I just returned from mailing off our holiday cards, all 93 of them. It took us a long two nights to write messages to everyone, stuff, seal, and stamp. It was a companionable time, though, and I kind of enjoyed just sitting at the kitchen table with my wife and listening to her gentle (sometimes, not so gentle) profanity as she tore an envelope here or put the wrong card in the wrong envelope there.

Otherwise, I was a bit alone with my thoughts as we scribbled away. It was fun to realize that on these sheets of labels, I had a sort of chronological roadmap to my life.

The oldest friend rang in at 35 years, which is a long time but especially when you consider we are each only 37. That is a friendship I take great pleasure in.

After that, people sort of popped up onto the list from the Summer I spent in China, some 20 years ago, and friends I made in France, some almost 15 years ago, and friends I made in England, over 10 years ago when I lived and worked there.

Business acquaintances made it on the list, but only because I liked them, not because I needed to send them a card. In other words, they became friends through business but are not on the list because I do business with them.

Friends from University and from Law School are there. Friends from New Orleans are there. Former neighbors from our old co-op in the City are on the list. I used to be the Vice President of that Board and still have lots of friends there.

Family, all over the world, are on the list, for sure. My wife got to write any of the Norwegian cards herself.

Friends I've made through volunteer work and through various other outside activities made their way onto the list.

All in all, a most satisfactory tour of my past and my present.

Until we consider the deletions. Judaism teaches that the sweet is always mixed with the sour. I suppose that makes sense, there is very little joy that is unalloyed in the world and you might not even be able to fully appreciate the nuances of the happiness without a sprinkling of the sad.

Some were deleted from our list because cards don't get sent to the deceased. They don't have a mantle for them anymore, anyway. The old in our family are dying and the new generation is beginning to fill in for them as the generational odometer ticks over.

Some fell off the list because of desuetude. The friendships withered as people lost the habit of staying in touch. Actually, one card went to just such a person in the hope that it might rekindle the friendship. If not, oh, well, we have enough friends who we don't get to see as it is.

It was a good trip, this little trip of ours down memory lane. The only real snag was running out of cards!

Posted by: Random Penseur at 09:54 AM | Comments (7) | Add Comment
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Since I involved you all in my job interview, I thought I'd let you know the news. There is no news. Well, besides Generalissimo Francisco Franco still being dead (the early SNLs were really the best, weren't they?). I have heard nothing from Miami. My wife thinks I should give them a ring to see what's going on. My view is more of a having heard nothing, I assume I did not get the job, view. Why bother confirming past that? I think I will just let it lie, for now.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 09:04 AM | Comments (8) | Add Comment
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1 i don't know...i think you call maybe wed?

Posted by: standing naked at December 06, 2004 10:06 AM (IAJcf)

2 I don't know... I had my first phone nterview with the school I work at in February of 2003, and didn't hear a word until April, when I was asked to drive outI had 9 interviews, and taught 3 classes. You just never know.

Posted by: Mandalei at December 06, 2004 10:10 AM (LcyhB)

3 Please call. Not only does it show you are enthusiastic about the job, but it's possible that other things are going on you don't know about. When I faxed over my application for the dream job I have now, I didn't get a reply for a *MONTH*! When the business owner finally called me, I laughed at him when he identified himself. He was startled until I explained I'd written him off. He told me he'd been in South America and had come back to an office with over 400 faxed applications for this job. I told him I'd simpply assumed he was a flake. (I'm very upfront, as you can see. LOL!) He laughed at me and we scheduled an interview for the next day. I wow'd him and got the job. So, for all you know, there might be all kinds of other reasons why you haven't been contacted. I have also landed other jobs just because I called back and bugged them after the interview. I interviewed once for a job I wanted very much, my first sales rep position for a national company. They did not call me back. I was frantic. Finally, I just called the guy after about 4 days and left a message on his voice mail (he was out) saying that I really wanted this job and I wasn't afraid to make that clear to him. That I would do an excellent job and there wasn't anyone else who could do it better. That if I didn't hear from him, I'd be calling back every day until I did because I REALLY WANTED THIS JOB! He called me back later that day, obviously amused and appreciative of my determination and gave me the position. He later said that they wanted "Go-Getters". They WANT someone who really wants the job. Who won't hesitate being aggressive about it. Who will call and call to get what they want. So call, Random. What can it hurt? :-)

Posted by: Amber at December 06, 2004 11:41 AM (zQE5D)

4 I'm of the "call to see" group for sure. The dream job I have took NINE MONTHS to be completely set up and rockin' and rollin'. (Of course, it involved hardware, set up, line installation, the woiks, and then I got married and moved, so this is why mine took so long to get rolling) but all along the way, I would send a "Don't you forget about meee" e-mails and calls. I have to know -- one way or the other. So *I* would call. LOL YMMV.

Posted by: Margi at December 06, 2004 06:34 PM (rKX9f)

5 Call. The worst is they say you missed out, in which case you can ask why and get some feedback. the best is they say they were just about to call you to say you've got the job. Either way it's far easier than rining a woman for a date.

Posted by: Simon at December 06, 2004 09:36 PM (UKqGy)

6 I'm with everybody else on this -- and especially Amber. You might think you'd sound too eager/desperate to ask for an update. But, you'll just as easily sound like you're waiting on them because you've got some other great offers in the wings and just waiting for you to say what's up. There's no harm in checking back with them, though not checking back might be considered a sign of, either, unavailablity or indifference. If you want the job, let 'em know. Things like that matter to employers!

Posted by: Tuning Spork at December 06, 2004 10:21 PM (Ar7wg)

7 Well, I took all of your advice and I called. The hiring guy was away for the week on business, or so his voicemail claimed, and I left a message telling him that I was still very interested in the position. I guess we'll just see.

Posted by: RP at December 07, 2004 07:06 AM (X3Lfs)

8 There oughtta be a law against HR personnel conducting interviews and then leaving town. SO NOT FAIR! I'm still crossing everything that can be crossed, RP. Please keep us posted. Kay?

Posted by: Margi at December 07, 2004 03:00 PM (rKX9f)

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I was reading the obituaries in the Daily Telegraph this morning, specifically the obituary of HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands (who, by the way, led a fascinating life), consort to Queen Juliana, when I came upon the name of the young woman with whom it was alleged he may have been unfaithful at some point. The obituary describes it much more discreetly as a "close friendship".

In any event, his close friend was "a young Frenchwoman, the improbably named Poussy Grinda".

I'm really not mature enough to take this seriously. Besides, don't you all hear the James Bond movie theme song now?

Posted by: Random Penseur at 08:37 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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I was doing a bit of driving this weekend and I noticed, on the car in front of me, a yellow magnetic ribbon and a pink magnetic ribbon. The yellow ribbon was clearly in support of our troops. The pink ribbon, identical in appearance to the yellow ribbon, made me think that the driver of the car also wanted to make clear his or her support for our troops serving in the "don't ask, don't tell" program.

Later, of course, I realized it was a breast cancer ribbon. But it took awhile!

Posted by: Random Penseur at 08:16 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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What do you say to a woman whose husband just died? I pondered that question as I drove about 100 miles on Sunday morning to attend the memorial service for my cousin's husband. I love my cousin, I never much liked her husband but I assume that was really my fault and not his. So I knew that I was going for her and not for him. What do you say? I never really know. Everything seems so inadequate. I settled, finally, on, "I'm sorry". That was all. Just that I was sorry. What else is there to say, really?

The service was interesting. It was conducted by a Minister from a hospice organization that helped him die at home. She was very nice but she said that she did not really know how to conduct the service since Sam told her that she could not mention God at all. She said that this was a first for her. But she spoke movingly of Sam and how she got to know him as he died. That sort of freaked me out, just a little, that Sam was discussing his own death and the memorial service he wanted, that he was, how do I put it, . . . He was more or less alone with the absolute realization that he was planning a party he would not be attending, that whatever else happened, he was alone, all alone at the end. This must come to us all, of course, in one way or another. But I was really struck by the manner in which he died, that he had time to contemplate as something other than a philosophical concept, his own demise. In any event, Sam's brother in law got up at the end and read from the Psalms ("The Lord is my Shepard, etc.) and recited the Mourner's Kaddish. The Minister closed the service by saying, "I was surprised to hear that Sam requested that. So, he tricked me. Good for him! I'm glad".

His last little joke. I'm glad, too.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 08:13 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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This weekend, the sitemeter odometer ticked over to the 10,000 mark. That's ten thousand visitors since I moved here from blogspot. Is this a world beater number? Nope. But it still seems highly significant to me. When I started this blog, I did so because I just felt like I had some things to say and I wanted a forum in which to do it. And now just over 10,000 people have stopped by to read. In the process, I have made some new friends and been included in a community of pretty wonderful bloggers. In fact, if you are not aware of Mu.Nu., graciously hosted by Pixy, go click on the sidebar labeled "Munuvians" to browse through the list of the denizens of MuNu.

I'm still not really sure what my blog is, though. I don't think it fits neatly into a simple category but that's not a bad thing. Feel free to chime in if you have mentally slotted my blog into a category. I'd be very curious to hear where you've put it since I have no idea myself.

Anyway, thanks for coming and reading. For those of you who have left comments (I heart comments), thanks doubly!

Posted by: Random Penseur at 07:43 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
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What other title could you put on a post highlighting the fact that one University in Britain has axed the physics department and another the chemistry department? Watch, as the Brits march proudly into the past since they will not be equiping their students to march into the future.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 11:38 AM | Comments (1) | Add Comment
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Without further explanation, I give you the Farting Nun Organ.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 10:32 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Corporate democracy is an interesting concept. Briefly, it means that if you own an interest, a share, of a corporation, you are entitled to vote on matters which are required to be put for a vote before the shareholders. What matters? Well, elections of directors, corporate and shareholder resolutions, mergers and acquisitions, and certain kinds of asset sales. This right to vote is a fundamental aspect of corporate and share ownership. It may not apply to all classes of stock, of course.

The system is premised on the following concept: those with an economic interest should be permitted a voice in proportion to that economic interest. One share, one vote, in other words. This system has worked pretty well up to now and courts take very seriously issues of shareholder disenfranchisement, freeze out, and other maneuvers by which shareholders are pushed out of their rights to vote.

The system, however, has just been totally gamed. It may not be a bad thing, but it is certainly very interesting.

The NY Times reported this morning on a technique used by the "owner" of 10% of a corporation's outstanding and issued shares in regard to a merger vote. Why is owner in quotes? Simple. The owner of the shares simultaneously bought them while another party, a counterparty (I think), sold the shares short. Result? He owns the shares with absolutely no economic interest or risk. In other words, he has the voting rights but no exposure to the fluctuation of the share price in the market place. Shareholder rights activists are up in arms over this. I, too, was initially quite disturbed by it. But the article, at the absolute very end, quotes a law professor who points out that shareholders in a large public company have no fiduciary duty to each other. I forgot that as I got caught up in the drama of the article. This is important. Shareholders voting on a merger are under no compulsion to vote anything other than what is in their best interests, not the best interests of their fellow shareholders. To require otherwise would be unwieldy at best and at worst would require a level of care in a relationship of co-shareholders that is absolutely unwarranted.

