie’s ‘Sugar Daddy’)
White nail tip colour (I’m using Rimmel’s Brit Manicure Nail Tip Colour in ‘Porcelain’)
Sticky Tape
Cotton buds and nail polish remover for any polish that may get on your skin

Method:
Step 1. Apply your base coat evenly on all nails.
Step 2. After the base coat has dried, take your sticky tape and stick it down so that one edge lies along the smile lines of your nails (where the white/clear part starts). This is a good opportunity to tidy up any unevenness of your smile lines.
Step 3. Apply your nail tip colour to the tips of your nails.
Step 4. Allow the tips to dry and remove your tape (tip: it’s actually best to do this just before the tips are 100% dry, allowing for a sharper edge and less chance of cracks).
Step 5. Apply your sheer nude colour over the whole nail.
Final step. Once your nude polish is dry, apply your top coat to smooth out any unevenness and a longer wear. (Tip: Its’ very important that all the layers underneath are completely dry before you do this!!). If you got any polish on your skin, simply dip a cotton bud into nail polish remover (or small paint/unused makeup brush with stiff bristles) and gently wipe it away.
Et voila. You have successfully cheated at French tips. This method means that even if you are blessed by the nail gods and have steady enough hands to free-hand one side, you can still do your non-dominant hand neatly with no stress at all.