maffablog

Track-By-Track: Heaven And Hell - The Devil You Know

2009-03-30T22:35:00.002+01:00

Metal Hammer has heard the forthcoming Heaven And Hell album - The Devil You Know and has a track-by-track review here. Overall, it sounds like a good old, doom laden, riffo-rama of an album, with plenty of solos from Mr Iommi:

And the main solo AGAIN is a fucking stormer! It’s like Tony Iommi is being wanked off on MDMA. A proper headbanger!

Tredegar DVD on the way

2009-03-25T22:25:00.004Z

According to the TREDEGAR Official MySpace page:

There is to be a new Tredegar DVD launched. As well as early concert footage, the DVD will also feature rare never before seen interview footage, and an all new documentary and one to one with Ray Phillips. Stay tuned!

Ray Phillips' website has more info:

In addition to the unreleased film of Tredegar playing live at the Chislehurst Caves in London on 31st October 1983, other footage to be considered for release includes the promo film for ‘Duma’ which was filmed on the 27th June 1986, various film clips shot for TV from the same year, and also a very rare film of Tredegar performing Sabre Dance with a youth choir.

I went to see Tredegar about this time at The Red Lion in Northfleet near Gravesend, now called Leos. I took some photos - not sure where they are now, but will try and dig them out and if they are any good, I might put them on Flickr.

Ray Phillips is recording a solo album, due for release later this year.

Heaven and Hell - new single

2009-03-24T21:51:00.002Z

The new single from Heaven and Hell (Ronnie James Dio, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler, and Vinny Appice), Bible Black can be heard on Noisecreep (there is a little media player in the middle of the page).

…Noisecreep has gotten its hands on "Bible Black," the first single from 'Heaven and Hell.' The molasses-thick riffs, slow-burning tempo, and Dio's instantly engaging vocal melodies hit hard and will surely silence the naysayers who doubted the band still had the fury to pull off such a heavy statement. If this song is any indication of what lies ahead for us, 'The Devil You Know' is going to be one ugly bastard of an album!

The album The Devil You Know is released on 28 April.

And you specialist subject is…

2009-03-09T21:56:00.004Z

METALLICA!
This was contestant Ian Volante's specialist subject when he appeared on the BBC quiz show Mastermind recently:

I'm please to say that I knew quite a few of the answers, but not as many as Ian. Reading Joel McIver's book - Justice for All: The Truth About "Metallica" - might have helped.

Cadbury to save the world!

2009-02-17T16:15:00.003Z

Cadbury is to encourage its cows to burp less to reduce the carbon footprint of its milk chocolate.

Article from Environment | guardian.co.uk last week.

Studies show that the production of one litre of milk produces the equivalent of 900g of CO2. More than half of this is down to methane. The average cow emits between 80kg and 120kg of methane a year, equivalent to the annual carbon emissions from an average family car.

Maybe we should all switch to dark chocolate instead.

Better 'The Devil You Know'

2009-02-10T21:26:00.002Z

…is the title of the forthcoming Heaven and Hell album, according to BLABBERMOUTH.NET. The new CD which is due to be released on 28 April features Black Sabbath members Tony Iommi (guitar), Ronnie James Dio (vocals), Geezer Butler (bass) and Vinny Appice (drums).

Metallica to headline Knebworth

2009-02-09T09:26:00.003Z

There were rumours a few months back that Metallica would headline a festival at Knebworth this summer. On Monday this week Blabbermouth carried details of Sonicsphere festivals taking place throughout Europe, with Metallica headlining each one.

The band will headline the Knebworth Sonicsphere on Sunday 2 August, while Linkin Park headline on Saturday 1 August. Mastodon and Lamb Of God have also been confirmed as playing, others to follow.

Ever wondered what your MP gets up to?

2009-02-06T13:43:00.003Z

I came across TheyWorkForYou.com while reading a post on Nik Rawlinson's blog last week. He was disappointed that his MP responds to email by sending a reply by post, and decided to find out a bit more about him:

That’s disappointing. So what does the man who represents me in Parliament do and believe? I looked him up on TheyWorkForYou to check his voting record and it seems we disagree on at a lot of the most important political points of the day. It says that he:

Voted strongly against a transparent Parliament.
Voted moderately against introducing a smoking ban.
Voted very strongly for the Iraq war.
Voted very strongly against the hunting ban.
Voted moderately against equal gay rights.

So we don’t agree on any of those points.

Just tap in your postcode and you will find a wealth of information about your MP. Give it a go!

Winter Wonderland

2009-02-03T17:42:00.002Z

All Saints, Staplehurst
Originally uploaded by Maff Knight

I've been working from home this week. Not through choice particularly, but through a lack of trains into London.

Yesterday there were no trains at all into or out of London and today the service was patchy. A friend phoned me this morning to say that her train had not moved for ages and that I shouldn't bother trying. So, I didn't. Come on, would you need telling twice?

I am glad that I didn't attempt the journey though. Another friend had to stand for the entire journey of two hours (twice the time it would usually take) and yet another friend had a three hour journey this morning.

Hopefully things will be back to normal tomorrow, as I am booked to go on a course. Besides, I don't think I can stand another day of trying to use our webmail.

Happy Birthday dear 'nuh-wobbum'

2009-01-08T12:10:00.003Z

The Guardian's Roy Wilkinson has written an article on the 30th anniversary of the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. NWOBHM, or 'nuh-wbbum', which saw the likes of Saxon, Iron Maiden and Diamond Head as leading lights of the genre, was heavily influenced by the punk scene and went on to influence many of today's leading metal bands, such as Metallica.

Metallica have often payed homage to Diamond Head, recording a version of Am I Evil as a B-side to the Creeping Death single in 1984, and playing the song live for many years. They also recorded Helpless (Garage days EP, 1987) and It's Electric (Garage Inc CD, 1998).

Wilkinson spoke to Brian Tatler, singer with Diamond Head, about the royalties he received from Metallica covering Diamond Head's songs:

I lived with my parents until I was 33. Then the money from Metallica let me put a deposit on a house. It was the only way I would have been able to do that. God bless Metallica - and God bless the New Wave of British Heavy Metal, I suppose.

Some of the bands from NOWBHM days are still playing today, including Girlschool and Saxon, who are about to release their 27th album (Into the Labyrinth, Universal Records ). Diamond are to release a 3 CD box set later this year.

Welcome back to Hell

2009-01-04T20:50:00.004Z

What a find! In a moment of NWOBHM nostalgia, I tried a search for "Venom Seven Dates of Hell" on YouTube yesterday and there it was - all ten songs from the 1 June 1984 Hammersmith Odeon gig. It was orginally released on VHS and I think that is where xyz8472 got it from.