This is an interesting issue, I think. Gaming the corporate democracy system by holding voting shares with no economic exposure. It raises the question of why you would want to do it at all if you don't stand to gain by any price movement in the shares you "own". The article in the Times did not address this question. But suppose the "owner" really did own shares in the other company in the merger. . . Maybe that's where the play is. Very clever, if so.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 08:58 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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Go check out GLC (goldie lookin chain) to catch their new single, Your Mother's got a Penis, and ponder, if you dare, the future of Welch Hip-hop.

Come on, you know you want to.

UPDATE:

If you are visiting, I have another post on Welsh Hip Hop here. Also, congratulations (link to my small tribute post) to the nation of Wales on the outstanding Six Nations Rugby Grand Slam!

Posted by: Random Penseur at 02:53 PM | Comments (162) | Add Comment
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1 i am trying to add this site which is a downloadable hiphop drum samples site as i have never heard of welsh hiphop

Posted by: mike stewart at January 11, 2005 05:13 AM (TMDwD)

2 piton & 4dee fly the dragon high,a patriotic welsh rap choon gunna be huge.also look out 4 pictons new track BOUNCE,K.DIFF SYNDICATE 2005.

Posted by: WAYNE LIDDEL at February 08, 2005 10:21 AM (vJkdC)

3 PICTON(of the H.S.G kru) & 4DEE, FLY THE DRAGON HIGH AMAZING TRACK.Also check out bounce,rock da riddim,& tha fings i say by picton all on the k.diff imprint.

Posted by: CHISKA at February 08, 2005 11:10 AM (vJkdC)

4 Bounce by PICTON(aka joe blow)has gotta be a welsh hiphop anthem for 2005,truss me!

Posted by: X.P. at February 08, 2005 01:22 PM (2W7Ka)

5 Cardiff's old skool veterans Johnny B & Keltech are still pushing forward for the future of Welsh Hip Hop i reckon! For those who don't know their sh*t check http://www.keltechandjohnnyb.com

Posted by: DJ Luke at February 09, 2005 07:17 PM (axQ8U)

6 Johnny B & Keltech have had there day...out with the old school and in with the new i say coz its time for the new Welsh Hip Hop giants to take over the scene...big up Secondson & Humurak.

Posted by: Dragon Spitter at March 07, 2005 06:58 PM (axQ8U)

7 Ive jus got hold of a bootleg copy of pictons (joe blow)cd featuring hsg & 4dee if u want 2 check it out go to http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jester9919/vas%20stuff/

Posted by: JESTER the net hacker at March 10, 2005 01:06 PM (L7YBr)

8 Just downloaded pictons cd,definately the cream of cardiff hiphop by far.Best track has gotta be "its hsg" .

Posted by: VINCE OF ELY at March 12, 2005 12:01 PM (IEZry)

9 Optimas prime dial up records,the dominant force of welsh hiphop,junior disprol track is amazing.

Posted by: paul h.cardiff at March 13, 2005 06:51 AM (IEZry)

10 goldie looking chain are a bunch of fu**ing dickheads.Their album consists of more cheap gimmiks than ali.g.Even though they've had the most comercial success that a welsh rap band has ever had,u must ask yourself why(they couldnt rap if they had a hole in thier arse).There are plenty of welsh rap bands with mad skills,i just hope they dont get tared with the same brush as g.l.c.

Posted by: mark hughes pontyclun at March 17, 2005 07:48 AM (IEZry)

11 Just for the record,the cd floating around on the net is not my official album,they're just unmixed tracks(some of which were made over two years ago)that some cunt managed to leak out of the studio.check dial up records(optimas prime)for me &4dees freshest tune SHELF SHOCK,hitting the shops real soon.

Posted by: PICTON(aka joe blow)H.S.G at March 18, 2005 08:36 AM (EyTSH)

12 Ive read the article on mudmouth in ukhh on the net,the last time i heard him was at the toucan club attempting to battle chester.p & getting slued in the process.It would be interesting to see how hes progressed since then but i cant seem to be able to buy his album anywhere, can anyone shine any light on this matter?

Posted by: nicky,pontypridd at March 22, 2005 12:30 PM (lbFeo)

13 The new arkane album called arkane is the dogs knackers....absolute class this is a must have l.p

Posted by: hatcher..beddau at March 22, 2005 12:58 PM (lbFeo)

14 caskade &direct are wicked emcees.I heard them on a grassroots cd with johnny.b & johnny got rinsed big time.Anyone no when dark skies is going to drop?

Posted by: lucas...splott at March 24, 2005 08:27 AM (JtsnZ)

15 Cesto is on 3 tracks on pictons c.d check out Http://homepage.ntlworld.com/jester9919/vas%20stuff/

Posted by: vinnie (ely) at March 26, 2005 04:13 AM (JtsnZ)

16 just checked out the hsg tunes nice to hear cesto bigging up graf writers.........cool man...

Posted by: skroe at March 30, 2005 06:57 AM (axQ8U)

17 from 30/3/05 my bootleged cd will no longer be available from jesters address.check out http:/www.hsg-click,tk (hsg site currently under construction.or check out www.k-diff.co.uk/-5k for more info on future releases.

Posted by: picton (joe blow) at March 31, 2005 06:53 AM (kK9fh)

18 Caskade & Direct are the best in Wales at the momment.They would destroy anyone!!!

Posted by: DJ Luke at March 31, 2005 08:32 PM (axQ8U)

19 ...also can't forget the mighty Blaktrix!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: DJ Luke at March 31, 2005 08:35 PM (axQ8U)

20 Fuck Johnny B and his prick of a dj Keltech, Headcase Ladz, 4 Dee, DJ Jaffa and all the old timers still trying to represent for the kidz...give up coz Welsh Hip Hop has moved on!

Posted by: Stinger Man at April 05, 2005 05:59 PM (axQ8U)

21 look out for optimas primes new e.p on dial up records titled 'try b4 u buy' featuring h.s.g 4dee&picton,blacktrix&nobstanuts.out end of may.

Posted by: skroe at April 08, 2005 04:39 AM (mrmo1)

22 Just heard nobstanuts new 12 inch on wonky wax,this guys a legend in his own right

Posted by: darren davies at April 08, 2005 08:16 AM (CKsVK)

23 HUMERAK,S LAUNCH PARTY @ THE TOUCAN CLUB CARDIFF WEDNESDAY 13 APRIL 05,ITS GUNNA BE LIVE/O....

Posted by: derrek at April 11, 2005 11:28 AM (DqNkQ)

24 Any humurak fans should go to www.humurakdgritty.com .....& check his video out,soon to be featured on channel u.....

Posted by: jack da rapper at April 14, 2005 09:33 AM (cwb/q)

25 Who the fuck is stingerman?obviously a proper wanker who hasn't got a clue what he's on about.It's small minded anal fuckas like stingring(or whatever yr name is) who try & hold the scene back.Go back under the stone that u crawled from u cum swallowing nonce &keep yr opinions to yourself cos knowone gives a fuck about what you've got to say,as you definately havent got any respekt for the original pioneers of the welsh hiphop scene.

Posted by: MARKUS .L/ CARDIFF DOCKS at April 16, 2005 08:10 AM (Pu7vL)

26 JO BLOW,N,4DEE UNRELEASED UK HIPHOP@ WWW.TORRENTREACTOR.TO/PROFILE/USER-64198.... OR GO TO BONEZ PROFILE-TORRENTREACTOR.TO/.COM-.......THIS IS DEFINATLY DA BOOM.

Posted by: T.BONE CANTON at April 19, 2005 04:46 AM (Pu7vL)

27 watch out for the dj jaffa remix of shelf shokk optimas prime feat myself & joe blow and or yeah mrstinger man without roots u have no budds watch these roots shake the branches

Posted by: 4dee at April 19, 2005 09:26 AM (axQ8U)

28 friday may 13 SKINNYMAN HUMURAK&BLACKTRIX@ student union cardiff its gunna be liveO.....

Posted by: derrek at April 23, 2005 05:39 AM (cwuL+)

29 Big up peoples just so you all know the Cardiff Heat of the DMC World Championships will be held at Higher Learning, Toucan Club on Friday 6th May

Posted by: Brotherz Grimm at April 24, 2005 06:35 PM (6O9e0)

30 now who,s this fucking dickhead on the net called stingerman/go back to gay telephone dating,dieing to ring a man/ ya rings stinging man, i no yr in2 anal/u need to watch yr peas & ques like u was kano/& yr mother aint no angel ive seen her in the daily sport/maximum insertion ,cum lovin anal whore/need i say no more spunk in your faces/yr mums car parked outside where your mates live/8 dicks bangin her internet xposure/quickly run over there redlining my rover/bending her over take note of my testament/yr familys so poor u got 2 eat each others excriment/wot!..ps..yr mum said dont be late u got skool tomorrow..

Posted by: joe blow at April 26, 2005 10:00 AM (axQ8U)

31 i was tuned into uk bass radio on the net late last wednesday listening to umbillacord & he dropped a few hiphop tracks in his set,the mc announced that one of the tunes was by jo blow &4dee but didnt say the name of the tune,it was a dirty track on a redman&methodman tip,whats it called &when is it coming out........

Posted by: mark.s. st. melons at May 01, 2005 10:02 AM (pvb5I)

32 yo, best believe, all the above deserve their props (except for ring-stinger), but all these welsh hip hop pages miss out half the fuckin' artists who're also making moves!? so it falls on me to come on here and big up: myself and Hos, Se'Fire, Lews tewns, Stophe, Headcase, Wez Cooze, Lecta & Mykes. There's more to Welsh hip hop than Cardiff, you just need to dig a little deeper..... respect to all welsh artists is due, but lets not play the 'elimination game' where if you aint known cardiff, you aint getting through! as it stands, people outside the capital are simply not taken seriously! this needs to change. peace

Posted by: Qred at May 01, 2005 12:12 PM (dAQkA)

33 and while im here, gotta plug my album: Qred & Hos- 'Survivor Series', out now on Progenitor Inc. Also look out for the new joint ready to drop in autumn: 'Labotomies For The Sane', which will be featuring a whole host of underground talent from all over the UK. And still available from Progenitor Inc. direct: Qred- 'Brutal Deluxe' and Qred aka Mesma- 'Havoc In Valhalla'. Email: KLIMTING@AOL.COM for details.

