The biggest ever Beach
This week's Beach starts on Saturday and lasts all the way through to next Monday. We'll have a job keeping it tidy over all that time.
Are you new here? Wondering what on earth The Beach is?
Well, itβs a place to go when the stresses of your real life need relieving. Sometimes it is fairly quiet and you might feel like youβre the only one around, but you can leave your βfootprintsβ for others to find later on. Othertimes it is the home for a real party, with constant gossip, leg-pulling, rumour, innuendo, chit-chat and weirdness.
If this were a forum (and it sort of is because we post responses to each other, not just to Eddie, hence our term for ourselves 'Froggers', a combination of forum and blogger) then the beach would be the off-topic area.
It's a tropical location, no matter the time of year it's always warm and pleasant there. Sunrises and sunsets are spectacular, the evenings balmy. It has a number of different locations; the Nick Clarke waterfront bar; the smokers corner; Fido's Run for the dog-walkers; the Naughty Step and many others.
How do you find your way around? There is no direct answer to the question. The beach is a moveable feast, literally. It will be renewed by our Lord and master Mr. Edward de Mair each Monday morning. This is because we have found in the past that when the number of posts exceeds about 600 the entire thing becomes unwieldy and unstable. A case of the beach turning to quicksand.
Froggers often leave bottles / glasses / trays of their favourite tipple on the bar for others to sample, not to mention big / small eats.
There is a herd of camels who frequent the sands, which froggers are very fond of. There are sun-loungers, so you can take it easy and catch some rays. Quite often the late-night attendees will have a barbie.
It's a fun place, with only one real rule; Be nice to each other; we are ALL chums here. New Froggers are ALWAYS welcome.
The real debate happens on the other threads. The beach is a place for banter, whimsy, relaxation and friendship, where jarring comments are not particularly welcome. There are certain very mild protocols, which you tend to pick up as you go along. So slip your shoes off, feel the sand between your toes, relax and enjoy yourself.
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The biggest ever beach? I beg to differ, Eddie. Remeber the dear old original beach back on Day one? That lasted us for weeks & weeks....
Still, I do like the new beach with the untouched sand early in the morning.:-)
I want to start a campaign, but I don't really know how to do it. I'm sure all the good people here will be able to help.
The good lady and I are just back from a holiday in New Zealand. Very nice indeed, thank you.
But of all the things that impressed me, much the most impressive was that, in every hotel we stayed, on checking in we were given a jug of fresh milk (or a carton in lower grade motels) to put in our tea. This is so self-evidently a decent thing to do - and tea with UHT milk so utterly repugnant - that I want to ensure that all hotels in the world do this. I am prepared to start the campaign with UK hotels first.
So, does anyone know how to get the ball rolling on this?
And at what point should I send a press release to E Mair of the PM programme suggesting an in-depth interview on the subject?
You are quite right Fred (1). Guilty of over-selling. But then - you've heard me do that on trails...
Morning. I haven't been to the Beach for ages, hence the slight squint at the sun and a general unwillingness to uncover my limbs until it warms up a little. I thought I'd better make the most of a quiet 10 minutes, so I've brought down some pancakes and maple syrup - the pancakes are on the bar keeping warm - do help yourselves.
I'm off tonight to sing "The Armed Man" by Karl Jenkins, which I absolutely must get through without crying - especially since I've just re-read "Birdsong" by Sebastian Faulkes. It promises to be an emotional afternoon and evening, which is why a few sun-soaked minutes on the Beach is exactly what I need!
Eddie: Overselling? Toi?
Fridges and Eskimos come to mind.
Fearless (1) - Untouched sand? I think you should go for a swim. Early this morning the camels were relieving themselves just about where you have your towel.
Perky: Just in case I don't get to say it later today, good luck for tonight. It's very moving stuff. All the WW stuff makes the tears well up for me - awful, awful waste of life, not to mention the mental scars for the surviviors ..... Not really Beach stuff, so -
I've brought down more bacon butties, some in freshly baked soft white rolls, others using stonebaked wholemeal organic. Tomato, lettuce, homemade mayo, plus other trimmings available for those as wants.
And for Eddie, a bit cafetiers of freshly brewed caffeine free(!) coffee ...... You won't know the difference tastewise, Eddie, but might sleep longer tonight.
Bit cafetiers? Must drink less of the Villa Maria.
BIG cafetierE for Eddie.
And RJD, I see you started misbehaving very early today. Poor Fred, worrying him like that. We all know they never relieve themselves here, they restrict those activities to behind the dunes. You in particular should know that after your dungshovelling duties the other day.
Do tell Eddie - is the long-lasting beach because you are having a well deserved break, or is something exciting happening to the blog? We live in hope.
(Can't type this morning that actually came out as we live in hippo...now what on earth could that mean?)
Too much stuff.
Big Sis - thanks for your good wishes. I might add that we're following it up with the "African Sanctus" which requires us to dance most of the way through and wear loud, African-style tops, so it does get happier!
Thanks for the bacon, by the way. And I'm assuming that's the coffee I can smell, not the camel's accident near Fearless' pitch?
Oh dear, RJD was right, it's the smell as well.
Now Dick, I'm glad you enjoyed your holiday in New Zealand, it sounds lovely.
What we do in our hotel is put out the little foil milks, actually not UHT but made from vegetable oils, they taste reasonable, and we actually took a bag of them across to SriLanka with us.
