Cash Cows and Forgetten Events

First of all can i say bugger twice. Forgot about the record fair on Sunday - infact i was busy doing a survey with mums and children on gift ideas for cereal packets (10 interviews worth £90 + expenses) and also the Heather Leigh concert on Saturday (bugger number 2) - yeah,she of Charamlibides and Scorces. However could not afford either or both as i am still a bit cash strapped after the rent,bills and a few other items i bought Saturday and Monday.

First item from Saturday a CD on Trojan by Ranking Joe "Dub It In A Dance" (Trojan 2004) for £4 from a charity shop in Lambeth,one of the Heart Foundation shops and from same shop a book by Douglas Kahn "Noise water Meat,A History of Sound In The Arts" (MIT Press 2001) for £6 (it's a heavy tome) and a Tigger mobile phone dangle for £1,plus a lovely black T shirt for a £2.

Whilst up in London found a good second hand book shop near Elephant and Castle,and bought 3 books to do with American history - Sumner Welles "The Time For Decision" (Harper hardback 1944 - quite musty old hardback for £2),Studs Turkel "American Dreams Lost And Found" (Pantheon hardback 1980) for £4 and "Witness The Creation,Hamilton,Madison,Jay and The Constitution" by Richard B Morris for 50p.

Monday popped into Resident and bought the latest by Islaja on he wonderful Fonal label for £10.99 and from Sandpiper Books "Close Harmony" which is a history of white gospel music.

Yesterday (Tuesday) it rained all day or at least most of the day Stayed in catching up with paperwork and filling in expenses and pay claims - then listened to a whole batch of CD's and vinyls whilst reading the last couple of days Guardian. Monday's cryptic almost completed except for two. That is the closest i have been to finishiong of one complete.

Tuned into Radio 4 midday and listened to a documentary "The Rules of Life" which was quite fascinating.

Today really depends on the weather. Should be doing a door-to-door in Tunbridge Wells but only if it stays dry.

Sold a few items on ebay and awaiting for the transfer of payments into my account. That will help my financial state a bit. Big payment from Oxford Research is due early next week as well as from Progessive Partnerships and Quality Fieldwork (about £1000) - all of which i can't wait for.

Tiggy,my cat,has just lept on me amd is p[urring. So i better finish and feed her.

Arty festival

Two items came through the post this morning. "Dark Arty" magazine issue 21 and the new Brighton Festival Guide for the May Festival. Had a quick glance of the guide and will look forward to the Joe Boyd / Robert Wyatt discusion on 27 May so must start saving up soon otherwise what usually happens is that i end up seeing none or only one event.

Other possibilities might be The Handsome Family on 20 May,Vashti Bunyan on 23 May,Cheik LÔ and Toumani Diabate on 28 May.

The psssibilties are endless.

I noticed an obit in the Guardian for Ali Farka Toure who died of cancer recently. Stephen also told me about the death of Ivor Cutler. Quite a few noted musicians and artists have passed away recently.

Well the weather is still wet and miserable so anothre day of doing little.
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