Posted by: Qred at May 01, 2005 12:19 PM (dAQkA)

34 a messege 4 qred i totaly agree with wot you are saying its about time that people from outside cardiff started getting the props that they deserve i mean come on if someone has talent it doesnt matter where he or she is from as the old saying goes its not where your from its where your at.......& or yeah wot a lot of people dont understand is that the mc that i have been working with lately picton aka joe blow is not even from cardiff nor is the crew hsg who are the next big thing to blow up from wales they are all from barry .... check your email m8 get back at me yeah i would like to know a bit more..... nice1 4dee

Posted by: 4dee at May 03, 2005 04:40 PM (axQ8U)

35 yeah 4dee, safe. i wasn't getting at anyone in particular, just a voice of frustration, y'know? like you say, its not where you're from its where you're at. there's some good shit coming out of every nook and cranny in Wales at the moment, exciting times! i hope every single artist mentioned on this page pushes this thing we love to the hilt, 'cos it's what we all deserve. peace

Posted by: Qred at May 04, 2005 02:00 PM (2Lj2V)

36 biggin up qred yr shits tight,good production & wicked lyrics.4dee gimme a cut of wot u emailed him & i was pleasently suprised,stay in touch a collabo is on the cards defo.

Posted by: picton aka joe blow at May 07, 2005 06:16 AM (mJiGZ)

37 first things first lets all give the person who created this page some props as its given welsh hip hop a lift its helped people reach others so whoever you are big shout to you . id just like to say that higher learning the dmcs was a awsome night you guyz now how to throw a party still i think keltech should have won but thats my view.... i would also like to say that qred those trax you sent me danger watch out 4 qred hes got that drive big things going on over on the west wales front and that brings it back to the person who created this page if wasnt for this page i wouldnt of been in touch with qred...... & or yeah optimas prime ep out on white label titled try b 4 u die me & joe blow have a track on there called shelf shokk,plus hsg ,nobsta nuts,blacktrix & mle keep your ears to the ground for the general release on dial up records nice 1 yall peace random pencees wicked page ....4dee

Posted by: 4dee at May 08, 2005 07:29 PM (axQ8U)

38 Yo. just git Arkane's album from Spillers. It's called 'Handstyles' and it's the dog's. Don't know much about dem, anybody got any info? Serious, get that isht if you ain't got it already...

Posted by: matt.cardiff at May 09, 2005 11:09 AM (axQ8U)

39 Information on Mudmowth and copies of his Just To Get The Name Known EP can be found at www.associatedminds.com

Posted by: Ruffstylz at May 10, 2005 09:44 AM (axQ8U)

40 oh yeah while I'm here might as well remind you all that next Higher Learning is on June 3rd and it's gonna be Mudmowth alongside NORMSKI!! there will also be the Open Mic and DJs of course. I believe HSG are playing this Thursday too at the Battle Cry night in Red Rooms which should be off the hook.

Posted by: Captain at May 10, 2005 06:58 PM (TAz+v)

41 yo 4dee & jo blo, gotta say thanks for the positive feedback you guys are giving on my stuff, i appreciate it! and right back at ya, your stuff is hot, i can see what all the fuss is about! i am definitely looking forward to collaborating with yas. and yeah, props to random pensees for making shit happen and putting together a wicked page. also thanks for the dope reveiw of my track, im glad you dig it! peace all

Posted by: Qred at May 11, 2005 02:24 AM (pyabI)

42 a little messege for captain battle cry in red rooms is thursday 17th may wich happens 2 be next week.. lol sorry m8.... wich will include myself & joe blow, hsg and optimas prime who will obviously be djing 4 us... with a bit of luck qred might show his face it would be nice to see him in cardiff.and or yeah mud mouth alongside normski there s one for the books innit... like i said before you now how to throw a party.. so captain and all the higher learning crew i hope every one appreciats wot you guys do to fly the dragon and keep hip hop alive in wales...keep up the good work ya nights are a driving force for welsh hip hop.... peace yall

Posted by: 4dee at May 11, 2005 05:51 AM (axQ8U)

43 go to www.dialuprecords.com the web site is now officially up & running lots of safe stuff downloads mixtapes the whole nine yarrds,check it out...

Posted by: picton(aka joe blow)hsg at May 11, 2005 07:13 AM (tJvBq)

44 Nice one Mr 4dee. That's what happens when you don't know what day it is. If I have any more nights like the last Higher Learning then I'll be hard pushed to remember the year. Just as well it's next week as playing at the River Front in Newport with Keltech & Johnny B tommorow. Any one want to reach down it would be appreciated. Definitely gonna be down at the Battle Cry night now. Big up Slammo and Rmer!! Peaze & Dub

Posted by: Captain at May 11, 2005 02:45 PM (TAz+v)

45 ..Cesto's..mah bruther, iv heared all his songs nd they r wikd! well dun cer...xXxxxxxXxXxXxXxx

Posted by: Rhiannon:P at May 11, 2005 03:10 PM (F1nba)

46 Some photos from the other night (DMC Championships @ Higher Learning) http://www.dmcworld.com/technics2005/gallery_uk_cardiff.asp for those who were there or anyone who's never been to the HL.

Posted by: Captain at May 11, 2005 06:16 PM (TAz+v)

47 going out to captain & 4dee u both got it wrong the gig at tha red rooms BATTLE CRY is thursday 19may....stay focused ,peace...

Posted by: picton(akajoe blow)hsg at May 12, 2005 08:23 AM (tJvBq)

48 nice one joe blow thanx m8 its about time you kept me up to date wiv our shit as im getting old and losing my memory like my pc lol ..... hope to see you all there you aswell picton hope you turn up lol... random pencees crew make sure you all reach... peace yall

Posted by: 4dee at May 12, 2005 09:53 AM (axQ8U)

49 fuck me, so its the 19th now is it heh heh heh? good job i booked that night off work then eh? looking forward to seeing how the Cardiff crew do's @the red rooms, line up looks dope, and ill finally get to put some faces to names! we'll sink a few bevvies, hope there's some fellow guinnes drinkers among ya!? peace

Posted by: Qred at May 12, 2005 12:03 PM (4Szs6)

50 strictly STELLA qred u no`s tha sketch.biggin up all tha wife beater kru ahoooo!

Posted by: picton(aka joe blow0 at May 12, 2005 01:37 PM (tJvBq)

51 now now picton stella fellas dont realy beat up there wives we kick the living day lights out of em lol....... sorry everyone this is getting out of hand were just getting hyped up 4 our first gig together even though weve been doing stuff together for about 5 years....lol lovl .... hope to see you all at red rooms gonna be sick truss watch out for the stage set its off the skale peace yall ....wah haller ballooh

Posted by: 4dee at May 12, 2005 04:34 PM (axQ8U)

52 a messege 4 qred sorry for the confusion m8 ....lol....and a big shout to everyone who was at molokos last nite optimas prime set thanx for all yhe feed back when we come off the stage reaching out to mish and youre crew make sure you turn out at red rooms...johny b thanx to you and youre crew aswell... and all those fortunate to catch the unplanned preview of our shit...optimas prime H.S.G. we gonna go booooooom!!!!!!!!!!! nice see you all on thursday the 19th of may red rooms lol we got the dates right .....4-DEE

Posted by: 4dee at May 13, 2005 09:48 AM (axQ8U)

53 just been on associated minds web site and i got to say that ralph rip shit is one sick mutha fukka,big up your self ralph...your ep is dope...

Posted by: MIKE HAWKINS at May 14, 2005 05:53 AM (tJvBq)

54 Yo couldn't make the Moloko gig cos we were jamming with Keltech & Johnny but heard it was live so big yaselves up. Will catch you at the Red Rooms. Shouts to all the old & senile crew!! Peaze.

Posted by: Captain at May 14, 2005 03:27 PM (TAz+v)

55 picton dis picton dat, joe blow dis joe blow dat wheres all the CESTO AT???

Posted by: lesley at May 15, 2005 01:40 PM (F1nba)

56 yo lesley,tell yr bruver to get his lazy arse down the studio more often & he might get a few more shouts innit!cesto will be performing at the red rooms on da 19may....

Posted by: picton(joe blow) at May 16, 2005 06:25 AM (tJvBq)

57 lol, okay ill tell him but tha doesnt mean he'll listen...

Posted by: lesley at May 16, 2005 05:18 PM (F1nba)

58 wooooooo i dno

Posted by: carleigh at May 16, 2005 05:35 PM (o98aT)

59 PICTON NO MATTER YOU KNOW CESTOS GONNA COME OFF AWSOME HES OFF THE HOOK M8......BIG SHOUT TO MR E. SOCKETS

Posted by: 4dee at May 16, 2005 08:26 PM (axQ8U)

60 that comes without saying ford,cestos a wicked emcee & i loves him like a brother,his skills r sicker than average i just wish he would dedicate more time to hitting the vocal booth...hes got loads of heavy heavy rhymes he jus needs to put em down..

Posted by: picton aka joe blow at May 17, 2005 05:14 AM (jSDyY)

61 wats the red rooms?????

Posted by: lesley at May 17, 2005 01:56 PM (F1nba)

62 A LITTLE INFO 4 ALL U PEEPS IN ERE.WATCH OUT 4 QUIET POISON A TWIN TAG TEAM SPAWN FROM THE HSG CREW BY THE NAMES OF SARZ SKAMMA AND HECKLER KOSH.R NEW SHIT IS SICK U CAN GET A SPECIAL TRACK FROM DIALUPRECORDS.COM CALLED GRAPHIKS R BLINDIN ITS A TRAK 4 ALL THOSE OLD SKOOL COMPUTER GAME HEADZ. A SHOUT OUT IS IN NEED 4 MY BOY META BEATS AKA FUNK ROC HIS TUNES R HEAVY AN HE DONT FUCK ABOUT ON THE MIC EITHER. ALSO LOOK OUT 4 THE HSG PROJECT BEDROOM BEATS FAZE 1 A 10 TRAK EP WIV SOME HEAVY TUNES ON IT PLUS ITS FREE SO IF U C ME DONT 4GET 2 ASK ME 4 A COPY.

Posted by: HECKLER KOSH.AKA.LOUIE KREUL at May 18, 2005 01:10 PM (axQ8U)

63 HOW MANY OF U IS THERE IS HSG

Posted by: PEE WEE at May 18, 2005 05:55 PM (F1nba)

64 yo heckler kosh, i would love a copy of all those tracks you mentioned, fuck aye boy! i will be at red rooms tonight so bring 'em along?! nice one dude

Posted by: Qred at May 19, 2005 02:30 AM (amifa)

65 yes louie nice to see you join us in here m8..... qred truss m8 you do need to get a copy of that H.S.G. are the biggest yet to blow & truss me they will a little messege for peewee dont watch that just look out for the name H.S.G. and while im here big shouts to heckla kosh, skamma,mighty meta 4, cesto ¬ forgetting my brother from another mother joe blow peace yall .....4dee

Posted by: 4dee at May 19, 2005 04:05 AM (axQ8U)

66 Yo, jus heard some Se Fire tracks on some random CDR and they were proper. Dope beats, heavy rhymes - the shit. props 2 Arkane too. Got 'Handstyles' album an it's fresh, well different. Nice n old-skool! takes me back to early 90's, proper feelgood. Safe to this site too 4 givin us cunts somewhere to chat about this shit! peace

Posted by: egg at May 26, 2005 05:55 AM (zUeD1)

67 Fuck Johnny B the twat & his so called hip hop old skool crew from st mellons...and all those wankers trying to stick up for him coz he's fuckin 100% lost hope mutha fuckin welsh rap HAS BEEN...Welsh Hip Hop has moved on...PERIOD!!!!