However we do say in our information guide that fresh milk will be supplied upon request. We don't have fridges in the rooms so it tends go go off pretty quickly.
Now if you really do want to start up a campaign I'd start by speaking to the British Tourist Board and the AA and RAC as they are the bodies that grade the Hotels and decide what the requirements are.
The Eddie Mair idea is great but it would have to be on a day when the News cupboard has been totally ransacked.
Finally there is one other avenue, set up a website, or have one set up for you and only list Hotels that provide fresh milk. It may end up in being quite lucrative?
Nice beach, Eddie - and if we all explore it a bit it may turn out to be quite big, if not as big as DayOne.
In March I have the parish magazine to do this weekend (which I edit, for my sins!) so it's good to stretch out in the sun for a bit first. I brought down some fresh warm croissants with real butter. Nothing like it!
Good luck for tonight, Perky. I don't know the work - where can I find out more about it? Sounds really good.
Sara (13) - It's a work that was commissioned by The Royal Armouries for the millenium. The music is set to a range of texts, and it has some beautiful themes and some incredibly moving passages. You can read a review of the CD here:
If I can, I'll pop down to the dunes tomorrow and tell you all how it went.
Hope the editing doesn't take up too much of your weekend!
I'm down to the Beach for a well-earned blast of r & r, the final concreting went off as well as could be expected this morning, given that the driver turned up half an hour early, and brought slightly less concrete than I had ordered :o(. Watch this space, or rather, these spaces!
Perhaps you'd like to help yourself to a celebratory glass of bubbly for that stage being (almost ) finished, I've stashed a few bottles on ice at the end of the NC Bar. Cheers!
I shan't mention the Scotland result (grrrr) but I'm off to cheer for the best team playing at Pittodrie today - they need all the cheering they can get at the mo!
For anybody wondering why Fifi has not been seen about for a while, the following just posted on The Furrowed Brow:
Val P, RJD, Big Sister (and others who may be wondering):
Fifi is not in the huff.
She's in Scotland, weathering the weather and looking after poorly cold-ridden parents.
Back on Wednesday, assuming M&D are well enough to make their own hot drinks by Tuesday.
They're on dial-up connection, hence silence on the froggie front. But I'm available for the occasional abusive email, if anyone's interested!
Fifi xxx
Perky, it's obviously the night for it: I've just dashed to the beach to grab a quick snack from the bar - no time to cook tonight - between rehearsal and concert: all Russian for us (Shostokovich Festive Overture & Cello concerto; Mussorgsky Pictures at an Exhibition, in case anyone was wondering). It's a heck of a work-out!
Whoever left the crisps & dips on the bar, do you mind if I.. thank you...
Hope you enjoy your night, Perky, and manage to keep the emotions where you want them.
Val P, couild you save me a glass of the bubbly for when I get back later tonight? I don't play very well after a drink. You're so kind.
Good evening, just out of the bath and enjoying a G&T so thought I'd share it with you here - but it's dark and deserted :-(
Have just listened to the Archive hour on Radio 4.
A fascinating interview with Harry Belafonte at 80 presented by Stephen Evans.
Apart from the content and quality of the interview I must congratulate Stephen on the wonderful way it was put together. Absolutely brilliant, esp the little surprise during the last 6 or 7 mins!
For those of you who have a spare hour -- it's worth it and here for a week:-
/radio/aod/shows/rpms/radio4/archivehour.ram
Ve-ery quiet tonight?
Goodness, where is everyone?
Perky, I hope your singing went well.
I've had a late night snack and will probably just crash out on that hammock over there, if there's no-one to keep me awake.
Shostokovich cello soloist was awesome. The camels just don't seem to get it.
may I just agree with jonnie?
n-n
xx
Well Anna Rex (17) I really really hope your concert went better than mine this evening!
We were signed up to help out a choir .. well I can't say too much but at one point the conductor was shouting out bar numbers!
Oooh I need a drink!!!
That's better:-)
I'm going to settle myself in this hammock. Please could someone wake me up at 7? I need to get up for work!
I love this place.Brings blood pressure right down.
Evening all.
Everything seems to have schtopped :-(
GM (22) wrote: at one point the conductor was shouting out bar numbers!
Oooh I need a drink!!!
Sorry, GM, but when I read that I got a picture of someone with a baton in one hand shouting:
"53 - Your 2 G&Ts and a glass of dry white wine are ready. 54 - That's a Bicardi and soda." etc.
H.
Well luckily I woke up in time for work... although it may take some time to reach my full height after a night in that hammock!
Tea, anyone? It's only tetley's which I've brought down from the kitchen at work and there's some freshly buttered toast too.
Anne P (9) he does seem to like being a bit mysterious doesn't he?!
Re: Appy,
Dis you have an Aperitif or three between your two postings of 12:44 and 02:44 earlier this morning ?
Morning all! I see Appy was the only one awake last night - Gossipmistress fell asleep in her hammock and I slept in my nice big leather armchair until 3 am! when I crawled off to bed.
Freshly buttered toast is lovely, and I've brought some fresh coffee too. It's a nice day in March, too.
Perky - thank you for the link which was very interesting indeed. I feel very higorant but there is clearly a whole genre which I've missed. Thanks to you I will now find out more. Hope the performance went well and you didn't cry too much!