I was there. No, really, I was. I remember it being one of the loudest gigs I have ever been too, with plenty of pyro and the odd guitar being smashed up. My old mate Steve the Postman, was a huge Venom fan and had a copy of this video.

For those who may not be familiar with the band, this is the intro from the biography on their website:

Venom, the original inventers and founders of Black Metal, the creators of Thrash, Speed, Death and Power Metal, the deadliest force ever to hit the music scene, the original sinners playing the Devil's music at its highest intensity, the ultimate Rock n' Roll band, Venom.

Apple Reseller to open in Maidstone

2008-11-25T20:43:00.002Z

Stormfront are opening a store at Maidstone's Fremlin Walk in December.

As an Apple Authorised Premium Reseller, you will be able to try out the latest Mac kit and get some advice from people who know what they are talking about.

So, no reason to go to Bluewater any more.

Stormfront seems a rather unfortunate choice of name for a business, as it is shared by a white supremacist internet forum.

Inflation busting fare increases (again)

2008-11-24T13:48:00.003Z

On Friday, Southeastern announced its annual rail fare increases, to start on 5 January 2009:

From January next year Southeastern's regulated fares (e.g. season tickets, standard returns) will increase by an average of eight per cent.
This is based on the Retail Price Index (RPI) + three per cent formula set out in our franchise agreement with the Department for Transport (DfT), awarded in April 2006.
It is an average increase, so some fares will rise by less, others by more.

My annual season ticket is one of those that is 'more', at 9.9%.

It would seem that all Southeastern passengers are paying for the high-speed domestic rail link which will start running in December 2009, even if they won't be using it or gaining any benefit from it.

From BBC Kent:

A rail company which is increasing regulated fares by an average of 8% next year - 2% more than the national average - is promising value for money.
Southeastern said the rise was in line with government policy for passengers to pay more and taxpayers to pay less.
The firm was given a different fare calculation because of high-speed services to be launched next year.

From the Evening Standard:

AN MP today warned of riots by rail passengers after fares were increased by more than twice the rate of inflation.

For anyone who has a 'question' for Southeastern's managers, they will be at Cannon Street station on 4 December, from 8am.

An appeal

2008-11-20T22:35:00.003Z

At this time of year, spare a thought for those helpless souls who cannot stop playing a certain massively multiplayer online role-playing game (MMORPG).

They will often blame anyone but themselves, including fellow players and even rock stars:

You should have been there

2008-11-18T12:22:00.004Z

The wife and I went to see Dara O'Briain at Tunbridge Wells on Monday evening. It was the last date of his 103 date tour.

A very funny man indeed, although we were quite pleased that we weren't in front row, as he 'interacted' with several people there. He explained how he sees his audience as a mentor in a recent interview in The Guardian.

If you are wondering why I gave this post a title of 'You should have been there', then well, you should have been there. Then you would know. Or, you could watch the DVD.

Best vegetarian restaurants in London

2008-11-14T12:09:00.004Z

LondonLite had a feature of vegetarian restaurants in London this week. Saf in particular, sounds very interesting, offering vegan and biological dishes (where food is cooked below 48 degrees C).

I haven't been to any of the restaurants featured, but I have tried Carnavale and The Place Below in the past. Root Master is next my list though, it's a vegan restaurant on an old London Route Master bus (geddit?), near Brick Lane.

Get walking!

2008-11-08T15:13:00.003Z

walkit.com is a really useful and easy to use site, which will give you walking directions for many large UK cities. Working in London, I have found it useful many times, especially when meeting up with old friends for a drink at some back street boozer or another.

Not only does it tell you the distance, but it will also estimate walking time for fast, medium and slow, and estimated calorie burn and CO2 avoided. There is also an option to get a route that will 'avoid high levels of air pollution'.

Sorry Nic, they don't have Ceredigion on walkit.com yet, although I did notice that Google Maps will provide walking directions as well as driving directions now.

Christmas gift for the discerning Sabbath fan

2008-11-03T15:08:00.002Z

On Metal Hammer there is news that Black Sabbath Converse Trainers will be on sale in time for Christmas. In the States.

The three different designed trainers are expected to be on shelves in time for Christmas in the States, though no details have been announced for a UK release.

Beautiful tomato

2008-10-28T22:34:00.004Z

Since 'That's Life' with Esther Rantzen is no longer on TV, where I could have sent this vaguely amusing photo of one of our home grown tomatoes, I've put it on my Flickr page instead.

No promises, but…

2008-10-28T21:25:00.003Z

I realise that I have been rambling on about Metallica a fair bit the past couple of months, but I think I am just about over the delirium of the new album and the gig at the O2 Arena now. I haven't even listened to Death Magnetic this week!

So, in the vain hope that my reader, will come back and visit again, and even leave a comment or two, I am going to try and write about some other stuff.

Just in case you missed it

2008-09-20T21:23:00.004+01:00

This is especially for Nic, as he missed Metallica on 'Later… with Jools Holland' on BBC2 last night.

Interview with Lars:

Cyanide:

The Day That Never Comes:

Enter Sandman:

Death Magnetic launch party at London O2

2008-09-16T21:49:00.003+01:00

Me and the missus were lucky enough to get tickets for last night's bash at the London O2 Arena, for Metallica's Death Magnetic launch party. Although our seats were way up in the upper tier, we had a pretty good view and contrary to what some have said the sound was pretty good.

They played a great set, including 5 songs from the new album, a few classics (For Whom The Bell Tolls, Seek and Destroy) and a cover (Stone Cold Crazy). James Hetfield introduced Frantic from the St Anger album, saying something about it being much loved - which raised the odd chuckle from the crowd. It is, as he also said, a great song (probably the best from that album IMHO). The full set list was as follows:

That Was Just Your Life
The End Of The Line
The Thing That Should Not Be
Of Wolf And Man
One
Broken, Beat And Scarred
Cyanide
Frantic
Until It Sleeps
Wherever I May Roam
For Whom The Bell Tolls
The Day That Never Comes
Master Of Puppets
Blackened
- - - - - - - -
Stone Cold Crazy
Jump In The Fire
Seek and Destroy

Just waiting for the download to become available now, a much better souvenir of the night than a 20GBP t-shirt.

Death Magnetic has also reached No. 1 in the UK album chart.

Geezer Butler slams 'Hypocrite' Sarah Palin

2008-09-05T22:56:00.002+01:00

I meant to post this (from Blabbermouth) a while back, but left it as a draft and forgot about it…

Now back to reality. As you may know from my web site and lyrics, I am pro all life, not just unborn fetuses. I don't understand people who say they are pro-life, but then support unnecessary wars and the disgusting slaughter of animals for sport. I respect people's freedom of religion, but I absolutely abhor hypocrites. Which brings me to this horrific video [see below] of cowardly bastards in airplanes, shooting wolves for so-called 'sport,' and the hypocritical politician [referring to Republican vice presidential nominee Sarah Palin] [she's supposed to be pro-life, remember], who allows this cowardly act to take place in her state.