Posted by: Stinger Man at May 28, 2005 02:25 PM (axQ8U)

68 FUCK ALL YOU OLD TIMERS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Stinger Man at May 28, 2005 02:30 PM (axQ8U)

69 STINGER MAN U REALLY ARE A FUCKING SPASTIC,KEEP YR SOUR GRAPE OPINIONS TO YOURSELF & GO BACK TO HAVING SEX WITH YOUR MUM.YOUR RETARDED COMMENTS CARRY AS MUCH WEIGHT AS AN ANOREXIC MOUSE,STOP HIDING BEHIND YR P.C. & PICK THE MIC UP IF U GOT SOMETHING TO SAY(HOW INTREEGING WOULD THAT BE?)WE ALL WOULD LIKE TO HERE U MAKE A PRICK OUT OF YOURSELF,SO GO AHEAD,STEP IN2 MY CYPHER ZONE,HOMO.................

Posted by: JOE BLOW at May 29, 2005 07:35 AM (XVI6J)

70 ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha

Posted by: 4dee at May 29, 2005 09:59 AM (axQ8U)

71 without the past you have no future. saying that stinging ring got no future has he. jelouse little boy with out a clue. you need to understand you aint ever gonna take over ya just week lonley kid that speaks shit. you talking about welsh hip hop moving on but you got no direction in life you jump up fornicated little lump of deseased meat grow up and go back to punk rock youre unwanted like the green rash on youre cock... fucking idiot stinger man you so mighty give youre real name ....follish little prick

Posted by: 4dee at May 29, 2005 10:11 AM (axQ8U)

72 or yeah stinger man H.S.G ARE TAKING OVER NEED I SAY ANY MORE WOT CAN YOU SAY ABOUT NEW SKOOL YOU LITTLE FOOL.YOU KNOW NOTHING ABOUT NEW WELSH HIP HOP ..........END OV SUBJECT....

Posted by: 4dee at May 29, 2005 11:20 AM (axQ8U)

73 Stinger, when I read your comment, I considered exercising my very rarely used discretion to delete it. It goes beyond what I am prepared to tolerate as moderator. That said, I also think that the remedy for speech I don't like is more speech, not censorship. Since JoeBlow and 4dee have already taken care of the more speech part, I will leave your comments up. In the future, however, I reserve the right to remove that kind of shite. It does nothing to advance the discussion.

Posted by: rp at May 29, 2005 12:01 PM (LlPKh)

74 thank you rp

Posted by: 4dee at May 29, 2005 09:54 PM (axQ8U)

75 optimas primes try before you die ep on dial up records due out on aug 1st.........

Posted by: 4dee at May 29, 2005 09:58 PM (axQ8U)

76 messege for joe blow we gonna have some wild time wednesday innit or yeah there is a messege in keltech and johny b guest book 4 you bruv...see you l8er..

Posted by: 4dee at May 30, 2005 10:44 AM (axQ8U)

77 Interesting reading on this board. All i have to say, is respect to all those who remembered grass roots, saturday jams. Stinger, there is no old or new skool, ONE SKOOL, THE TRUE SKOOL. Put all ya negativity into something positive and you will be doing some good things for hip hop. Instead of all this shit

Posted by: Rich (Cardiff) at May 31, 2005 08:48 AM (axQ8U)

78 nice one rich i couldnt have put it better grassroots crew we set the way look wot we caused......lol

Posted by: 4dee at May 31, 2005 11:55 AM (axQ8U)

79 HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOE BLOW WEDNESDAY 1ST OF JUNE ..........WE GONNA HAVE A CRAZY TIME TODAY BRUVA.......4DEE SHELL AND GIRLS .......AND ALL THE GANG @ DIAL UP RECORDS .......OR YEAH WHILE IM HERE NEW OPTIMAS PRIME TRACK TO PLUGG FEAT 4DEE,PICTON & JUNIOR DISPROLL OF DEAD RESIDENTS( TWIGHLIGHT ZONE)KEEP YA EAR TO THE GROUND FOR THAT ONE

Posted by: 4dee at June 01, 2005 06:53 AM (axQ8U)

80 biggin up mud mouth & ralph rip shit 4 a wicked show @ higher learning on the 3rd of june alongside the legendary NORMSKI(man that dude can party).anyway the next higherlearning is on the 17 june with tha rottenous gang like BLACKTWANG supported by my kru h.s.g.& optimas prime on tha kut.toucan club 17 june,its gunna be dangerous.....

Posted by: picton aka joe blow at June 04, 2005 05:26 AM (25LuS)

81 oh yes picton thats right my bruva NORMSKI the party animal well!! till we got hold ov him..lol..and yo mad props to mud mouth & RALPH(REGGIE)RIPSHIT and my bruva from another mother on the cut PAUL.B higher learning one more time you always do it you guyz seem to pull it off wkd..crazy amount of props ta you...the man like black twang aka T ROTTEN is touching down @ the next one in 2 weeks along side as joe blow said earlier the one and only H.S.G. CREW BE THERE OR BE FORGOTTEN......PEACE

Posted by: 4dee at June 05, 2005 05:44 AM (axQ8U)

82 proper night @ downtown beats @ bsb in cardiff djs jaffa ,paul.b & mikey. d alongside mud mouth & ralph rip shit another heavy perfomance this hip hop sceene in wales is getting bigger... dont forget friday the 17th of june higher learning @ the touchan club black twang ,ralph rip shit & H.S.G......

Posted by: 4dee at June 13, 2005 02:14 AM (axQ8U)

83 HEARD HSG R TAKIN OVA.. HOW CAN I GET HOLD OF UR MUSIC?

Posted by: FRED at June 13, 2005 09:54 AM (F1nba)

84 fred 2night 17th of june hsg are playing @ the touchan club cardiff supporting black twang just be there present ya self u may get a freebee ........

Posted by: 4dee at June 17, 2005 04:21 AM (axQ8U)

85 mud mouth ,just to get the name out e.p is fucking wicked,go & buy it.welsh hiphop at its best.

Posted by: veds at June 17, 2005 07:05 AM (0apgL)

86 i just want to say thank you to everyone that turned out at the black twang gig last night...brilliant night ralph and mud done a wicked set with fozzy on the beat box and paul.b on yhe cut awsome.. I gotta say thanx to everyone for theyr feed back when we came off stage. All the rest of hsg were off the hook skamma tore the place down funk rock turned a few heads and cesto blew up like c4 joe blow was my back bone for the night...higher learning thank you for giving us the time to shine...and yeah black twang and the rotteness gang were heavy as fuck.. cardiff turned out in force last night lets hope the next higher learning is as good....... peace

Posted by: 4dee at June 18, 2005 08:17 AM (axQ8U)

87 first of all i gotta say big thank u to optimas prime(monkey & stagga)for taking the time to put a set together for us (h.s.g)& making it a show to remember,without u guys we wouldnt of sounded half as good,nice 1 big up yr chests...thanks to everyone at higher learning for hooking us up with the gig & every1else who played on the nite,BIG UP.....,..

Posted by: joe blow at June 19, 2005 08:02 AM (0apgL)

88 iwas @ higherlearning on friday and it fucking rocked dude,everyone that performed did really well.I used to listen to busted but now im well and truly converted to welsh hiphop dude,i think its really cool and i can not wait untill the next event.

Posted by: martin francis at June 22, 2005 10:38 AM (0apgL)

89 Big Up Every Muthafucka Around!

Posted by: ralph rip shit at June 22, 2005 02:34 PM (/dlRA)

90 everyone these words were posted on a drum n bass radio station aimed towards th e ever rising w elsh hip hop scene the dick who posted them is name is rc stylee on www.ukbassradio.co.uk bring on ur flack go bk to ur valley shack coz i speak wot me finks u get me mum involved believe me 2 her ur twice as old ur older than the hills from coke u get ur skillz stick to wot u understand dats holdin ur dick in ya hand coz hiphop only goes wid real mother foes not a bunch of welsh fookin hoes

Posted by: the soul surviver at June 28, 2005 05:12 AM (axQ8U)

91 RC STYLEE IS A FUCKING WANKER,IVE DOWNLOADED HIS SET OFF BASS KNIGHTS & ITS SHIT,FEEL FREE TO SEND HIM HATE MAIL.

Posted by: VEDZ at June 28, 2005 10:54 AM (ITGTC)

92 Shit the bed! I didnt realise this shit was going on,Mad one! anyway my boyos its not welsh hip hop unless you use the language, i`d call it hip hop from wales especially considering alot of emcees in wales arent from wales.Shout out to all the heads like Qred Captain Ralph. Wez Cooze www.hazardoushiphop.com

Posted by: Wez Cooze at June 28, 2005 01:48 PM (Njly3)

93 any budding artists making there own material should check out http://www.soundclick.com/ you can also vote if you think the tracks are hot or not,check it out.

Posted by: danny evans at June 29, 2005 07:52 AM (ITGTC)

94 yo, whass happening, goons? RC stylee, i heard you dance in leather on a caged podium, at a poof`s club in Slough? or do i have you confused with someone else? forgive me if i do.... for everyone else, my new album, "Backstreet Labotomy" is well underway. its turning out to be a monster, gonna have guest spots from; lews tewns, headcase ladz, wes coose & mykes, 4dee & picton, prem c, dp, vadertron, chief, triple a, recite, creature (from NYC), tarp (from philadelphia), free agent, and hopefully mudmowth and ralph rip shit. also, some guest beats from, mr stophe, sir beanz and hos. dropping this winter, miss out at your peril.....