Back to the editing now; it's going well, though, so I hope to be well enough on so I can meet my son and his friend for lunch later.
Jonnie (27) - This dissing is spreading! Dis you mean did?
Morning all! I've just been for a run around the island. It's rather plush round the other side, with lots of lovely fruit trees. I may have a go at making some fruity drinks (with optional alcohol of course) later on. I'm just going to put the kettle on (no, I know it doesn't suit me!) for some orange, mango, & cinnamon tea that I rescued from a crate at the end of the beach. Anyone else want a cuppa?
Jonnie (28), I probably should have done!
I'm off to have a beauty treatment and then visit my family. Save me a G&T for later?
yumsk...
sorry for eating with my mouth full - not sure if this is still second breakfast or an early brunch.
I just can't resist all this lovely fresh fruit that FF brought back.
now, who's for a dip?!
n-n
xx
Beach hoppers,
Just a thought as I get the fire lit in the sitting room in anticipation of watching France demolish England (Yes, I know it's a clichΓ©, but true - I support Scotland and any team that's playing England).
Another sign that I'm getting old: Both my children have recently told me how much they enjoy Radio 4. ;-)
³§±τΓ‘Ύ±²Τ³ΩΓ©
ed
Just popping in via Scottish dial-up to say hello, and thank you to all the froggers who've been emailing to see where the devil I'd got to!
Assuming I dare leave the A.P.s to fend for themselves in 2 days' time, I should be back at my post on Wednesday.
See you then. ... and Ed ... the disconcerting time is when one's kids or contemporaries admit to listening to Radio Two!!!
Which, may I say, I have been doing on and (mostly) off for years now. ;o)
Fifi xxx
Sorry to do this to you, ed, but...
YEEEAAAHHHH!!!!!!!
Humph (26) well he might have had a bit more success behind a bar than on a podium (and I don't mean podium in the dodgy pole-dancery sort of way). Although he didn't appear to be able to count to 4, so taking the money might have caused a few problems.
Ffred (31) I don't suppose you feel like another run around the island? I wondered if maybe you could hunter/gather a nice roast chicken dinner please? :-)
Oooh did I mention (only about 400 times!) I'm on the telly tonight? ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ 2 10pm Kombat Opera, PG *
(* PG - you may need to warn your parents that it contains a lot of rudeness!)
Ed;
Rugby. Hee-hee-hee. Hope you enjoyed the Irish Triple Crown yesterday?
Si.
GM, assuming me and Smudger are back from Crufts ( marching up and down outside with placards saying 'this is a real dog - do not be deceived by models and professional dogs inside' we will delay drinking our allotted (small) portion of red biddy in order to remain awake and watch the rudeness, under the guise of being kultural
xx
GM : I've already had to edit the Hedgehog Song out of the band's latest CD for the benefit of my parents ... so I guess we'll have to hope tonight's TV extravaganza has taped at home, for us to watch next week.
Break a leg girl!!!
Fifi xx
One of the big advantages of the lighter nights is that I can sneak off to the beach whilst the children are playing in the garden. It sounds like those of us who were musically-involved last night all had an interesting time. I always wanted to play the cello, Anna, but I got stuck with the fiddle instead....
As for me, the Karl Jenkins was, indeed, fabulous. There were a couple of dodgy moments (the less said about Tenors the better) but it was fab. The African Sanctus was likewise, although I'm not sure all of our 99% white, middle-class older audience were quite ready for the Zulu dancers who wanted them to get up and dance in the aisles at the end. It all went down a storm though, and was worth the many weeks of hard rehearsals.
So, emotionally exhausted and with a bit of a rough throat, I've brought some hot toddy for anyone who's down this evening and some nutmeg ice-cream if there's any fruit left.
Wake me up if the camels look like they're coming my way for some "relief".
Perky! Glad your concert went well!
Are you a fellow alto? I also loved 'Birdsong' - couldn't put it down!
PS Wondered if Andrew Padmore is any relation to Mark?
Gossipmissus, ooh, how exciting! I'll be there.
Auntie D, so how'd you define a real dog? One that's not overbred, or one that hasn't had its tail docked, or a working dog instead of a toy-stylee one? Do tell.
Just a quick break from March - here's a bottle of Amarone for anyone fancying something warm and smooth! Yum.
Sounds to have gone well, Perky - like I said, I am going to have to make up for lost time and get to know this work - it sounds really good. And I'm sure your performance was great, too.
So what is this that GM is up to? Break a leg!
The editing went well cos I was quite ruthless. The problem is always to get the copy to fit the right number of pages. As usual it all went splendidly and then I was left with three blank pages. This means squash up or find more copy. I went for the squash up option! So now it's all done.
Just one more quick slurp - no, I think I'll have a whole glass - and then back to March and the ironing.
GM - how perceptive of you! I'm a 2nd alto, although my range was stretched last night from a bottom E to a top A!! I'm not sure how I became a 2nd alto, although I think it's got something to do with sitting on the back row and frolicking with the basses (although that does rather depend on the type of chorus you're in, I suppose).
As for Andrew and Mark, I don't think they're related - well, they don't look like each other, that's for sure!
Hope I can catch your telly appearance - this may be a silly question, but how will I know it's you??
Perky
I was wondering that too!