Metallica - video premiere

2008-09-02T20:55:00.001+01:00

It's midnight here at HQ and we are incredibly proud to present you with the debut of "The Day That Never Comes" ...not so much the standard video fare, but what we like to think of as a short film.

The video can be viewed at Metallica.com. The song is fantastic (the band are back to their old form, in my opinion) and video has a pretty tense ending.

The album Death Magnetic, is out on 12 September and the band will be playing two shows - in Berlin on 12 September and London on 15 September. Tickets which went on sale this week to MetClub members and Mission Metallica members are available for 10euro and 5GBP. I'm going to try my luck tomorrow, but don't hold out much hope!

Iron Maiden - 'Maiden Heaven'

2008-06-18T21:11:00.002+01:00

Iron Maiden invited 15 of their favourite bands to record covers of Iron Maiden songs for a tribute CD to be given away with Kerrang! with the 19 July issue.

Kerrang! ran a competition for its readers to design cover artwork for the CD. The competition was won by Felipe Franco of Bogota, Colombia.

Machine Head who recorded Hallowed Be Thy Name for the CD, played it at the Rock in Rio festival in Portugal on 5 June.

Metallica: the new album title

2008-06-16T13:26:00.002+01:00

After a week or so of teasing us with images of new artwork, adding a couple of letters each day, Metallica have announced the title for their 9th studio album - Death Magnetic. It's due for release in September.

DOES BRUSSELS IMPREGNATE THE POLICE?

2008-06-10T22:34:00.004+01:00

Ever wanted to generate your very own hysteria inducing headings, just like the Daily Mail? Well you can now with Daily Mail-o-matic, a handy little widget created by Chris Applegate.

I was going to give the generator a sophisticated grammar for more varied sentences, until I realised the Mail’s grammar is nearly always the same.

Why not also try the David Blunkett policy maker, Michael Howard Sings The Smiths, or Alastair Campbell’s Wheel of Retribution?

Harry Hill goes back to school

2008-06-10T21:55:00.002+01:00

Yesterday Harry Hill paid a visit to his old primary school in Kent, to help with a campaign to get their playing field back. BBC South East today report here.

Staplehurst School has been without a playing field for two years, since it sold some land to the local PCT for a new medical centre to be built. During this time the children have not had a sports day.

The field has been fenced off after work to improve the drainage was inspected and ruled unsafe. Google Maps shows the drainage work quite clearly.

Harry hoped to return for sports day when everything was sorted:

Maybe, who knows, I could race someone at the egg and spoon race as that was my particular area of expertise.

Monk On Fire!

2008-06-10T12:33:00.003+01:00

Balakov's photostream 'Classics in Lego' has some great recreations of iconic images from the 20th century, all made from Lego, including Monk On Fire:

Another tough decision of whether to use the smiley face or not.

There is also a recreation of Martin Elliott's 1976 Tennis Girl.

New Metallica album - what to expect

2008-06-04T22:14:00.001+01:00

Metal Hammer have heard most of the pre-mastered version of the forthcoming, as yet untitled, Metallica album.

Is it St Anger? No.
Does it suck? Fuck no!

Are the solos back? Fuck yes!

There are no individual song titles for the ten track, 75 minute album, but it is being referred to as 'nine epics and one song'.

The Dads are alright!

2008-06-03T22:28:00.003+01:00

Punks Not Dad recently played their second gig at the Barfly, Cardiff. Photos and a couple of videos are on the website, where you can also hear their new 50 quid E.P. 'Allen Key in the UK'.

The kids don't understand us,
They think we're full of sh*te
But we are The Dads,
AND THE DADS ARE ALRIGHT!

"They're really good. And they're really skiffle…"

2008-06-03T22:12:00.003+01:00

In The Observer newspaper this week, Mark Kermode wrote of his 20-year love affair with the joy of skiffle and mentioned how he met Railroad Bill while travelling with his own band, the Railtown Bottlers:

On our travels we met up with other street skiffle acts like the terrific Railroad Bill, sharing tips on how to play the kazoo, and swapping carnival huckster spiel for working a busking crowd…

…'The real thing is on our site,' wrote Dan from Railroad Bill, and indeed it is. If you go to skiffle.co.uk you can see Railroad Bill ('Lonnie Donegan on speed') leaping around with tea-chest, washboard, saw, ukulele, kazoo and (in one instance) a ripping roll of Sellotape. They're really good. And they're really skiffle…

Check out their myspace page for tour dates and music.

New Heaven & Hell studio album in 2009

2008-05-28T22:30:00.001+01:00

On Black-Sabbath.com there is news of Dio years Sabbath box set, called 'Rules of Hell'. But more interestingly:

Two years ago, Dio, Iommi and Butler and drummer Vinny Appice reunited to record a trio of new songs for Rhino’s Black Sabbath: The Dio Years before launching a highly anticipated and greatly acclaimed world tour under their new moniker Heaven & Hell. Revitalized by the reunion, the lineup is back in the studio now recording the first ever full-length studio album from Heaven & Hell, set to be released by Rhino in early 2009.

Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity 2008

2008-05-28T22:11:00.001+01:00

Vote for the World's Sexiest Vegetarian Celebrity at PETA UK.

Last year's winners were Russell Brand and Fiona Phillips, and this year, they compete again with other celebrity favourites like actor and vegan shoe designer Natalie Portman, Celebrity Big Brother contestant Traci Bingham, Coldplay frontman Chris Martin and Spiderman cutie Tobey Maguire.

I don't know about any of them, but Natalie Portman and Geezer Butler are getting my vote.

Lemmy: the movie

2008-05-28T14:13:00.000+01:00

Metal Hammer - News Article:

Director/producers Greg Oliver and Wes Orshoski have revealed that they plan to make a movie of Lemmy's life.

The movie will be a documentary entitled, wait for it, Lemmy: The Movie and will feature testimonials from Dave Grohl, Alice Cooper, Steve Vai and WWE Superstar Triple H. A 2009 release date is expected.

What, no testimonial from Dave Brock?

Which Fantasy/SciFi Character Are You?

2008-05-16T16:52:00.002+01:00

I stumbled across this on Morfablog just now. Nic was Wesley Crusher, but I'm not sure what else he had to say about. I clicked on the link anyway, and found myself taking the test:

Samwise Gamgee
A brave and loyal associate full of optimism, you remain true to your friends and their efforts, to whatever end.
But in the end, it's only a passing thing, this shadow. Even darkness must pass. A new day will come. And when the sun shines it will shine out the clearer.

Samwise is a character in the Middle-Earth universe. You can read more about him at TheOneRing.net.