Posted by: Qred at June 29, 2005 08:56 AM (nYBYn)

95 yes cred wots appening m8 me and picton have been putting some ideas together for that track m8 well have it to you very shortly or yeah dont bother attackin rcstylee its all been sorted now m8 its all good

Posted by: 4dee at June 30, 2005 03:09 PM (axQ8U)

96 just checked out joe blows tracks on sound click some heavy stuff on there ive finaly got 2 hear H.S.G. the rumoures are right they are on a different level ......have a peep check them out ...... http://www.soundclick.com/bands/0/joeblowhsg_music.htm

Posted by: just another hip hop fan at July 01, 2005 08:17 AM (axQ8U)

97 Easy all, just reminding y'all bout the current Dead Residents 12" out now 'Pigeon Street', as heard on Lamaqu, Beth and Huw and 1xtra etc. It features Optimas Prime and the Beefeaters. We've also got an lp soon coming too and an ep preceeding that plus guest spots on forthcoming Hard Livin 12", 4dee and Picton ep Blacktrix ep and a whole heap of others... Big ups to my spars Optimas Prime, Headcase Ladz, Breaknecks, Mudmouth, Skinz, HSG and 4dee, Wez, Mykes, Blacktrix, Humurak, Johnny B and Keltech, Rufstylz, Jaffa, Paul B, Edz aka Formula and all the other fresh Welsh hip hop doin it right now! 1 luv!!!

Posted by: DeadRez at July 01, 2005 07:30 PM (Ocqei)

98 yo i heard some of your stuff qred, i think you need to lighten up? hip hop has moved on, you should be looking to artists like nelly, ludacris and 50 cent for inspiration instead of the old, dark new york stuff you obviously base your beats on? you need a bit of r`n`b in your sound to make it easier to digest. who agrees with me?

Posted by: Tactile at July 02, 2005 08:22 AM (6A3FF)

99 ummm, Tactile? Nelly, Ludacris and 50 Cent? you really have missed the fucking point, haven't you?

Posted by: Qred at July 02, 2005 10:52 PM (vwM+h)

100 tactile NO i dont agree m8 hiphop is hiphop rnb is rnb and to be honest my opinion is that real hip hop should never water its self down with rnb,as for 50 and luda those peeps are themselvs why try and be the next one of them it aint original to base yaself on someone elses concept .......cred just keep those beats coming m8 there up there u r original with ya own posture m8.........peace and um tactile this aint no diss....its just fax m8

Posted by: 4dee at July 05, 2005 04:21 AM (axQ8U)

101 safe little chat fing this aint it. yes pict,yes ford, yes cred. quiet poisen ep nearly here.big up mettafor,skamma,louie cruel,picton,the fordsta,optimas prime,t.bone n soba(uk bass). cesto one quiet poisen Hurts.So.Good. p.s that fozzy kid stole the blak twang night for me.heavy.

Posted by: cesto one. at July 06, 2005 09:26 AM (F1nba)

102 a message for tactile- i think youre full of shit, mate. qred's stuff is what a lot of people wanna hear in my opinion; so many hip hop fans are tired of this squeaky clean, processed, rnb flavoured shite! i like a bit of dirt on the needle, and gritty drums thudding away, fuck the hip-pop shit, cos to me thats aimed at kids anyway! long live the hardcore! and qred, i know you dont give a fuck for these nelly-loving goons anyway, so keep it going mate! welsh hip hop is coming into its own right now, i hope it can keep its momentum up, cos its got a rosy future up ahead. peace all

Posted by: lafiette at July 06, 2005 01:34 PM (e3gNp)

103 Tactile,i dunno how long u,ve been into hiphop music but i can safely say that any choon that cums on the radio in my house with nelly singing on the hooks gets switched the fuck off,i must say that i like SOME of 50cents stuff & ludacris can be a naughty lyricist when he wants to be,but there could never be a substitute for 100% dirty stinkin hiphop.So fuck all u hip POP lovin mutha fuckaz cos u dont no shit.Educate your minds & buy a copy of back street labotomy when it gets released cos u wont find any commercial shit on there,truss me...........

Posted by: joe blow(picton) at July 10, 2005 08:58 AM (UkO51)

104 big up cesto yeah m8 it iz a safe chat fingy me bob innit big up to random pensees and big up acko, sparke, louis,tyrone,geeometrix, cred ,joe blow ,louis cruel, skama, meta funk rock ,optimas prime (stagga, monkey and touchy muff)umillacord dj,mc soba,e-vo,dj jaffa,paul.b mud mouth, ralph rip shit ,fozzy,keltech n johnyb,captain , dregz, ruff, styles,headcase lads ,blacktrix,humarak,junior disproll,chud jackson,brigzy,k-diff syndicate ,cascade n direct and everyone els keeping this welsh hip hop thing going without you guyz it wouldnt be happening hiphop in wales is on the rise .........watch this space ....dont forget august the first optimas prime ep (try before you die )and keep ya ears to the ground for the hsg 12 about to drop on white label another treat from the dial up family.....peace.. sorry if ive missed anyone out ......

Posted by: 4dee at July 11, 2005 10:18 PM (axQ8U)

105 Whoa, there's a lot of love on this page. I didn't realise how much peeps are feeling this shit. Big ups to everyone. Special shout to Skamma, he's the next one - sick.

Posted by: Ruffstylz at July 18, 2005 10:49 AM (axQ8U)

106 it is a good thing to see all these rappers getting on so well ..there has been to many negative vibes in the past as a lot of the old skool will remember especaily the man like 4dee who has brushed off negativity from day one so anything negative people got to say about people like 4dee and any member of the crew from back in the days i think should be thought through carefully . as it is nothing new to these old skool veterans.. they know how to handle it and they know how to deal with it .....bigging up the original H.R.C. crew from the dayz of 1985 grass roots good to see some people still repping cardiff and stuck to it through all its ups and downs you all deserve a meddle you have dedicated yourself to hip hop now hip hop ows you ..... keep up that good work .....

Posted by: davie of splot at July 19, 2005 12:14 PM (axQ8U)

107 rispect gy wapm ya shits fresh see the steem rizing making a cloud that there guna see from new york i meen h s g iiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii like it sharmoan mother fucker yea yearrrrrrr

Posted by: louis at July 19, 2005 04:36 PM (axQ8U)

108 louis ?? is that louis of green giants wow man whens your new shit coming out ??your last stuff was heavy aint heard from you guyz in a while.. man all the oldies are back things are happening in wales ..let the good times roll

Posted by: k test at July 21, 2005 08:25 AM (axQ8U)

109 do i see a return of the green giants in the mist// louis , sparky // whats going on ??

Posted by: mcjk at July 21, 2005 11:18 AM (axQ8U)

110 easy peoples, just passin' thru and thought I'd let you know that the next Higher Learning is on Friday 5th August with Headcase Ladz, Probe Mantis (Aspects) and special guest host for the night Jargon (MI5 / Natural Born Spittaz). Only 5 bones (times is hard we know) plus we got the Open Mic as always and me and Stylz on the decks. After that we're holding the UK Finals of the DMC Team & Supremacy Battles (Septemebr 2nd) then October it's the return of our firm favourite, the best beat boxer in the world Mr Killa Kela with some of his new isht. Then of course it's battle season again so don't say we haven't given you enough warning! Big up everybody, even them ignant mo foes. Captain

Posted by: Capinstein at July 25, 2005 02:38 PM (zHZWJ)

111 cant wait 4 that! big shouts 2 the whole cardiff scene itz getting bigger n bigger each time i attend a higher learning! heaviness in the city, trussss mehhh

Posted by: brigzy at July 25, 2005 05:42 PM (axQ8U)

112 A big shout goes out to dj caliban @ future flavz over in NEW YORK for giving our latest release SHELFSHOKK its world premier on his show last sunday,cant thank you enuff & thats from everyone @ dial up records.....

Posted by: PICTON AKA JOE BLOW at August 09, 2005 09:29 AM (F8+l2)

113 Congratulations, Joe! I missed it, I'm afraid, but I think that is really excellent news!

Posted by: rp at August 09, 2005 09:33 AM (LlPKh)

114 yeah big shout out to the future flavas crew power fm crew thank you dj callie ban jappy jap and ov corse the legendary marley marl for giving us the oppertunity to shine .......dial up familt repping the uk across the pond by wot dj syl aka hot sauce told me most of new york was in tune so thank you again

Posted by: 4dee at August 09, 2005 12:13 PM (axQ8U)

115 http://forums.ukhh.com/viewtopic.php?t=31428&sid=721119cb2e06de49e9f11b75fa4dc856 check that out guys big up optimas prime and 4dee and picton

Posted by: dr doit to ya at August 12, 2005 12:36 PM (axQ8U)

116 yo, big respect to the dial up camp for getting airplay in NYC. welsh hip hop is going from strength to strength for sure. i just heard 'happy slapper' by HSG; gotta be the best thing ive heard from them, proper dirty track just how i like it!

Posted by: Qred at August 13, 2005 03:41 PM (3kx1p)

117 nice 1 cred theres 1 in the eye for stingerman lol

Posted by: 4dee at August 14, 2005 10:58 AM (axQ8U)

118 Im a married man with 3 kids and i've been keeping my eye on Hip Hop from Cardiff for many, many years, first seen 4 Dee & Johnny B back in 1990/91 live on stage at St mellons Raw Base when i was only 14yrs old. Good to see 4 Dee sill doing his thing after all this time, and i can't belive how well Johnny B has done. Nuff respect. St Mellons still rocking!!

Posted by: Nash at August 21, 2005 12:28 PM (axQ8U)

119 Current listening- Optimas Prime "Try before you die" Headcase Ladz "get a life" Dead Residents "poltergeist frequency" Lewz Tewnz "pup 2" Blaktrix "strappado style" Mudmouth "just to get the name known" Highly reccommended releases.

Posted by: ThugRadyrTron at August 22, 2005 08:51 PM (bW9NT)

120 half you 2-bit drips aint got a clue what hip hop is about. thats why it takes a lame page like this to get you all chatting- cos you taffs aint got nuffin else have ya? i can count the decent welsh acts on 3 fingaz; but i wont name them here, cos punks might get upset. lets just say; bein a dope welsh hip hop act does not consist of: overusing your accent and 'comedy' shit to try to appeal to peeps. trying to pretend you're from london, and talkin all that 'blood' shit etc. coming with a wank flow that 'critics' pigeon hole as 'drunken style'. get real boys, this is hip hop after all? those that are dope dont have to post it on bollocks like this all the time do they? i know this wont get printed, cos the welsh hate the truth eh? wake up to the truth!

Posted by: 2SWORDS at August 23, 2005 08:24 PM (Jm2KE)

121 The Welsh love the truth and theyve taken your words on board and are now cleaning themselves up (no more drunken flows).

Posted by: Your nans man at August 24, 2005 04:59 PM (vSjIl)

122 Theyre also cleaning up their image and taking themselves a bit more seriously from now on.

Posted by: Your nans man at August 24, 2005 05:02 PM (vSjIl)

123 2 SWORDS YR A PENIS & KNOWONE CARES WHAT YOU SAY OR THINK BECAUSE AT THE END OF THE DAY WHO ARE YOU & WHAT RELEVANCE DO YOU HAVE WITHIN HIPHOP?.DJ EXCALIBUR WAS ASKED WHAT HE THOUGHT WOULD BE THE NEXT THING TO BLOW UP IN UK HIPHOP & HE REPLIED "WALES" NOW HIS OPINION COUNTS & YOURS DOESNT.