I'm a fellow fiddler; so much more practical than the cello. When cellist rammed her spike into the floor, all the men in the audience blanched. She maintained the b*llbreaker act throughtout, so we're told (can't see her face from the orchestra).
Glad you had such a good night - can identify with the happy-exhausted status post concert. Port is, I'm told, very good for singers' throat. Told by singers, that is, and usually when they're caught drinking it before mattins. Some on the bar for you.
Anna
x
Fifi - now we must hear the hedgehog song!!
Perky - are there any basses worth frolicking with? (They are at least usually taller than tenors, and more numerous!)
Anna - am also a fellow fiddler but presently lapsed due to bridge breakage and not having time to get it fixed! Was very inspired going to see Vadim Repin recital the other week though:-)
You will probably recognise me as the one with the very poor lip synch! (Otherwise, try short brownish hair, part of the 'audience', at one point I'm wearing a white shirt!)
Aunt D - Wasn't that Smudger I just saw on the podium??x
I know I'm still new, but has anyone suggested meeting up to croon on the beach? it seems that many froggers could make a pleasant evening's harmony together.
I'm sure the fiddlers could accompany the vocals, and, what with the blog being the blog, noone is going to even notice if the lips are in or out of synch.
Fifi could even join in from north of the border, and give us the hedgehog song...
well, i guess the proof of the pud is in the setting forth with one foot: so here goes. if I start off, will you join in?
[Please do - I'll feel a right hedgehog warbbling on by my self!]
*clears throat*
*wow*
that was fantastic! GM, Perky, Anna R, just wonderful!
Is Appe back yet? shall we do it again after a few G&Ts?
n-n
xx
Oh blimey I'm getting confused as to which is GM now -- v.fast editing
GM - Loved it!
Jonnie - I just followed your link and all I got was a load of dodgy photos of semi-naked women. Is this correct?!
Jonnie (48) - Ahhehhmm (That's a discrete cough)
Are you really sure that link is the one you meant to post?
nikki noodle -- what a fabulous idea!
This is actually possible and now you have instigated the idea we MUST do it.
This is my proposal.
1) We need a tune that we all know.
2) someone (or collectively) will write lyrics- perhaps blog, froggers, PM related? There is a lot of talent here.
3) Chris J has a music studio and piano so he can play the tune (just an idea) which I can then make available for download. You will somehow have copy the download -- so things are in sync -- and record your contribution on a (mic) microphone and then e-mail that back to me.
4) others who are musically gifted can record their instruments (such as Annasee with the harp)
5) All of us froggers with voices will do the same and e-mail them back to me.
6) we mix it altogether and release the 'Froggers song'
If it worked out it'd certainly be a story -- and who knows? we may be invited on PM!
.. So for starters I suggest we think of a melody we all know - something jolly!
For ex: If it were the Carpenters (We've only just begun, the lyrics could be:-
And now it's five o'clock -- again!
Oh so much news ahead
It's hardly started but feel like bed.
---
You get the drift then!
If we never try it we will never know.
Re: GM .. Dodgy photo's!
Are you sure you copied the correct link?
I've just checked it again and it worked -- anyway....
Are you game for my Froggers song idea? after hearing your talents tonight on ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ2 I think you'd be a prime candidate!
Re: GM and RJD
Well I'm seeing something on my post (48) which you and GM are not --
Very strange!
I think I should get it pulled then! to be on the safe side.
For me it asks for a code (you have to copy some curly figures and letters) and then it opens up the article!
I've no idea what can be happening in that case, but I trust you both and will complain about my post and get it pulled immediately!
As the article is quite interesting I'll post it on the pm blog site in the morning. Sorry about that :-(
Well 10 past one and must go to bed.
I'm worried now as I don't know what you are all possibly seeing. I've asked it to be deleted but now, the last post is from RJD submitted at 12:00.
I can only think it's something to do with propogation on the Internet? Perhaps something on the server before I put up my squeeky clean Arial bit? Oh dear! --
Night all --
The link seems to have gone Jonnie! :-)
Like the song idea if we can get it to work - sounds complicated!
Mornin all
Well what a creative night I missed. I had the same "let's get together and make music" idea as I read about everyone's talents, tho I was thinking a bit more *virtually*, I think.
It'd be great if we could pull it off!!
At times of stress I usually end up writing lyrics to well known tunes, so I'm happy to collaborate on words as well as playing tune.
What have we started here?????
btw, large caf of srong fairtrade coffee on the bar, and cereal and icy cold milk. OK, I know it's not croissants, just felt like being trad for a change. But no milky puds, I promise....
ENGLAND 26 - FRANCE 18
SCOTLAND 18 - IRELAND 19
GM - great show; absolutely loved it!! When I move dahn sahth (fairly imminently) - I'd love to do something like that! Well done.
jonnie - if it could work, the collective frog-croon sounds lovely. It certainly sounds like there are a lot of talented froggers out there - is there something about PM that attracts arty-types do you think?
Oh, and warm breakfast blueberry muffins on a nice big plate on the bar for anyone that's peckish.
HEADLINE FORECAST: Sunny and warm - a bit of cloud towards the end of the afternoon, but staying dry
MAX TEMP: 17C
SUNSET: 5.57pm
OVERNIGHT: Cloudy and cold - should stay dry
MIN TEMP: 4C
TOMORROW: Fresh feeling to start, but bright with sunshine when the cloud moves away. 14C.