I am quite happy with that, as it happens.

No Good Boyo

2008-05-16T13:10:00.005+01:00

No, not me, cheeky.

This No Good Boyo, by here. Tickles my funny bone to the "stuff comes out of nose" point. As does Mrs Boyo's blog, The Daily Scorch.

While I'm here (you don't mind, do you?), I think you might enjoy Sanddef's selection from the Uncyclopedia entry in the Welsh language, which has the merest whiff of satire about it. I quote:

Similarly, in order to promote the feigned existence of the Welsh language, whenever an Englishman walks into a pub in Wales, the Welsh stop speaking English and make up words instead. To try and appeal to the English speaking masses a new Welsh Dictonary was released in 2006 under the title How To Cheat in Big Brother.

Cripes, blogging in two languages at once! And I haven't even cancelled my Warcraft subscription.

Let's Go!

2008-05-15T22:12:00.001+01:00

From Metal Hammer:

Mike Patton has bared the first fruits of his labour with Dan The Automater online.

The versatile duo has been working on the collaboration for some time and this is the first taster of the project that they've called Crudo.

You can here Let's Go on Crudo's MySpace page.

Morfablog - the second coming

2008-05-15T21:59:00.002+01:00

Good news Cymreig fans! He's back in business! Nic has fired up Morfablog again! And it's really green.

Metallinews

2008-05-15T21:44:00.002+01:00

Last night Metallica played a gig at at the Wiltern Theater, Los Angeles as part of the Silverlake Conservatory's annual benefit show, to just 2,000 fans. The Silverlake Conservatory, set up by Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea, is a music school for kids. Flea joined the band near the end of their set for a rendition of 'Fight Fire With Fire'. Fan shot Youtube clip:

Meanwhile, legendary Rock photographer Ross Halfin has also spent some time with the band. Photos from the sound check for last night's gig are here.

Finally, the Mission: Metallica website went live on Monday. Not much on it yet, a trailer and a preview which has snippets of some new stuff - which sounds very promising.

'Angel of the South' designs revealed

2008-05-08T22:27:00.003+01:00

Five designs for a sculpture to be situated on a hill near Ebbsfleet in Kent have been unveiled.

They are:

Mark Wallinger's 33 times life-size white horse
Rachel Whiteread's recycled mountain, topped with life-size cast interior of a house
Richard Deacon's nest of interconnecting steel frame polyhedrons
Daniel Buren's tower of stacked cubes with single laser beam of light passing through it
Christopher Le Brun's monumental wing and disc

BBC Report here and pictures here.

The £2 million Ebbsfleet Landmark has been commissioned by Eurostar, London & Continental Railways and Land Securities, the developers of Ebbsfleet Valley.

Black Sabbath: Master Of Reality' book

2008-05-07T15:16:00.002+01:00

A new book in the '331/3' series is available on Black Sabbath's 'Master of Reality'. Report on BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

This is going on my Amazon Wishlist.

Headbangers set to invade Prestatyn Sands

2008-05-07T09:45:00.005+01:00

Pontins at Prestatyn Sands is to host the Hard Rock Hell II Festival this December. Budgie and Hawkwind confirmed to play. Report on BLABBERMOUTH.NET.

Over to you Nic.

Lonnie Donegan on Speed...

2008-04-29T22:04:00.002+01:00

…is how Railroad Bill describe themselves on their Myspace page - go listen to a tune or two and check out the forthcoming gigs.

Back in February, they went to the legendary Toerag recording studios in London. Chris (tea chest bass supremo) has kindly put some footage up on Youtube for our viewing pleasure.

Yuk!

2008-04-29T21:50:00.002+01:00

What with all the building work going on around the City of London at the moment, paths are in a pretty poor state in places.

Today, I happened to step on a loose paving slab and got a jet of muddy water up my trouser leg.

Crossway - house of the future

2008-04-29T21:45:00.002+01:00

Crossway in Staplehurst, Kent is the dream home of architect Richard Hawkes:

Design with a conscience…

A house in Staplehurst, Kent that rejects the faceless vanity of contemporary architecture borne of a relentless lifestyle industry in place of design that explores the uniqueness of 'place'..

Crossway demonstrates how contemporary design can celebrate local materials and crafts to produce a highly efficient building that sits lightly on the Earth

When completed it will utilise cutting edge technologies for heat and energy and grey water storage and underground rain water storage for irrigation and reuse.
Richard's blog has some interesting articles on sustainable living and has regular updates on the progress of the build.

Metallica: New album in October?

2008-04-27T12:21:00.004+01:00

BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

Amazon.com is currently listing an October 28, 2008 release date for the new METALLICA album. It should be noted, however, that this information has not yet been corroborated by the band or the group's record label, Warner Bros. Music.

Metallica have also set up a website inviting fans to 'Experience the Album…before it's done'. Due to go live in May, interested fans can submit their email address to a mailing list.

And over on Kerrang.com there is a report that Lars Ulrich has hinted that Metallica may make the new album available for digital download, along the lines that Nine Inch Nails took with their Ghosts I-IV album.

"We're looking at how we can embrace everything," Ulrich told Rolling Stone. "We want to be as free players as possible. We've been observing Radiohead and Trent Reznor and in 27 years or however long it takes for the next record, we'll be looking forward to everything in terms of possibilities with the internet."

Vegan chocolate brownies

2008-04-08T22:40:00.001+01:00

I found this recipe on the BBC Food website recently and tried it out at the weekend. They are different to brownies made using eggs, but they are very nice nonetheless.

How to be Metal

2008-04-06T12:20:00.002+01:00

After all, it doesn't hurt to be reminded.

Thanks to Nic for this:

Warning, this clip does contain some rather 'fruity' language, which may offend some viewers.

Morfablog 2001 - 2008

2008-04-06T12:04:00.003+01:00

It is with a heavy heart that we say farewell to Morfablog, which has finally logged off after 7 years of engaging and beautifully written Welsh language (and occasional English) blogging.

Not being a Welsh speaker, I had not idea what Nic was writing about much of the time, but that often added to the fun.

RIP Morfablog, long live nicdafis.

Metallica UK show

2008-03-31T14:52:00.001+01:00

Metallica.com: "SSSSSHHHHHHHHHHH......"

Don't tell anyone, but another tour announcement is coming Monday. Stay tuned!

Could this have anything to do with the Reading and Leeds Festival tickets going on sale today?

Scars on Broadway track

2008-03-29T11:38:00.002Z

System of a Down's guitarist, Daron Malakian, has made the 1st track from his new band, Scars on Broadway, available on the band's website. It is called 'They Say'. System's drummer, John Dolmayan, is also in the band.

NWOBHM DVD on way

2008-03-25T11:05:00.002Z

I shall be putting this on my wish list for my birthday.