Posted by: Bobby Blades at August 25, 2005 06:20 AM (2uGQn)

124 Blacktrix- raw style, drops science Optimas Prime- Ill producers and world class dj's Mudmouth- charizma and ill punchlines HSG- loads of talent, strong rhymers Dead Residents- Heavy breaks, sick rhymers Humurak- street style and attitude Headcase- originality and skills plus best live NSP- dark style adrenalin Lewz Tewnz- multi talented Johnny B and Keltech- party and positive vibes 4dee- mad energy and hunger Breaknecks- hype, energetic style Rufstylz- world record freestyle holder DJ Jaffa- strong producer and live dj Hazardous- attitude and charizma Qred- dark, intelligent style Direkt and Caskade- strong rhymers Pep Le Pew- prolific, original Theres loads more. Plenty of Versatility in the scene in south Wales

Posted by: ThugRdyrTron at August 25, 2005 11:15 AM (0mYOt)

125 see it there 2swords u cut ya own throat ya fool u aint ever get on in life hating the way you are going on .....and as far as ya 3 finger counting u can shove them up youre arse.....muppet

Posted by: lalalala at August 25, 2005 11:40 PM (axQ8U)

126 Some more names- Tystion, MC Saizmundo, Cofi Bach, Paul B, Beatbox Fozzy, GLC, MC Mabon... Im always dubious when someone posts up on something like this hating. Whats with all the negative 'Welsh' comments 2swords? More so than the rest of the country no two acts mentioned sound similar or sound like they're emulating whats coming out of London. Theres only one 'comedy' act I can think of so theres enough room (occasionally being humorous doesnt count in my book). Theres only one MC with a so called 'drunken' style in Wales and the only 'true' exponent of that style in the UK, so again- more than enough room. One of the original foundations of Hip Hop is about being 'original' and thats definately in evidence here. Your opinion is your opinion- fair enough but I think if you're a rational human being even you'll agree that your comments are completely unfounded. Looking forward to a retraction and apology. Peace.

Posted by: ThugRadyrTron at August 26, 2005 08:24 AM (62RMe)

127 well, in all fairness, some good points. the list above does show, above all, originality within each act. some aint my cuppa, but thats my opinion. i see some very positive things happening with the welsh scene at present, like Dial UP Records gettin airplay in NYC, Associated Minds are getting good press in all publications, Qred collaborating with peeps in New York, Philly and Canada, Headcase Ladz releasing on Zebra Traffic.... however, although i was a little bitter in my previous comment, i still feel alot of the peeps in Wales need to act not talk; alot of sayers and not enough doers. alas, i apologise for my over-hasty rhetoric, and i will be watching the welsh scene very closely- and so will my bredrens, as we could be the ones to help bring it through (NO NAMES MENTIONED).

Posted by: 2SWORDS at August 26, 2005 11:34 AM (QHGA5)

128 Safe. Good luck to you. The scene definately could use some more heads pushing it onwards and upwards. If people focus on what they're doing things will happen. Big respect to all those trying to make it happen. Peace.

Posted by: ThugRadyrTron at August 26, 2005 06:58 PM (2xAgL)

129 thank god that got sorted quickly......and 2swords thank you for your oppinion m8 and the opoligy is well excepted on my part anyway it takes a man to do what you done so enuff respect for that.... lets get this welsh scene up and running with full backing from all peace

Posted by: 4dee at August 30, 2005 04:16 PM (axQ8U)

130 safe to all the hedz n'that. jus wanna say that i think reppin wales in hip hop is all good and well neccecary, but it really aint about where ya from its about where ya at, an to be honest i couldn't give a fuck if u was from wales or honalulu, as long as ya rhymes were tight and the beats were sick! i'd rather listen to good music than welsh music nahhwhaameeeen! also ita be cool to see sum welsh acts up in bristol coz there's nuff nights goin on, i saw headcase lads, and i seen humurak alongside skinny and babyhead which was cool, (that was through a night called monster piece) but from what i can tell there's loads more i need to see.......maybe i need to get to cardiff still!!!haha. if there's any gigs worth checkin in cardiff post them up here. check out qreds new shit, u know its gunna be heavy and peace to egg, mistafire of SE` FIRE

Posted by: mistafire at September 05, 2005 11:33 AM (i2MWE)

131 word...and you can catch Se'Fire on the forthcoming Qred track- "Seasonz In Black", on the Backstreet Lobotomy album, Due out very soon now

Posted by: Qred at September 07, 2005 11:26 AM (V5vbz)

132 Dead Residents 'Keep Britain Tidy' lp out soon. Heres a few links- www.cbmag.co.uk/index.php?categoryid=4&p2_articleid=73 www.heroesofukhiphop.com/Review-DeadResidents-KeepBritainTidy.htm www.ukhh.com/reviews/lp/2013.html

Posted by: DeadRez at September 21, 2005 07:25 PM (qsAr6)

133 yes qred ive wrote a sick 32 4 that 91bpm stinker u sent to cesto its recorded aswell proper beat bruv safe. plus i have 3 new eps jam packed wiv goodies.BARRY SLANG VOL 1(ft,cesto,picton,meta4,skamma an myself) SQUID VISCIOUS(ft,quiet poison) EARTHGODZ (my ep ft,cesto) so ill send the vocals up an these 3 by next week 4 u keep them beats comin safe safe

Posted by: HECKLER KOSH.AKA.LOUIE KREUL at September 27, 2005 04:12 PM (axQ8U)

134 I GOT A LITTLE WEBSITE GOIN NOW,NOT MUCH ON THERE YET BUT IM WORKIN ON IT. GO 2 WWW.QUIETPOISON.ZOOMSHARE.COM.NICE 1

Posted by: HECKLER KOSH.AKA.LOUIE KREUL at September 27, 2005 08:50 PM (axQ8U)

135 Fuck secondson & sfdb times up its over.

Posted by: miltant mic at October 02, 2005 08:31 AM (R4ypy)

136 dj magazine single of month apocalyptic on the new hsg 12" feat picton aka joe blow , 4dee& junior disprol

Posted by: 4dee at October 07, 2005 09:09 AM (axQ8U)

137 oops sorry the whole hsg 12" is the single of the month i was miss informed by my sauces lol this joint is ready to drop on december the 1st 2005 make sure u catch this shhit

Posted by: 4dee at October 10, 2005 08:58 AM (axQ8U)

138 NEW WELSH HIPHOP FORUM JUST SET UP JUMP IN WITH YA VIEWS AND IDEAS AND NEWS IF NEED HELP contact MYSELF NICE 1 http://www.5wwwww5.com/forum/index.php?mforum=bass&sid=279e70fb197455fe0195553702769abe

Posted by: 4dee at October 11, 2005 05:03 PM (axQ8U)

139 heya I'm about to start making a film on hip hop in wales,,, ok thats a broad way of describing a 15 minute film. This is a project with a tight time limit as i'm aiming to be on the post production side of things by nov 7th. I'm going to be contacting as many people as i can over the next couple of days. I want to cover as much of past and present as is possible, Anyone interested with something to say or just for more details as i know this is kinda brief please mail me at firstpaintedangel@yahoo.com

Posted by: natalie at October 12, 2005 10:29 PM (axQ8U)

140 Shout out to Dead Residents and Optimus Prime on the Welsh Club show thursday. Well good to see 'youse' guys lol! Good board. Dan.

Posted by: Dan S at October 15, 2005 08:04 AM (utjQP)

141 Ruffstylz 'Lyrics' CD will be available nationwide as of Monday October 24th on associated minds The CD is no joke and to help fire off in fitting style we will be running the launch party alongside Killa Kela and the rest of the Spit Kingdom crew at Higher Learning @ The Student Union, Cardiff on Saturday 22nd October 2005. Lyrics will be on sale for the 'launch-night-only' price of just five of your honest pounds. (£5.00GBP) So if you want to pick up what's being called the best lyrical release to come come out of this country, come down, support and take away some long time coming skills. A change gon come people. Skills, substance and personality is making a come back. peace

Posted by: MUDMOWTH at October 17, 2005 07:10 AM (Njly3)

142 orite dudes, dunno if its possible but cud some1 either e-mail me or post up how to get in contact with higher learning, jus wanna send them a a cd or sumut. safe as fuck. plus se' fire will be playin live @ rukus supportin dj scratch from the roots on 24th november @ thekla in bristol, gunna be sick, anyways, l8az.

Posted by: mistafire at October 17, 2005 04:50 PM (3UCYe)

143 Easy Dan ya galoot! On a plug tip check the latest Undercover mag for a dope Dead Residents review and interview. Keep Britain Tidy soon come... 1

Posted by: DeadRez at October 18, 2005 07:31 PM (HYjXS)

144 Mykes - Music.Of.Jack.Orgin. LP Out Dec 'O5 - Hazardous Hip Hop feat Wez Cooze & DJ Beattrix. Beats By The Mighty Mister Stophe One Rhymes By Mykes The Migwel Check it or go wool eyed covered for the rest of your life!

Posted by: Griff at October 19, 2005 06:45 AM (Njly3)

145 YO BIG SHOUT TO DEAD RES FUCKING BANGING VIDEO GUYS AND A SHOUT TO WEZ COOZE CHECKED THAT LINK YOU SENT ME MAN WKD SHIT GOING ON THERE BIG UP RUFFSTYLZ FOR HIS NEW ALBUM ITS GONNA BE A BANGER TRUST..... NEW SHIT IN THE POST FROM ME AND PICTON ON ITS WAY WE BUSY IN THE LAB ATM....PEACE

Posted by: 4DEE at October 22, 2005 07:42 AM (axQ8U)

146 ne one on this site heard of direct and caskade i got a sampler from catupult and they r heavy plus jus picked up ruffstylz cd its phat

Posted by: spitfire at October 27, 2005 01:37 PM (sCjPu)

147 quiet poison and skamma tunes @ www.soundclick.com/squidninjarecordins please leave feed back

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at October 27, 2005 01:56 PM (axQ8U)

148 excellent stuff on there heckler.very good music

Posted by: dan denton at October 28, 2005 08:44 AM (xJ0Dw)

149 Nice 1 4dee m8. HSG crew, your reviews out in DJ Mag... They are well feelin it!

Posted by: DeadRez at October 29, 2005 08:21 AM (5FDim)

150 http://www.myspace.com/wezcooze Check it out. outtas

Posted by: Jackie Tyrant at October 29, 2005 02:15 PM (Njly3)

151 http://www.myspace.com/mykeshazardoushiphop Check this too!