FURTHER 3 DAY OUTLOOK:
WEDNESDAY: Sunny and warm.
THURSDAY: Once again, mostly dry and bright.
FRIDAY: Another beautiful spring day!
Hello all!
And what a beautiful day it is! I was playing on the beach this morning and now have come into work...and I'm still playing on the beach. Life is good.
Good morning everybody.
Good morning Lou and thanks for the weather details. Any chance of a forecast for Spain towards the end of the week as I'm for Barcelona on Friday?
Re: Joanna Trollope -- Eventually got a working link for you --
Hope you weren't scarred by whatever you saw :-(
Here we go:- It's clean honest ..
Hello Everyone. It's so good to be here again, though it's just a quick lurk at the moment. Please help yourselves to cinnamon swirls and Darjeeling tea.
Jonnie, I'd love to add my croaks to the frog chorus, but it sounds a bit complicated for a numpty like me!
Good morning everyone!
What a fabulous day! almost risked a dip yesterday but slightly too chilly a breeze so we just sat on the beach and got SUNBURNED- not a lot- just a little!
Lotss happened last week, it seems.Good to know fifi,s fine-was beginning to wonder.
Eddie's glass box sounds good, although I did have a surreal dream about it last night! too much sun!
Frogger's refrain sounds fun- much talent on this blog..
hey-ho! back to work- lovely coffee- see you later.
Mollyxx
Gossipmistress & Jonnie : You know I'm up for any musical challenge going!
GM - contact me by email and I'll contrive to send you a recording of the Hedgehog Song. I've never done the whole thing (19 verses!!!) but you'll get a flavour.
My most un-favourite song in the world is 'The Sun Has Got His Hat On' ... so if you're looking for tune suggestions, that one might exorcise a demon or two for me.
Or how about the Archers theme? Suitably Beeb-ish and Four-ish.
Fifi xx
PS still in Scotland but looking forward to the journey home tomorrow afternoon....
Can I add a request for the weather in the South of Czech Republic for tomorrow and wednesday? I've got to go there on a business trip, and want to know whether to wear the thick coat or just the normal jacket....
Ta!
Warning to everybody,
the guy on the entrance to the car park does not accept American Express.
Had a bad experience with a Big Mack , apparently.
Also looks down his nose if you`re in a 4x4.
Otherwise very friendly, told me beware camels in the evening, turn frisky!
Re: Perky and GMand the song!
I probably made it sound complicated.
If we take it step by step it's easy.
First a tune .... suggestions then ?
Hi all
Here are the lyrics that a posted a few months ago to be sung to the tune of Jerusalem, altered slightly to take account of a change of personnel in the PM office. No rights are reserved for this and so if people want to make changes I have no problem with that. The points at the start of verse one appear to be have been addressed (touch head). Also I am wondering if the tune is conducive to being played on a guitar, if that is what people are hoping to do. I may try to work on different lyrics, to a different tune, (sounds like a game from ISIHAC) later.
And did the newsletter arrive
Before the program went on air?
And did Aperitif receive
A mention by our Eddie Mair?
And did the comment counter work?
Did posts appear soon once received?
And did the Dayone beach once display
The thousand posts that we achieved?
Bring me my stereo divine.
Bring me my new style DAB.
Bring me my βListen whilst on-lineβ.
Bring me my ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ.
We know that Marc without-a-k
And all the members of his team
Are working tirelessly, day by day,
To make this blog work like a dream.
H.
jonnie/GM and other interested song people:
I can't help suggesting McCartney's Frog's Chorus. Sorry!!
Jonnie - didn't Paul McCartney, in his musically impoverished days, do a song called The Frogs' Chorus??
RJD - spooky, I was just wondering yesterday when your trip to Barcelona was going to be. Remember to take a photo of your reflection in the ceiling of that shopping centre place down by the waterfront> GM and I have both done it already!
GM - I did spot the ladies in white shirts, but only read your directions afterwards, so I almost saw you. What talented people, indeed.
Sequin - are you going to join us on the Beach after the programme tonight? Newsletter received and understood at 12.42, ta.
didn't Paul McCartney, in his musically impoverished days
Did he ever have any other kind of day?
GM, surely you were the pole dancer?
Did enjoy the prog, though.
I'm up for the froggers' chorus.
Crazy frog, anyone?
I've got my coat...
Humph (72):
Well in the great spirit of ISIHAC, then you could also try to sing the lyrics to the tune of The Macarena.
Humph...love it! I've had a run-through, and it seems croakable enough.
The Frogs' Chorus works well, too, if any of you wordsmiths can put suitable lyrics to it.
Belinda (77) I am sorry, but I do not know that tune. Could you hum a few bars for me?
H.
There once was a frog King, who was king to thousands of frogs and they all lived in a huge grass hut, believe it or not!
Now this Kings minions loved him dearly, and they would do anything for him so he didn't need any slaves. This king had a hobby of collecting Thrones. He had hundreds of them, and he stored them all in the attic of the huge grass hut they all lived in.
Every time he got a new throne that he liked better than the one he was sitting on, he would store it in attic along with the rest of his collection. Presently, he was sitting on a very large and ornate, Gold throne.
This throne was very heavy and was also very cold and hard to sit on, so the King was hoping to add to his collection soon. Then, his best friend from a neighboring kingdom, CROAKED! and left his throne to him in his will.