Sabbath reunion. Is it on or off?

2008-03-21T14:52:00.001Z

Kerrang! Ozzy on the Sabbath reunion

You know what, if it happens, it happens, if it don't, it don't," he told the Sydney Morning Herald. "They're [saying], 'I'll be able to do it', then a week after, you get a phone call, 'it's off'.

I'm glad at the end of the day we all made friends again.

And so am I.

"All you can eat" iTunes

2008-03-19T13:36:00.001Z

MacUser: Apple to offer "all you can eat" iTunes with premium iPods
In return for paying a premium price for iPods, Apple is set to offer customers unlimited access to the iTunes store.

Apple executives claim customers would be willing to pay $100 (around £50) extra for their iPod or iPhone if it gave them "all you can eat" access to the iTunes library for the "lifetime of the device", according to a report in the Financial Times.

The report also says that it is believed that Apple is considering a monthly subscription for iPhone owners:

who could have a $8 (£4) fee added to their monthly phone bill. Subscription customers would be allowed to keep "40 or 50" tracks per year, even after their subscription has lapsed.

Negotiations between Apple and leading record labels is currently taking place.

Mac News

2008-03-18T12:09:00.002Z

On MacWorld UK today
The Open University has promised to be more Mac and Linux friendly, following protests from students and a petition demanding support for non-Microsoft systems. The OU says:

The Open University is committed to supporting Mac users and also users of other platforms such as Linux in all future activity.

Apple has filed patents that suggest it is considering a smaller clamshell iPhone.

The newly-disclosed patent application waas filed in the US in September 2006. It shows a device that’s around half the size of current generation iPhones, featuring a transparent dual-sihttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifded touch sensitive trackpad cover. The patent says both sides of the cover can be controlled at once.

And on AppleInsider
Apple snags 14 percent of US-based PC retail sales in February

'A Silly Man In A Silly Wig'

2008-03-14T09:23:00.002Z

BLABBERMOUTH.NET - SHARON OSBOURNE: GENE SIMMONS Is 'A Silly Man In A Silly Wig'

Hmmm.

EXTREME NOISE TERROR: Not in Devon

2008-03-14T09:21:00.004Z

BLABBERMOUTH.NET - EXTREME NOISE TERROR: West Coast Dates Announced
I had hoped that by West Coast they meant Devon. So, no dates in the UK at the moment. Shame really, as I saw them in Brighton in the '80s and thought they were really rather good.

Ozzfest 2008 to hit London in July?

2008-03-12T22:15:00.002Z

Kerrang! reports that there is strong rumour that Ozzfest will be coming to London's O2 Arena on 19 July.

Serj interview on NZ TV3

2008-03-11T21:55:00.003Z

Blabbermouth - interview with Serj Tankian on New Zealand's TV3.

The Tygers are back!

2008-03-11T21:12:00.004Z

Blabbermouth reported on the Tygers of Pan Tang's forthcoming new album, Animal Instinct, with tentative track listing and some footage from a recent gig:

Looks like Rob Weir on guitar is the only original member left.

Thou shalt not get stoned

2008-03-11T21:05:00.001Z

guardian.co.uk - researcher claims Moses was stoned when he set Ten Commandments.

According to Benny Shanon, a professor of cognitive psychology at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, psychedelic drugs formed an integral part of the religious rites of Israelites in biblical times.

Speaking about his article on Israeli public radio, he added: "As far as Moses on Mount Sinai is concerned, it was either a supernatural cosmic event, which I don't believe, or a legend, which I don't believe either. Or finally, and this is very probable, an event that joined Moses and the people of Israel under the effect of narcotics."

Metallica album in September

2008-03-11T21:00:00.002Z

BLABBERMOUTH.NET - Lars Ulrich says new Metallica Album 'should' be released in September. Interviewed on Bruce Dickinson's weekly BBC 6 Music radio show, Ulrich said:

We're just finishing up a record, we've got six weeks left and it should be out in September, that's the idea right now.

I like it and I'm one of METALLICA's harshest critics. So far it feels pretty good but there's still plenty of time to fuck it up, so let's see what happens.

Metallica to reissue on vinyl

2008-03-07T14:00:00.001Z

Metallica are going to reissue their back catalogue. On vinyl!

While we're finishing up the new album, we told the dudes at the record company we thought it might be cool to dust off the old tapes and get all retro with some vinyl re-releases...

The first two albums, Kill 'Em All and Ride the Lightning are scheduled for release on 15 April in the US and soon after the rest of the world.

There will be two versions...one like the original on a single disc spinning at 33 1/3, the other a two disc, 180 gram vinyl, 45 rpm package all in a double gatefold. The music was half speed mastered from the original analog tapes at Mobile Fidelity to bring you audiophile quality.

I still have all the early Metallica albums on vinyl, sitting in a box in our wardrobe, including a double gatefold reissue of Master of Puppets.

This is why I don't watch Eurovision

2008-02-28T22:26:00.002Z

Although, I think England will struggle to come up with something better.

Thanks again to Simon for this.

Tell 'em about the honey, mummy

2008-02-28T13:36:00.000Z

BLABBERMOUTH.NET - OZZY OSBOURNE Addicted To UK Breakfast Cereal 'Sugar Puffs'?

Forget Top Cat…

2008-02-23T20:20:00.004Z

…here's the Sabs

Thanks to Simon for this one!

Don't hold your breath

2008-02-19T15:47:00.001Z

From BLABBERMOUTH.NET - System of a Down guitarist, Daron Malakian, has told MTV.com that Scars On Broadway, the band he formed with SOAD drummer, John Dolmayan, is not a side project:

There's no talk of SYSTEM doing anything," Malakian told MTV.com. "We're not planning on doing anything. If anyone's holding their breath for a SYSTEM record, they're going to turn blue and pass out. It's a long ways away, if it ever even happens. We don't even talk about it — none of us. This is my band right now.

The Scars On Broadway album is due for release after the summer.

Well, what do you know?

2008-02-19T09:48:00.001Z

MacUser: News: BBC on iTunes

Auntie stays mum about iTunes

2008-02-18T21:28:00.000Z

MacUser today:

Apple and the BBC have declined to comment on a report that claims that BBC TV programmes will be available from next week on the iTunes Store.

It would certainly get around iPlayer's limitations on the download service being Windows only.

Green books from DK

2008-02-15T16:01:00.001Z

The Bookseller reported today that Dorling Kindersley is leading the way ahead in ethical and environmental publishing with a new range of books. The Made with Care series aims:

…to represent publishing best practice on a wide range of green and ethical standards. The books will have no jackets, instead featuring unbleached board covers that are 100% recycled.