Posted by: The Owner at November 01, 2005 05:36 AM (kmXiB)

152 yo you all wanna get on here and rep wales to the fullest put ya sound clicks and my spaces on there lets take over ukhh...... http://forums.ukhh.com/viewtopic.php?p=447352#447352

Posted by: 4DEE at November 02, 2005 03:30 AM (axQ8U)

153 check out nightshift productions..hip hop crew from wales www.myspace.com/nsproductions peace

Posted by: dare586krew nsp at November 04, 2005 07:36 AM (AX5hF)

154 H.S.G. concepts 4 texts e.p. A SUREPLAYER 5star rating,.Weird,man- this has the same shock of the new that first foreign beggars release had."concepts 4 texts" is clearly heavily influenced by the rza,s exploration of world music sonics & ancient oriental doom but is pursued with an untutored aggression thats totally compelling.Spliced up with dugeonesque chinese strings & lute,heckler kosh,met,skama,& picton ride the madness with some suitably whiney & deranged vocals,scratches eventually crossing each other out into pure arrythmia.Cypherzone (4dee& picton)is dubbed out thrum funk the pop group would of been proud of & sounds downright evil(especially with some jarring mental images- "leaving mcs looking like a baby drinking milk from a scabby nipple",anybody?).similarly Apocoliptic has a horrorcore vibe but a forward propulsion thats totally irresistable.No matter how dark HSG get(& they get pretty grim)every tracks totally listenable,totally serious & somehow manages to keep a straight face by dint of the genuine terror& wonder at the musics hart.Dig the highlight "nuff deep"for its slo-mo dub ruffness,its real spirit of 79 dread & its sheer barnstorming oddity.A name to look out for in 2006.Release date dec 1st o5. --DJ MAG (november 2005)vol 4 /no.02

Posted by: ROB at November 04, 2005 07:48 AM (xJ0Dw)

155 YO!! these dudes rock big up the dj mag for actualy reviewing these guys shows they dig deap in the uk underground this 12" looks sure to be a banger for xmas im defo gonna get in the shops for this one if try b4 u die is to go by this gotta be dope

Posted by: bmad at November 04, 2005 10:38 AM (axQ8U)

156 check out new up and comin heads from Barry town barkerville productions,icue productions and sugar roy productions. also there are instrumentals by HEKLA KOSH AND METABEATS unherd tracks,mix tapes,freestyles,link ups go to www.soundclick.com/scruffyloops www.soundclick/squidninjarecordins leave feed back or get happy slapped peace. shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh quiet poison

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 05:23 AM (axQ8U)

157 check out new up and comin heads from Barry town barkerville productions,icue productions and sugar roy productions. also there are instrumentals by HEKLA KOSH AND METABEATS unherd tracks,mix tapes,freestyles,link ups go to www.soundclick.com/scruffyloops www.soundclick/squidninjarecordins leave feed back or get happy slapped peace. shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh quiet poison click on hekla kosh at bottom of this message for a link.

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 05:28 AM (axQ8U)

158 nowwwwwwww

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 05:29 AM (axQ8U)

159 i expect to see feed back left on my message board if your reppin hiphop down r way leave ur comments good or bad jus leave something cos we heavyyyyyyyyy plus get free downloads @ squid ninja recordins dont 4 get 2 pick up my ep earthgodz ft cesto. peace wales.

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 05:34 AM (axQ8U)

160 watch out for "direct" brainscape ep. preview track only at scuffy loops produced by hekla kosh.

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 05:59 AM (axQ8U)

161 OLDSKOOL HSG TUNES ONLY @ SCRUFFY LOOPS SOME OF OUR FIRST BEATS CHECK IT OUT JUS CLICK MY NAME AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS PAGE.

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 09:38 AM (axQ8U)

162

Posted by: HEKLA KOSH at November 05, 2005 09:45 AM (axQ8U)

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How does the Eco-System work? Anybody know? My eco-system ranking bounces all over the place. It reached the dizzying heights the other day of 106 links only to drop, for no apparent reason, to 60 links, in one swell foop. How does it work? How does it calculate links and so on?

I'm tempted to pull it off my blog entirely.

Any thoughts?

Posted by: Random Penseur at 11:51 AM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 75 words, total size 1 kb.

Riding in the car tonight, listening to some lame radio station do a less lame holiday weekend music countdown of the top 100 or maybe even 500 best dance songs, when I was confronted by the music of Tone Loc. Remember him? Who can forget the immortal words of Funky, Cold Medina? I mean, besides me. They played Wild Thing. I quote the relevant bits:

Doin' a little show at the local discotheque

This fine youg chick was on my jack so I say what the heck

She want to come on stage and do her little dance

So I said chill for now but maybe later you'll get your chance

So when the show was finished I took her around the way

And what do you know she was good to go without a word to say

We was all alone and she said "Tone let me tell you one thing
I need $50 to make you holler I get paid to do the wild thing"

Say what
Yo love you must be kidding
You're walkin' babe
Just break out of here
Hasta la vista baby

I'm glad Tone took the higher moral road here. Besides, who knows what you could catch from some skanky ho charging $50 to do the wild thing.

I wonder, idly, what ever happened to Tone? Or Young MC, for that matter, who collaborated with Tone. Young MC, you may recall, had the Econ degree from USC and gave us Bust a Move. I loved that one. Or, Off to the Principal's Office I go. I can quote that one from memory ("a nurses late pass like a gun on my hip. . ."). This was before rap got kind of ugly and there was no place left anymore for Young or Tone.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 10:01 PM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I just lost a huge post that took me over 45 minutes to write. I am way too frustrated to recommence.

So, something different.

The Bronx Zoo was great fun. It was seriously empty. We were among the only ones in the parking lot when we arrived. We saw the bird house, the monkey house, the Congo exhibit, Tiger Mountain (damn, that was exceptionally cool), and the sea lions. The Boy Child had, I think, a very good time. Although he kept trying to ditch his mittens when he thought I wasn't looking. And he needed them, since it did not get above 44 degrees in the sun while we were there. The tigers were really the coolest. We were able to get right up to the glass in the stroller and this 8 foot tiger, he was enormous, came right up to the glass to examine my son. They just stared at each other for awhile until the tiger decided, I guess, that he would not be able to eat the boy. The boy seemed to be rendered speechless by this enormous tiger head a scant couple of inches away from his own. I don't blame him. I was a bit speechless myself.

Coming back from the zoo, we stopped off in Scarsdale to visit Zachy's, a well known wine store in the region. With the wife away, I decided to treat myself to a bottle of 18 year old Scotch whisky on the grounds that either I will get the job in Miami and will want to celebrate or I won't and I deserve some consolation. Poor reasoning, really, but what the hell. I am almost out and that is not acceptable. We do not live in Scarsdale and I'm glad. Why? How often do you see an Aston Martin parked outside the supermarket? Not very, I bet. Scarsdale sees them all the time. I turned from examining that to see the Mercedes G55, you know, the really ugly super expensive truck. It was being driven, and I use that word loosely, by a woman who held a cell phone to her ear with one hand (illegal in NY, by the way) and a half eaten apple in the other hand. I thought, wow, it is true. The rich really are different. They can drive with no hands.

May I speak about the boy child for a moment? Oh. My. God. What a beautiful little creature he is. He is like pure sunshine. Nary a cry or a whine the whole day. Laughter more often than any other noise. He pulls my head to his chest to cuddle me and makes these happy little cooing sounds. I can't wait for him to get up from his nap to go play, again. We are going out to dinner tonight with my parents and I am a little sorry it won't be just the two of us, but how can I keep such joy to myself? He needs to be shared a little bit, I think.

After he goes to bed tonight, it will be more Whisky (one glass) and a Bruce Lee film I have not seen in many years.

Tomorrow, weather permitting, I think we are going to head off to NY City and go visit the Museum of Natural History. I think he'll like the train in. There is a live butterfly exhibit and I hope he will find that compelling. If not, the City is a big place and we will find plenty to do, I bet.

Maybe, tomorrow morning, before he wakes, I will try to recreate my post on Pensions, Demographics and Immigration. A serious topic and I am plenty steamed that it just went POOF.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 04:29 PM | Comments (6) | Add Comment
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Everybody was kung-fu fighting

Those cats were fast as lightning

In fact it was a little bit frightning

But they fought with expert timing

Ok, that was afterwards. After we had a very nice visit with my parents, and ate a bit too much, and watched the kids run around, and had pleasant conversation, and bid goodbye to the wife and Girl Child as they left to go to Norway. Then the Boy Child, two semi-eligible bachelors if there ever were any, came home for a little dinner for him, a bath, and then he was asleep before I was down the stairs. No nap for him, you see. In fact, as I was holding him to give him a good night kiss (one kiss was happily accepted), he then tried to throw himself from my arms into his crib. For 21 months, that is tired.

Then came the kung fu fighting! It was a totally selfish way to spend an evening. Pretty much perfect. I lit a fire and turned off the lights in the living room. I poured a glass of MacCallan 12 year old Scotch Whisky with a little bit of water and settled in to watch Crouching Tiger / Hidden Dragon which I had never seen before.

First, a question: why is bad to drink alone, again? I know that I must have known the reason for this at some point, but I can't seem to recall. I don't think I've ever gotten drunk alone. But a drink by myself? Wonderful and self indulgent and probably no worse than having a soda. No, a good glass of Whisky takes a rather long time to drink (at least, it takes me a long time) and is a nice experience on a number of levels. I like the idea of it, first of all. There is just something intangible about the idea of having a Whisky -- some combination of romantic notions I can't possibly distill here. I like the taste. I like the physical warming as it slides down. And having one by my lonesome is second best (sometimes better) than having one with a friend over an interesting conversation. No, I think that there should be more drinking alone, not less!

Anyway, the film was not quite as great as I had hoped it would be. I have a weakness for the Kung Fu classics. I used to go down to Chinatown to the all-day kung fu movie theater and spend an afternoon watching them. I don't know if that theater is still there, but it was a fun way to kill an afternoon. I think my favorite actor right now is Jet Li. I love his movies and his martial arts are first rate. My favorite was Fists of Legend. It has the best fight scenes I've ever seen and great production values. Tiger / Dragon was no Fists of Legend. It had some decent fight scenes but seemed to think that dramatic cut aways and lots of flying around was a good substitute for a well crafted fight. It ain't.

Anyway, must dash as the Boy Child is stirring after his short 12.5 hours of sleep and I have diapers to change, breakfast to fix, and a trip to the Bronx Zoo to plan.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 07:09 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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Simon had an amusing post today about a visit to a pet behaviourist who recommended drugging dogs. Simon laughed alone in the room. I'd have joined him in laughing. But that's not why I reference his post. No, it was the description of the vet that got to me. Simon describes him as "an Armani-suited, Cartier-glasses, Rolex watch wearing man".

