Adrian Phelan

Post 45

Eclipsed| A music bit| The 50 bit| Non-film bit| Daffodils down under| Goodbye and thanks| Social links| Links to past posts

Eclipse of a kind  

I’m starting this bit with a note on the kindness of a stranger who gave me their eclipse glasses on Wednesday as they headed home just after the peak. I got to experience most of it through the glasses which was great, and I am very thankful for that. Whoever you are you spread more than a little bit of happiness.  

I have to say, there were a lot of expectations not managed well regarding the eclipse. There were so many people underwhelmed. The long and the short of it was that without the glasses the sun was never going to look much different. In terms of my experience both the light and the temperature dropped significantly in the open field where I was, creating a definite hue. As it ended, the temperature shot back up again and the blue sky returned. You can see the contrast at the top.  

So in summary, I say eclipse 1-0 naysayers. I was less than impressed with the eclipse in ’99 myself, but now I say, ‘silly me’.   

Open mic  

Perhaps I need a personal eclipse or epiphany but I’m a bit disillusioned with the lack of music nights locally, places where singer songwriters can play their own tunes. So I was very happy that on Thursday I stumbled upon an open mic night where no fewer than five original songs were performed by two separate artistes. And good songs they were too.  

I understand why covers are appealing. At the end of a hard day, we don’t necessarily want to sit in a pub listening to loads of songs we’ve never heard before, but I think there must be a platform that is explicitly and exclusively for original music. I know I should put my money where my mouth is so if anyone is up for collaborating on this, let me know.   

50 days to 50  

From one showcase aspiration to another, at the time of writing, I’ve done 5 posts in the 50 days to 50 series signposting to The Big Issue, The Best Before Cafe, Dementia and Parkinson’s charities in the UK and Ireland and Black History Month.   

Viewing numbers are modest compared to some of my posts (I regularly get over 1,000 views) but the frequency will have something to do with that. However, I am not deterred. I am always learning and optimistic I can keep the momentum building, up to 29 September. Self-indulgence will not be dead while I’m alive. Again, if there is a good cause that you would like me to promote then get in touch.  

The filim bit or lack there of  

Talking about live entertainment, I haven’t been to the cinema for a while, which is unlike me, however I checked in with my brother and one or two others and The End of Oak Street should be the next one on the list. If you’ve seen it, let me know what you think. There’s also a Scorsese season on at my local cinema so I’m keeping an eye on what’s on for that.  

Talking about turning 50, Taxi Driver turns 50 this year and so does Rocky.  I was in good company in 1976. My Dad was a boxing fan and I’m hoping it’s just a coincidence that with Rocky coming out when I was born, that I was given the same name as his wife. Everyone in my youth thought they had the best Rocky impression. For years people thought my first name was ‘Yo’.  We did love all the Rocky films, however. They keep coming and that’s no bad thing.  

(The Graduate has just come on the telly and I’m quite enjoying it I have to say)

Do Good Well – Daffodil Day in Australia  

The blog gets read all over the world and my search for a good cause this week has taken me to Australia. It’s the Cancer Council’s  Daffodil Day next Friday, 20 August. The campaign is asking people to take a cold dip in an ocean, lake, river, pool, or even a bath to raise vital funds for Australians affected by cancer. Similar perhaps to the ice bucket challenge we all did a few years ago.  

If you don’t live in Australia (including those who are currently there for a year of debauchery), maybe consider donating to your local cancer charity. 

Goodbye and thanks   

Right now, even I’ve lost count of what issue we’re on now. I think we’re in the mid-forties. It’s possibly only my family reading at this stage so to each of you I say thanks. This blog and related projects remains the bridge to my next substantial role whatever that will be. As ever, do keep my CV on file and contact me if you need any extra capacity for your projects.  

Socially viable

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