They will be printed on FSC-certified paper, use vegetable inks and environmentally friendly glues, and be bound using energy-saving "in-line binding".

Okay, unless you work in publishing, you may not find this as interesting as I do.

Punks not what?

2008-02-15T12:37:00.003Z

Punks Not Dad hail from Cardiff and was formed by anarchic dads and members of Railroad Bill, legendary Skiffle group from the area.

From Morfablog a couple of weeks back:

Some men buy motor bikes, some have unfortunate dalliances with younger women; Chris and Dan form a punk band.

Vegan Chocolate Torte

2008-02-05T21:54:00.001Z

This is gorgeous and it is vegan! Recipe is from Rose Elliot's Vegan Feasts.

Serves 8-10
For the base
100 g/31/2 oz/ generous 1/2 cup vegan plain chocolate (bittersweet chocolate)
175 g/6 oz/2 cups vegan digestive biscuits (Graham crackers)
For the top layer
200 g/7 oz generous cup vegan plain chocolate (bitter-sweet chocolate)
2x125-ml/4-fl oz packets soya cream (Elmlea works well too, helps it set better too)
1 tablespoon rum
chocolate curls and/or icing sugar (confectioner's sugar), to decorate, optional
First, make the base. Break the chocolate into pieces and put them into a bowl set over a pan of gently simmering water, the bottom of the bowl above the surface of the water, and leave for a few minutes, until the chocolate has melted.
Meanwhile put the digestive biscuits (Graham crackers) into a polythene bag and crush with a rolling pin to make crumbs. Put these into a bowl and add the melted chocolate. Mix well, then press into the base of a 21-cm/81/2 inch loose-bottomed cake tin (cake pan). Chill in the fridge while you make the top layer.
Break the remaining chocolate into the bowl in which you melted the chocolate for the, base and melt over simmering water as before.
Add the soya cream and rum to the chocolate, then whisk thoroughly until the mixture has cooled and thickened a little. Pour on top of the base and smooth the top.
Cover the top of the tin with foil or a plate then chill for at least 3 hours. It must chill thoroughly – 12-24 hours is not too long – and make sure it is well covered so that it doesn't pick up any flavours from the fridge.
When you are ready to serve, remove the sides of the tin (pan), leaving the Torte on the base, then slide it – still on its base for safety – onto a serving dish. Decorate with chocolate curls and/or a sifting of icing sugar (confectioner's sugar), if using.

Two Bean Chilli

2008-02-05T21:26:00.000Z

I've just made a pan of veggie chilli for our dinner tomorrow. I've started using a couple of varieties of beans instead of brown lentils and kidney beans, or VeggieMince and kidney beans.

1 tbs olive oil
1 onion, chopped
1 tsp hot chilli powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1 tsp dried mixed herbs
1 clove garlic, crushed
1 red pepper, diced
250g mushrooms, quartered
1 tin chopped tomatoes
Tomato puree
1 tin kidney beans
1 tin pinto beans
200ml vegetable stock, mixed with large tsp of Marmite

Fry the onion until soft, add the garlic, spices and herbs and cook for 1 minute
Add the diced pepper and stir fry for a couple of minutes before adding the mushrooms and continue to stir fry for a few minutes
Add the tomatoes, puree, beans and stock, bring to the boil and simmer for 20 minutes.
Serve with some rice or whatever else takes your fancy…tortillas, jacket potato…

You can use as many varieties of beans as you like, really.

Update from Lars - update

2008-01-24T20:52:00.001Z

This week Metal Hammer says:

reports that the release of METALLICA's new album has been delayed again, according to the band's record label. The band's ninth studio CD is now expected to hit the stores in September. Originally METALLICA drummer Lars Ulrich said it would be out in February, then the release was pushed back to April.

Good grief!

Update: Justpressplay has this update from the record label:

Update (1.23.08): In response to Stereo Warning's previous news bite, Metallica management told The Pulse of Radio that the disc has not been "delayed" since there "has never been an actual release date." As for when the record was likely to surface, the representative said, "It will be out when it's ready."

Many are saying that the last time the band spent this long in the studio, they released the Black album. I was hoping for something more like Master of Puppets myself.

Oh yes I did!

2008-01-18T21:35:00.001Z

I went to see Stephen Fry's production of Cinderella at the Old Vic last night. It was very, very funny and had a large helping of double entendres and innuendo, some very camp moments, a couple of very ugly sisters and lots of singing and dancing. Just what panto is all about.

Take your seats for the perfect evening of family Christmas fun in this sparkling tale of magic, midnight and mischief: jam-packed with laughter, cross-dressing, singing, shoes, envy, dancing and cake. And of course love, the truest purest love you could ever wish for.

The only problem was, I had to leave early and miss the last twenty minutes, thanks to Southeastern trains. Network Rail were doing late night engineering work, which meant that if I had stayed until the end of the show, it would have taken me two hours to get home instead of the usual hour. The last hour of the journey would have been by replacement bus service, which didn't really appeal.

The Bolties are recording too!

2008-01-16T22:01:00.000Z

Brit Death Metal outfit Bolt Thrower are currently writing material for a new album:

If you're wondering why there hasn't been a lot of BT news for a while, that's because we are still in writing mode for the new album, which we plan to record in the summer. And during the break between the recording and mixing of the album, we will play our only festival of the year.

Unfortunately, the festival happens to be Party.San Metal Open Air Festival in Bad Berka, Germany on 7-9th August. Hopefully, they'll a few UK dates to promote the album.

Metallica for Reading 08?

2008-01-15T21:42:00.000Z

Metal Hammer reported that there are rumours that Metallica and Rage Against the Machine may be playing The Reading and Leeds Festival this year:

Here are some rumours we've heard with regards to who might be playing the Reading/Leeds festivals this year.

Reading Festival - Friday 22nd to Sunday 24th August 2008
Main Stage >> Friday 22 August >> Rage Against The Machine - strong rumour
Metallica - strong rumour >> unknown day
My Chemical Romance - rumour >> unknown stage >> unknown day
NoFX - strong rumour

New goodies from Apple

2008-01-15T21:03:00.001Z

At the Macworld Expo in San Francisco today, CEO Steve Jobs unveiled some new goodies from Apple.

First up is MacBook Air, an ultra thin notebook, which has been rumoured for some time. It is an amazing piece of kit featuring 13.3 wide screen LED back lit display, multi touch track pad, 2GB RAM, 80GB and is just 1.94cm thin. There is no optical drive, but as it is a wireless device, you won't need one much of the time. If you do need one, you can buy an external SuperDrive or use a new feature called Remote Disc, which enables you to access a CD or DVD on a remote Mac or PC.

You'll need to fork out £1,199 for the 1.6GHz machine, or if you are feeling particularly frivolous, you can spend £2,028 the 1.8GHz version with a 64GB solid state drive.