After waiting an appropriate mourning period, the King sent some of his runners to pick up the throne. They soon returned with a beautifully carved, jewel encrusted teakwood throne which also had a padded leather seat cushion. WOW!
He fell in love with it right away, and soon his people were trying to move the heavy old gold throne up to the attic with the rest of the collection. Well, it took hundreds of his people to push and pull this very heavy gold throne to the attic of this grass hut. As soon as they reached the top of the stairs the weight of the gold throne plus the rest of the stored collection was too much for the GRASS HUT and it collapsed, killing THE FROG KING and all his PEOPLE!...............
The moral of this story...
PEOPLE WHO LIVE IN GRASS HOUSES, SHOULDN'T STOWE THRONES
There was a man who came from France
Who thought heβd like to take a chance
On eating legs of Irish frogs
That croaked out on the Irish bogs
The Frenchman squished the Irish bogs
Until he found a pool of frogs
He filled his bucket to serve his want
Then, squished his way to a restaurant
A chef there said he knew how to cook
Just like they do in a French cookbook
He put the frogs into a pot
But wasnβt ready yet to get them hot
Now, he couldnβt resist to snatch from a shelf
A bottle of his best, as he said to himself
"Oy know whatβd be royt to flavour dem up
Iβll add da auld oyrish whasky, but no more dan a cup"
A minute - and with not a frog left sober
From the pot came a chorus of The Irish Rover!
The chef gasped, "Well, I naver tought Iβd aver hear a pot sing!
Da wee folk must have done dis ting!"
He thought heβd take the pot to church for a hymn
Till the frogs leapt onto the potβs wide brim
They were Irish to the brogue, and their chorus flowed
Through a delightful (slurred) version of The Old Bog Road!
The Frenchman in the kitchen, poking around
Caused a commotion on hearing the sound
He sought to lay blame - heβd assessed it a blunder
And cried to the chef, as loud as thunder
"Monsieur, you have ruined my legs!
With your rocket fuel, thatβs no more than dregs!"
The chef in a daze, remained unfazed
In reproaching the Frenchman who was going half crazed
"Our whaskey is known as a βgood dropβ da world over
From Boston to Shanghai and even Van-coh-ver
But I wonβt argue wid ya, because yer a guest
And Iβm sure neider will da wee people, who did dis in jest!"
The Frenchman refused to listen at all
Until the chef informed him, heβd cooked for De Gaulle
That must have impressed like a medal of honour
The chef was embraced like there was no tomorrour!
Suddenly, the blunder was a trivial matter
The Frenchman now preferred legs off a platter
He apologized to the chef for making a scene
They drank whiskey together, and the frogs hopped away clean!
Humph (79): I would rather not. How about the tune to bibbidi-bobbidi-boo?
That's IT! I need a large glass of something very alcoholic. Not content with sending me to the Czech Republic this week, I've just been told I have two days in Slovenia next week. I know I've wanted to go there for myself, but there'll be no chance to see anything while I'm there. Instead, it'll be just work:( I need a drink!!
Humph (Jerusalem) - excellent. When and how can we start?
Hedgehog song - is that the one by the Incredible String Band? I don't recall 19 verses.
Frogs' chorus - isn't that just Brekekekex, Koax, Koax (or as electricians would say, Co-ax, Co-ax)?
Goodness such feedback already -- it looks as though at the moment the 'Frogs chorus is doing well, but I like Humphs lyrics.
I've put the song on the beach, it should start playing after a few seconds but give it a minute or so. Then we need someone to come up with the lyrics to go along with it?
Now -- too early for a G&T and Carolyn has already started :-(
Forgot the link for you all
Sorry, I am beginning to sound like Lady Dromedary. My post (72) should have started:
Here are the lyrics that I posted a few months ago
H.
I think you are probably right Vyle, I'll stick up Jerusalem on the beach tomorrow and on Wednesday Fifi will be back and we can all have a conflab about it
Humph (87)
Nobody but nobody sounds like Cammelia, Lady Dromedary. The lady is unique in voice, manner, breeding and decorum.
Her present difficulties with the authorities of the Hice of Lords will prove of no consequence. I am confident that she will be back with us presently to entertain, educate and generally enrich our lives on the Beach.
Belinda (82) Okay, you hum that and I will sing the words.
H.
Sigh.... 1984 if I'm not mistaken? I remember singing along to it to reduce the stress of school exams (there's a clue to my age then!)
Why does hearing the frog chorus again after so long make me want to cry? OK, yes, prob because it's just so dire! But it does have a lovely violin bit in it.... Happy to oblige :-)
I love the jerusalem lyrics too. Think we should choose between those two - both are apt. Jonnie, thanks for the lonk, and you're a hero (or mad) for setting this all going. Count me in!
ps just bought some delish pont l'eveque (be warned, v smelly - I think that's why the camels have all dosappeared) and some sublime goats' cheese, from the best independly-owned shop on the planet. It's on the bar, along with warm toast and crackers. I find the pont is best on the toast.
WARNING: the goats' is unpasteurised, so avoid if preggy.
Anna x
ps lonk? link, surely?
Thanks for the link jonnie - I love it for its sheer silliness, but I do also rather like Humph's Jerusalem lyrics. I foresee this turning into a bit of a recital.....