That description got me to thinking about service providers. Broadly, people you pay to preform services as opposed to providing you with goods. By way of example, I mean lawyers, doctors, plumbers, dentists, and accountants. Vets, too, I suppose. I am a service provider as a lawyer. As a service provider, the last thing I want to do is to dress as if my client is paying me too much. This would make any client suspicious about the fees. Why is this guy so flashy with my money? That is not to say that you should not dress successfully, because you should. If you look like a loser, you will also turn clients off. No, the watchword here is: Discrete.

Be discrete in your appearance if you are a service provider. I am a timepiece slut. I love watches and I like to dress well. I do not wear Armani, however, or any other brand that is going to be instantly recognizable. I do not own a Rolex nor a Cartier. Nor would I wear a watch that would be instantly known to my client. In fact, I wear an IWC. Bet you haven't heard of them, have you? IWC is a very fine Swiss watch maker and this watch is a thing of beauty. But a client isn't going to look at it and say, that's where my fees are going? Nope. I think it is not a good business decision to force a client to think like that.

In fact, I'll give you an example. Shortly after we moved into our new house, my wife arranged for someone to come by with cases of fabric to give us an estimate on drapes/curtains. For some reason, these things cost more than their equivalent weight in diamonds. After the affable Rolex-wearing salesman made his pitch, he told us, in an effort to pressure us to commit, that he was so busy that he had to buy that Cadillac parked outside our house because he was spending so much time in the car and what did we think of that. I looked at the car and his watch and said, "I think it tells me that you are charging me too much for these curtains". And that was that.

Finally, I would consider it poor judgment to hire someone who thought it showed good judgment to overpay for a Rolex. If it were a Patek, on the other hand. . .

Posted by: Random Penseur at 09:01 AM | Comments (2) | Add Comment
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I watched, on my trip back from Ft. Lauderdale last night, Best of Show. There was advice given in that film which ought to apply to anyone driving for Thanksgiving and I reproduce it for you all here:

If you get tired, pull over.

If you get hungry, eat something.

I loved that. Just try to remember that, y'all, as you are driving to Mom's for Thanksgiving.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 12:32 PM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
Post contains 75 words, total size 1 kb.

Before you ask, I have no idea how it went. I was asked, at the conclusion, how much time I'd need before I could start if they made me an offer. I read nothing into that anymore. I simply told them, in response, that I would be on the next plane down the day after it was professionally prudent for me to have wrapped up everything at my firm and not leave anyone hanging. I also told them I really wanted this job and if offered it would take it.

Thank you all very much for your comments wishing me luck. I really appreciated them all!

By the way, did I mention that the job would mean we'd have to move to Miami?

Let me share with you some random observations I made during the one day trip down and back:

*Church Signs on I-95

I saw an excellent church sign off of I-95. It read as follows:

Sign courtesy of Church Sign Generator, one of my favorite sites, by the way.

All that was missing from the sign was something like, "limited appearance only", or, "half price off for sinners special on Fridays ", or, "catch him next week at the Aventura Mall". In any event, I was tickled.

*Airport Check in:

I was asked by the very nice woman at Jet Blue, to check and see if I was carrying any of the items on her list in my briefcase. I read it carefully and confirmed that I was not carrying in my briefcase, inter alia, any guns, ammunition, 4 lbs of dry ice, or an electric wheel chair and I requested clarification as to what a "wet cell" battery was. She didn't know either but she giggled, which was sweet. I am kind of a flirt, I have to admit.

*Jet Blue directv thing is cool.

VH1Classics allowed me to reacquaint myself with such talented bands as Animotion and Berlin ("The Metro", great 80's pop angst with heavy keyboard use). The music of my youth is now on VH1Classics. Classics. Sheesh. No further comment. Although, here are the lyrics to "The Metro":

I'm alone
sitting with my empty glass
my four walls
follow me through my past
I was on a Paris train
I emerged in London rain
and you were waiting there
swimming through apologies

I remember searching for the perfect words
I was hoping you might change your mind
I remember a soldier sleeping next to me
riding on the Metro

You wore white
smiling as you took my hand
so removed
we spoke of wintertime in France
minutes passed with shallow words
years have passed and still the hurt
I can see you now
smiling as I pulled away

I remember the letter wrinkled in my hand
"I'll love you always" filled my eyes
I remember a night we walked along the Seine
riding on the Metro

I remember a feeling coming over me
the soldier turned, then looked away
I remember hating you for loving me
riding on the Metro

I'm alone
sitting with my BROKEN glass
my four walls
follow me through my past
I was on a Paris train
I emerged in London rain
and you were waiting there
swimming through apologies(sorry)

I remember searching for the perfect words
I was hoping you might change your mind
I remember a soldier sleeping next to me
riding on the Metro

*Taxi to/from Miami from Ft. Lauderdale airport cost $150 dollars.
Cost of JetBlue ticket back to NY: $148.

How is this possible, that it costs more to fly down the Eastern Seaboard than it does to take a taxi to/from some 30 miles each way? How can JetBlue stay in business? Or is it that the taxis are charging too much?

Posted by: Random Penseur at 12:17 PM | Comments (9) | Add Comment
Post contains 637 words, total size 4 kb.

I will be out of the office tomorrow with no access to computers and no chance to blog (I expect). While I'm gone, I recommend browsing through my set of links under "Daily (practically) Reads". There are some first rate writers represented there.

Psst, don't tell anyone, but I am off for a job interview. Keep your fingers crossed and wish me whatever you are inclined to wish me. I am, truth be told, a bit nervous. Perhaps not nervous, just scared about being disappointed if I don't get the offer. That may be it, really. Of course, I am also apprehensive about the consequences of getting an offer, but that's another story. The only way I know how to deal with that kind of nervousness is through preparation. I think I am prepared. I have probably spent over 15 hours preparing for it. I have reviewed my resume, the summary I have made of every interesting case I have ever worked on, re-read my writing samples, re-read the published opinions judges have rendered in cases in which I am counsel of record, read everything I could find on the internet about the organization and the person I will be meeting with, and am close to ready. I have my best suit back from the cleaners and my shoes are shined. Now, just fingers crossed, deep breath, and into the breach.

See you all on Tuesday.

Posted by: Random Penseur at 10:19 AM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
Post contains 246 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Well good luck RP, I'm rooting for you. Hey, guess what? My daughter in the states is applying for Law school! So I hope you get the job you want and she gets into law!

Posted by: Rachel Ann at November 21, 2004 03:05 PM (iT4Tl)

2 Go for it!! Relax and be your own sweet self. Shake hands and have a big time!!

Posted by: Azalea at November 21, 2004 03:31 PM (hRxUm)

3 You know how I feel about this, RP. You're MORE than prepared; now just don't forget to relax and breathe! Honestly, I think you've got it. If you want it. I have a feeling that an engaging person such as yourself does SMASHING interviews. Relax, breathe, smile and KNOCK 'EM DEAD! ::: still concentrating really hard :::

Posted by: Margi at November 21, 2004 03:47 PM (MAdsZ)

4 OW! ::: wink :::

Posted by: Margi at November 21, 2004 09:15 PM (MAdsZ)

5 Good luck. With that much preparation they'll have to offer you either the job or a judge-ship. What kind of boats do judges get anyway? My last interview required huge amounts of preparation. It went like this: Them: "Do you want a job in Hong Kong." Me: "OK" Them: "See you in a month then." They've been regretting it since!

Posted by: Simon at November 22, 2004 03:28 AM (OyeEA)

6 Best of luck!

Posted by: Hannah at November 22, 2004 02:05 PM (0tNIc)

7 Great good luck, Random!

Posted by: Amber at November 22, 2004 02:05 PM (zQE5D)

8 Random, I've been almost exactly where you seem to be, career-wise, and hope this turns out for you like it did for me... Best of luck!

Posted by: JohnL at November 22, 2004 11:55 PM (gplif)

9 and?? or maybe we shouldn't ask...and instead smile knowingly. yes - that's good. we'll do that. so...ready for thanksgiving? i'll wave as i drive past!

Posted by: standing naked at November 23, 2004 12:06 PM (IAJcf)

10 Thanks for the good wishes, everyone. Rachel Anne, tell your daughter to reconsider. I urge you.

Posted by: RP at November 23, 2004 12:48 PM (LlPKh)

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I love greasy spoons, road side restaurants, barbeque shacks, cafes, diners, and all manner of holes in the wall. My wife parts company with me on this but, as in so many things, is still willing to indulge me from time to time. She's nice like that.

I like being able to see my breakfast being cooked before me, the bottomless cup of coffee, the home made (sometimes) pies, the french fries with gravy, and the milk shakes often made with great care, or at least, carefully enough that no cigarette ash falls in. Good enough for me, certainly. I like that you can get breakfast anytime you want and that you can almost always find meatloaf and lumpy mashed potatoes. I like the way these places smell, generally but not always. I like that they are usually owner operated and often with more than a little pride. I do not, however, feel the need to go out and start one of my own, though.

However, were I rich, I mean filthy hedge fund rich, I would go here and buy one to have moved to my country property (I don't have one of those either, of course, but that is a mere detail in this little fantasy) to join the other buildings (there will be other buildings, certainly). Then, like Marie Antoinette, I could play at having a diner. I think that would be great fun.

Or, if I were Google IPO rich, I could buy a totally new one for $150,000. Comes fully equiped. That could be nice.

I also like diner slang. Here, from the same place where you can go buy your very own diner, is a lexicon of diner slang so you can talk the talk. I extract some of my favorites:

whiskey down: Rye toast, the 'down' part probably comes from the action of pushing down the handle on the toaster

Shingle with a shimmy and a shake: Buttered toast with jam or jelly, hence the reference to 'shake'.

Wreck ‘em: Scrambled eggs

Fry two, let the sun shine: 2 fried eggs with unbroken yolks

Flop two: Two fried eggs over easy

Customer will take a chance: Hash

Sweep the kitchen or
Sweepings, or
Clean up the kitchen: A plate of hash

Mystery in the alley: A side order of hash

Chewed with Fine Breath: Hamburger with onions

Two cows, make them cry: Two hamburgers with onions

Burn one; take it through the garden and pin a rose on it: Hamburger with lettuce, tomato and onion

When I strike it rich one day (don't hold your breath, ok?), you are all invited over to my little Trianon fake-diner for ice cream sodas and "GAC"s (grilled cheese sandwiches)!

Posted by: Random Penseur at 10:09 AM | No Comments | Add Comment
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As you may know, I make a point of reading the obituaries at the Telegraph on line. English obituary writing is superb. They are mini-biographies, generally written about people I've never heard of before. Oftentimes, you read about people who did terribly important things during WW II. That generation is passing, you know. Here are two people, in extended entry below, who I thought were fascinating.

Click below for more. more...

Posted by: Random Penseur at 09:43 AM | Comments (3) | Add Comment
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