Other new stuff announced included Time Capsule – automatic wireless backup for your Mac, software updates for the iPhone and iPod Touch, iTunes Movie Rental (available in US only at present) and an updated AppleTV.

Update from Lars

2008-01-14T22:40:00.001Z

According to Metal Hammer, the February issue of Revolver Magazine has an interview with Lars Ulrich, who talks about the forthcoming new Metallica album:

There's a lot of light and shade in these songs. There's heavy, fast, nutty stuff, and then there's some slowdowns and musical interludes. It's pretty different from 'St. Anger', and it's pretty different from the 'Load' stuff. This stuff is not the one-dimensional punch in the face that 'St. Anger' was.

Okay, let's have less talking about it, and get the damn thing out!

Heaven and Hell to write new album

2008-01-14T22:22:00.001Z

Metal Hammer reported that Artisan News Service has three video clips of an interview with Heaven and Hell's Drummer, Vinnie Appice. He confirms that Heaven and Hell are to record a new studio album in 2008. He also has this to say about the rest of the band:

Those guys are, like, I mean it doesn't get much heavier than playing with Tony and Geezer," he said. "Tony on this side and Geezer on this side, it's just a wall of sound. And then you got Dio, who manages to sing over all that, it's just totally incredible. I'm in heaven...and hell.

Metal at 40

2008-01-05T21:12:00.000Z

Metal at 40 - Tells the story of the loudest and darkest form of rock.

BBC Radio 4 documentary broadcast this week, available on Listen Again.

The mob rules!

2008-01-03T22:52:00.000Z

As mentioned a while back, I put the Heaven and Hell Live From Radio City Hall DVD/CD box set on my Amazon wish list for Christmas. I got it too!

It is really rather good. Mr Dio rambles on a bit in between songs and says 'bloody' in a faux brummy accent a couple times, but the music is first class. All the Dio era Sabbath classics are there - Neon Knights, Die Young and Falling Off the Edge of World. Sorry, but the live version of Heaven and Hell, although a great song, always goes on too long for my liking. The three new songs from the compilation that came out last year are also here - The Devil Cried, Shadow Of The Wind, Ear In The Wall.

The quality of concert footage on the DVD is great, but I haven't had a chance to check out the extras yet (Heaven and Hell Road Movie, Hail the Gods of Metal, Meet the Mob and Radio City). I'll let you know.

Included in the box are photos of the band, a poster and a replica back stage pass from the concert.

'But what do you eat for Christmas dinner?'

2008-01-03T22:37:00.001Z

This is a question often asked of vegetarians at Christmas. Of course, you cannot beat a good nut roast, but I always try and find something different to serve for Christmas dinner.

This year, I found a great recipe on the Tesco Magazine website for Moroccan Vegetable Nut Roast. It was pretty easy to make, very tasty and went surprisingly well with my Dad's home grown Brussels sprouts!

Apologies for the quality of the photo, I'd had a bit to drink.

Hawkwind on BBC4

2007-12-27T20:53:00.001Z

My good friend Nic over on Morfablog posted a link to a BBC4 documentary over on You Tube recently, which I watched this week. It is well worth watching if you are a fan, it's just a shame that Dave Brock declined to take part - Lemmy is in it though.

BBC iPlayer for Mac

2007-12-27T14:19:00.000Z

A streaming version of the BBC's iPlayer has now been made available for Mac users.

Unlike the Windows version, which enables users to download programmes to watch any time within 30 days, iPlayer for Mac streams programmes broadcast during the past seven days through your web browser.

Criticism of iPlayer's Windows only compatibility, forced the Government to step in, telling the BBC that iPlayer should be platform neutral. However, it is likely that the Mac version will remain a streaming product, as the DRM used with iPlayer is a Microsoft copy protection technology that is only compatible on Windows.

Metallica album update

2007-12-27T14:18:00.000Z

Kerrang! reported that Metallica are putting the finishing touches to their new album with producer Rick Rubin.

After working with Bob Rock for many years, the band has made some comparisons between Rock and Rubin:

Kirk Hammett said: "I have difficulty wading through all the ideas because I'm biased - I think everything we do has a lot of merit to it. In that regard Rick Rubin is great because he will just say, 'Such and such a part is not good, so come up with something else.' He just leaves the problem up to us and we just solve it between ourselves without too much interference from his side."
Hetfield has high hopes for the album: "We don't want pretty good, we want excellent and Rick is getting us to try and achieve that. Rick's very good at getting the essence of an artist out and bringing that back to the top again."

The as yet untitled new album is due in spring 2008.

Meanwhile on Metallica's website, there appear to be some European tour dates to coincide with the new album. Sadly, nothing for the UK yet.

Mike Patton in the movies

2007-12-10T21:32:00.001Z

Mike Patton of Faith No More and Peeping Tom (and his many other projects) lends his voice to Will Smith's new movie I Am Legend due for release 14 December. According to Metal Hammer:

Patton's shape-shifting vocals will be heard in movie theaters across the country this month as he lends his voice to the dreaded creatures in "I Am Legend", the post-apocalyptic film set for release on Dec. 14.

Also due for release is Patton's debut as a film composer with the film noir short, A Perfect Place, the directorial debut of Derrick Scocchera:

The score creatively reflects the style and tone of the film, which focuses on a pair of bumbling friends trying to dispose of a body. The film, shot in anamorphic black and white, will be packaged as a double-disc with the score and distributed together via Ipecac Recordings in March of 2008.

I'm still waiting to see Firecracker, in which Patton appeared in 2005. Although it has now been released on DVD, it appears to be available on NTSC only. Ho-hum.

The world’s unfunniest joke

2007-11-28T20:34:00.000Z

I just stumbled across the Vegetarians are Evil website, which appears to have a problem with vegetarians and vegans. Apparently, because Pol Pot, Charles Manson, Adolf Hitler and Volkert Van der Graaf were vegetarians, all vegetarians are evil.

Thankfully, there is a page of jokes to lighten things up a bit. Here's a good one:

Q: How many vegans does it take to change a lightbulb?
A: None, vegans can't change anything.

Well, that's me convinced. I'm off to get a Big Mac.

Give Vista a chance!

2007-11-26T22:12:00.000Z

Macworld UK reported on a ad that Apple will be running on CNN and the Wall Street Journal websites this week, which:

…exhorts Windows users not to give up on Vista features a side bar starring Justin Long (Mac) and John Hodgman (PC). The two discuss an on-page ad component that sits at the top of the screen in the banner position. This states: "Don't give up on Vista."

As with all the other Apple ads things don't go so well for poor old PC.

Praise the Lord!

2007-11-25T21:48:00.000Z

We went to see Serj Tankian at London Astoria last Thursday, which we were both really looking forward to. Firstly, because we both love the album 'Elect the Dead' and secondly, we don't get out much.