I'm back off to March as I have a lot of recipes to sort out after clearing out a corner of my kitchen. If I find anything yummy to make, I'll pop back with it later.
RJD (89) Of course you are absolutly correct. I was not trying to suggest that her ladyship spoke with a bass-baritone timbre. I was not trying to suggest that her ladyship spoke with a "worker-for-a-living" accent. I was just surprised, when I re-read my posting, that I had started to switch vowel sounds.
I would like to offer my profound and sincere apologies to her ladyship and hope that any affront, or indeed insult, that she may have felt do not make her feel unwelcome or encourage her to stay away from the Frog. This place needs people of her class, in my opinion.
H.
Dear Humph, if I sounded like that I'd have to become a Bactrian
xxx
Mmmmm That unpasturised goat is fantastic.
Bottles of Belgium Beer on bar.
O Frances, a Real Dog is one who has extraordinarily muddy feet, he backs off for miles when spotting the curry comb, he exerts his own personality by only responding to requests HE feels are reasonable, this does not include:- 'leave that cat alone', stop doing that AT ONCE', 'PUT IT DOWN'. He trains his owners (?) to respond to his barks for :- food, door open, ball thrown, more walks. His idea of entertainment smells. a lot. He wouldn't dream of mincing round on the end of a bit of string having been groomed to a state that is utterly unnatural.
He comforts you when you fall over on the muddiest bit of the hill by sitting on your chest, he saves you from eating all that cheese after supper.... and so many things that mean he's a member of the family and a person in his own right.
Anna Rex (89)
Oh, if only harking back to 1984 were school exams, rather than finals..
But I too had wondered how the Frog Chorus would go down with the froggers.
Missed all but the last few minutes of PM, but good to hear Sequin again.... and not for the first time are the froggers asking when she get some kip...
Oh Please please not the McCartney Frog thing. It makes me feel queasy!
Humph's lyrics are good, maybe Fifi could jazz up Jerusalem a bit for us?
Frances O I'll leave it to your imagination!!
Aunt D - Sam says, you're playing my tune!.
I just said to him yesterday, that he would never be allowed to climb inside the tv (which is what he was trying to do on Saturday night) and have contact with any of the dogs on Crufts, because he's such a scruffbag at the moment. Despite the fact that he's a non-caster, he does have a build up of hair that he needs to get rid of, but will he let me near him with any kind of implement? Will he heck-as-like.....
GM - any ideas how we can calm Sam down enough to get "at" him? (toenails are a whole nother prblem!) Oh, and I've managed to get Flashplayer working again, so I'm off to check out your link now.
GM - didn't you have a link on here earlier.?Perhaps I'm going crazier than usual, but I'm sure I followed it this afternoon and it needed flashplayer to access the Kombat stuff. EEEK, I think it's time for a nightcap, then to sling my hammock!
Humph - I loved your lyrics to Jerusalem. In fact possibly better than the originals.
I am still reeling after a night playing Elgar's The Apostles on Saturday. The rehearsal was 3 hours in possibly one of the coldest churches in England. We started the concert at 7 30 & finished it at 10. Apart from the interval, the entire length of which was spent queueing for one of the only 2 ladies toilets in the church. To be shared between the audience, choir & orchestra. Next week I'm playing in Howells' Hymnus Paradisi. I seem to remember it was written about the death of his son? I certainly am finding it very hard going, & rather depressing so far. I've done it before, but it doesn't seem to help. Forgotten every note.
The tadpoles are thriving so far & growing rapidly. Still inside in margarine containers. We spend too much time watching their every move.
Val P - if bribery and corruption are unsuccessful then I usually go for lots of drugs! Licensed and prescribed, naturally! I presume you've tried accustoming him to get a treat when grooming tools are around (and not necessarily being used each time!)
I did watch a bit of Crufts last night (thought I might learn a few dog breeds!!) and even the show dogs had to be distracted with food while the judge examined them. Although I hesitate to call them dogs!
HELP HELP HELP....
Save meeeee
GM - it sounds like more persistence on my part is required then. he used to be quite good til I took him to a professional last summer, because he was just so hot, and I know not what she did to him, but he's just got worse and worse since then...
Miss Pooh Bear - be glad that you neither have to groom nor clip the toenails of tadpoles!
I'm off to do some more painting in March, but first of all I'll have a refreshing cup of redbush on this rock over here, and watch the breakers roll in for a while.
Hello All,
Cheers for the G&T. Took me longer to get back than I planned but there it was on the bar. Brought fruit salad and creme fraiche for everyone -- help yourselves.
Apropos of nothing at all, we are informed on an earlier thread that "Adrie van der Luijt is very much a man" and it amused me so that I thought it worth repeating here. (Actually, it was Adrie van der Luijt's response to Jonnie that amused me, but that's the gist of the issue...)
I got a merit mark for singing the Frog Chorus in a Physics class way back when. Other than that, terrible idea for a song. Can't be doing with Jerusalem either, I'm afraid, although Humph's lyrics are an improvement of course. How about "God Save The Queen"? -- The Sex Pistols version, I mean.
Ah, sunshine.
Is there a beach bloggage this afternoon then?
Just popped down to the beach and noticed the photo of me and Mr Knibbs is about to be knocked off the blog by Sequin and sewage! What ignominy.
