Dog-puss destruction!

June 26th, 2009 at 7:38am

Polytunnel You can perhaps guess what happens when one of our cats (Dog-puss) gets stuck in the tunnel overnight! Well, take a look at the latest image here, this kind of ventilation is now in various places all over the tunnel!

I reckon that if it can stand this kind of abuse, then there’s a fair chance it’ll stand the winter… we’ll see.

Four weeks old today!

May 11th, 2009 at 7:05am

Polytunnel It’s unbelievable the growth rate that happens in the tunnel, we knew things were going to be quick but we are now scoffing salad, spinach and various other green leafy delicacies such as pak choi, rocket, coriander…
  Can’t wait until all the proper hot food starts to fruit! Freshly picked chillies for me at breakfast time. Chilli and banana smoothie, chilli and apple smoothie, chilli and orange roughy! (Not exactly what I meant, but if you like fish…)

9° Celsius until BANG!

May 8th, 2009 at 1:50pm

Thermometer I went up to the tunnel at lunch time to check on our thirsty little vegetables and the temperature was at a scorching 41° C! (105.79° F) It’s not even a particularly hot day here today, 9° C with a fairly fresh wind from the West. Going to need some serious ventilation in there when it does start to get warm outside. Anyway, the chillies are loving it, maybe it’s time to plant the Okra.

Gallows – Grey Britain

May 7th, 2009 at 7:31am

Gallows One year later and another album from the fine hardcore punk band Gallows! I listened to it this morning on my daily mile and a half stroll to work, howling wind, thoughts of polytunnel flying past! Well, it’s another awesome piece of work, seems like a fuller sound but still has the rawness of Orchestra of Wolves.
  I’ll give it a proper listen later on but I reckon it’s going to be another favourite album, also the track Graves features Simon Neil from Biffy Clyro.

It’s Blitz

April 30th, 2009 at 8:44am

Yeah Yeah Yeahs Another brilliant studio album from Karen O, Nick and Brian. It is somewhat different to what they have released before and perhaps some hardcore YYY fans may dislike the change of style. However, there are some very distinctive (favourite) tracks and I think it’s a superb album that takes more than one listen to fully appreciate it’s blitzy-ness!

So, if you haven’t already got the album, here’s the link.

Twisted Wheel

April 24th, 2009 at 6:59am

Twisted Wheel A bunch of lads from Oldham, Manchester with a high energy sound and a lyrical content to keep your ears finely attuned. Again, this was the iTunes Single of the Week and yes I went and purchased the album based on what I heard, I have not been disappointed.
  So, if you want a good tune with guitars and no gimmicks then this band will do just that. I suggest that you download their debut album from iTunes and hear for yourself.

The video below (Oh What Have You Done) was submitted to me from Sarah Richardson who looks after digital marketing for Twisted Wheel at Columbia. Recorded at the Manchester Ritz in December 2008.

This is a Quicktime movie, you will need the supported plugin for the browser of your choice.

Hot enough to boil an egg

April 20th, 2009 at 7:25am

Egg within an Egg There must be some weird, mutant chickens running about my friends field! I generally get free range eggs for my breakfast, for my Sunday brunch (I’d been working in the tunnel since 08:30) Seona happened upon this mutant egg (click the image for a bigger view). However, the other egg surrounding this egg was delicious!

By the way, the tunnel reached 38° C (100.39° F) on Sunday!

Band Of Skulls

April 14th, 2009 at 7:27am

Band Of Skulls The iTunes Single of the Week (I Know What I Am) was by this band, I enjoyed the freebie so much that I decided to buy the album.

Musically, this album is a breath of fresh air – a three piece with a female bassist (cool). I haven’t yet sickened myself of it and I can’t stop listening to it! Anyway, it’s not exactly going to break the bank at £4.99 so here’s the heads-up.

Hot Propagation

April 5th, 2009 at 9:33am

Hot Propagation Chilli propagation begins… a few hotties in the soil, just have to wait and see if I get what I’m hoping for – Naga Morich, Scotch Bonnet, Jalepeno, Antillais Caribbean, Holy Mole and a few normals!

The tunnel is awaiting a fine clear and warm(ish) day to get the polythene on, it hasn’t exactly been typical spring weather here (yet), hopefully soon… You can view the progress here.

James Meek

January 14th, 2009 at 8:45am

James Meek I very rarely put an author up here for your consideration, in fact I never have… so, here you are: James Meek.

I’m completely amazed at how these authors, and there are many, continue to write such believable texts, keep our attention and take us on a visually and mentally exciting journey… and all this from a book with no pictures! I’d recommend you go and have a look in your local book store.