We weren't disappointed either.

The doors were due to open at 7pm and we arrived just after to find a huge queue. By the time we got in, the support act, Fair to Midland (who are on Serjical Strike, Serj's own label), had already started. They were pretty good too, the singer was looked like he was plugged into the mains electric. Take a look if you don't believe me!

Serj and The FCC (Flying C***s of Chaos, apparently), got off to a flying start with 'The Unthinking Majority':

I'm pretty sure he played all the songs off the album, as well as a couple of covers. Including The Dead Kennedys 'Holiday in Cambodia' and The Beatles 'Girl'.

For the final encore he played 'Elect the Dead' on the piano, solo. The perfect end to a perfect evening.

It was great to see a band in a small venue again, especially after seeing Metallica at Wembley in the summer. A totally different vibe. Man.

Metal roundup

2007-11-15T22:22:00.000Z

A few stories of interest from the world of Metal this week:

Kian Egan of Westlife is a fan of Metallica, Kerrang! reported on a story from The Sun.
Also in Kerrang! Ozzy auctions off his quad bike quad.
Metal Hammer ran a story on Scott Ian and Jerry Cantrell with Meat Loaf's daughter, Pearl, doing an acoustic version of Pink Floyd's Wish Your Were Here. Very good it is too, you can catch the video here.
Alice In Chains perform Led Zeppelin classic reported in Metal Hammer. Video is here.

Autumn walk to Frittenden

2007-11-06T21:51:00.000Z

It was the lady wife's birthday yesterday, and we had a very enjoyable walk to Frittenden and back. It was a beautiful autumn morning and there was some glorious colour around.

The force is with me!

2007-11-01T20:52:00.000Z

I picked up a copy of Lego Star Wars from Apple Store Bluewater a couple of weeks ago, for just a tenner. It is a fantastic game. The kids love it too - it has been designed for younger kids in mind, I think.

I had a problem trying to get it running under the kids user accounts so contacted Aspyr. They were pretty quick at responding and got the problem sorted within a couple days. It was all down to those pesky permissions!

Just wish I could find R2D2, so I go back and open some doors in the first scene.

Walking in the Peak District

2007-10-30T21:27:00.000Z

We went to stay with my brother in law and his family in the Peak District at the weekend. After a dreadful journey up the M1 on Friday, we did manage to get out for a splendid walk on Saturday, starting with a climb up towards Hollins Cross then to Back Tor and Lose Hill and back again.

Fantastic views all round.

Apple sells 2 million 'Leopards'

2007-10-30T20:43:00.001Z

Appleinsider posted an article today, saying that Apple sold over 2 million copies of its new operating system, Mac OSX 10.5 Leopard, during the first weekend of it's launch.
Apple said Tuesday that it sold over two million copies of Mac OS X Leopard since its release on Friday, far outpacing the first-weekend sales of Mac OS X Tiger, which was previously the most successful OS release in the company's history.
In fact, it took six weeks to shift this many copies of Mac OSX 10.4 Tiger, after it's launch in 2005.

BBC News 24 Click's Rob Freeman takes a look at the upgrade to Apple's OS X operating system in this video.

Serj Tankian on 92.3 K-Rock

2007-10-30T20:32:00.000Z

On Metalhammer today:

SYSTEM OF A DOWN frontman Serj Tankian recently stopped by the K-Rock studios in New York City to talk about his solo debut, "Elect the Dead", with K-Rock's Nik Carter.

434,930 of our cows are missing!

2007-10-23T20:42:00.000+01:00

According to Cowabduction anyway. Aliens are taking them.

It's a serious problem. Countless bovines have disappeared from dairy farms everywhere. And the numbers of missing cows are on the rise.

There is some pretty compelling 'evidence' here, I think you will agree.

Time to roast some roots!

2007-10-14T19:35:00.001+01:00

I love this time of year, when there are root veg aplenty.

A couple of nights ago we, had roast root veg, Yorkshire pudding, vegetarian sausage and gravy. Sorry, I wasn't as organised as Nic, so no photo of the finished dish. However, this is roughly how I made it:

Roast root veg, Yorkshire pud and red onion gravy
4oz plain flour sifted
1 egg
1/2 pint milk
pinch of salt
2 medium carrots
1 medium parsnip
1 small sweet potato
1/2 small butternut squash
Olive oil
Black pepper
Salt
1 small red onion
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp plain flour
1/2 pint veg stock
1 tsp Marmite
Black pepper
Cauldron Lincolnshire Sausages

Make your Yorkshire pudding batter, putting all of the ingredients into a hand blender and whizz it up into a smooth batter. Leave to stand for 2 hours.
Cut some carrots, parsnips, squash, sweet potato or any other root veg you have to hand, into chunky batons. Place them into a large bowl, glug on some olive oil, throw in a few springs of fresh thyme, grind some black pepper and chuck on a bit of salt. Give it all a good stir and leave to stand if you have time.
Pre-heat over to around 200°C, gas mark 6. Place veg on a backing tray and place into top of the oven for approx 30 minutes.
Once the veg are looking part roasted, move the tray to the middle shelf. Pour a some Sunflower oil into Yorkshire pudding tray and place on top shelf of the oven. Turn the heat up to 220°C, gas mark 7.
Put the sausages onto another baking sheet and place in the oven, or cook them in a frying pan, or under the grill. Keep warm once cooked.
When the oil in the Yorkshire pudding tray is very hot, pour some batter in. It should sizzle. Place back into the oven for about 20 minutes, or until the puddings are well risen and golden.
Heat the olive oil in a saucepan and gentle fry the red onion until soft. Stir in the flour and keep stirring for a minute over a low head. Add a little stock (dissolve the Marmite in the stock first) and mix well to eliminate any lumps. Add more stock a little at a time. Bring to the boil, while stirring continuously, until the gravy starts to thicken.
Serve with a nice red wine.

The unthinking majority

2007-10-04T21:26:00.000+01:00

Serj Tankian from System of a Down releases his debut solo album, Elect the Dead, on 23 October. The second single from the album Empty Walls has an anti war message, which some may say has been done countless times by various metal bands over the years, but I think the video is pretty original. Take a look and see what you think.

The first single The Unthinking Majority is worth a look too - fine use of toy soldiers!

There is a message from Serj on the website, which starts like this:

Borders are the gallows of our collective national egos.
Subjective lines in the sand, water and air are separating plants, animals, and atmosphere.
Fear! Fear is the cause of separation for this imposed illusion, this cordoned off space from pre-birth.

Thought provoking stuff, I think you will agree. He has a book of his poetry out too. It's called Cool Garden. Although, I'm not big on poetry (sorry Nic), I may well buy it.

Tour dates too!