Don't worry Lissa....you're still hanging on by a thread! And you must admit Sequin's photo is lovely, though I'm sure there will soon be a call for a photo of her on her bike! Cycling in London.......now that's what I call fearless!
Hello Lissa, I shouldn't worry about it -- I don't think it will happen: nothing at all is happening around here today. Couldn't you be Remote Blog Queen? We may have had sticky patches when you were in charge but you always got them sorted -- it was never like this. Hope life in Derbyshire is good, but, oh COME BACK! :-)
Er, Lissa, I'll think you'll find that's "Swanage" not "sewage". Did you read it in a hurry? Not quite so bad, surely. And it would take more than that to knock Mr K off the blog piccies. We'd all complain. You're still there so far. Nice to see Carolyn's photo up there too. NBP - is that thanks to you? Well done if so.
Well, after a hectic parents' evening and a quick Skype with DH, I've come down to the beach for 10 minutes of blissful peace. In honour of sequin, I've brought the ingredients for dry martinis, although I forgot the olives, so if anyone has some, that would be great.
I love the way the sun reflects off the water at this time of day. If I had one iota of artistic talent I'd be setting up an easel within easy reach of the bar.
Thanks, Aunt D. I think I hve a real dog (and his human) staying with me at the moment. I am deafened and exhausted.
Black Olives only I'm afraid. ANd they are in a jar and not fresh. Sorry best I can do at this time of the day. Just been reminded that I too have a parents evening to do this week.
Off now to try and cut some sleeping childrens toe nails. Any one else out there have this problem of getting scissors near small folks toes?
Cammelia, Lady Dromedary
My apologies. I did attempt to come to your aid many, many hours ago but I am afraid I was bloggered. I trust you are restored to health.
Val P (100) - the link was on the Frogger's Refuge, if you mean the one to the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ 2 website. Sorry, I've only just seen your posting - had a mad last 3 days!
Lissa - nice to see you on the beach. How is Mr Knibbs getting on with his 'grossen Kat' flap? Have you come downstairs in the morning to find any other grossen cats, small dogs or children have let themselves in?!
Oh what a day :-(
Lissa I'm mortified! As soon as Carolyn's been ousted you'll be back!
Now Beachlets, I'm not letting you off this song idea - yet!!
and also waiting for Fifi's imminent return from Scotland, we can then decide on the tune, hopefully by the end of the week.
Personally I think a jazzed up version of Jerusalem with Humph's lyrics would be nice. But as our Eric would say!
"What do YOU think"?
Oh, where does one put that question mark? Inside or outside the quotes? Fifi ??
Inside.
The biggest ever Beach. It's lovely.
Good morning all, well what a week and where has it gone! My first visit to the beach and its Wednesday already! Too much to catch up on so shall just have to say a general "hello" to all. Have brought some freshly warmed croissants and a big jug of freshly squeezed orange juice if any one fancies a little continental?
Stewart (113) - how bizarre! Looking at the time of your post I was myself attempting the very same thing around that time!! My little girl was not a happy bunny last night (sore tummy I think) so she ended up in bed with me and it was as she was lying accross the bed digging little razor sharp toenails into me that I decided to attempt (yet again) to trim them but although she was asleep she stirred enough for me to have to abandon operation toenail yet again! By the way - any luck in hunting down a holiday destination yet? Am planning to take my two to Euro D as well this year (but have to confess I am really excited about it as well!!)
Val P - noticed on a very early post you were off to Pittodrie - so does this mean you are a Dons fan? My home team! Any luck with T tickets yet? (was that you or Anne P - getting my P's muddled!)
Hello Lissa - nice to see you back and Hello Sequin also nice to hear you again.
Did anyone happen to hear the comedy half hour last night at 6.30pm? Was late leaving work so I did for the first time in a long while and it was very very funny. Was actually crying with laughter in the car.
Anyway hello everyone once again. Time marches on and work to do so better get down to it
Yay, back at the broadband Beach at last!!!
Did I miss anything?
Fifi ;o)
Hello the Fis, or should that be Fi's? Neither looks right. Of course, you both look fabulous (she adds hastily, in case of misinterpretation).
Fiona, Val P is a *hearts* fan, so ca canny
Jonnie I think Question mark should be
inside the quotation marks in this instance because the original quote is a question. If however, the original quote was not a question, but the sentence into which you were putting it was, then it should go outside eg:
Do you prefer 'Let the healing begin' or 'It may be crap, but it's my crap'?
May I suggest an alternative tune for the Frogger's theme, using Humph's lyrics just adjusted a little?
To the tune of Monty Python's 'Always look on the bright side of life'
(Original first line 'If life seems jolly rotten, there's something you've forgotton' etc etc etc)
Did the newsletter arrive
In your inbox before five?
And did our comments ever get displayed?
Was Aperitif rewarded
Did the Dayone Beach remember
the thousand posts we reached back in November...?
So
Always listen between five and six
(whistle.......)
That's when Eric gets up to all of his tricks
(Whistle......)
You can listen live on-line
or in stereo divine
in Digital and sometimes longwave too
Meanwhile Marc without a K's
working tirelessly all day
As the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ would say 'It's what we do'
So
Always listen between five and six
(whistle.....)
That's when Eric gets up to all of his tricks
(whistle.....)
And perhaps a 3rd verse should incorporate the Beach, Frogs, Lissa & Carolyn?
For those who like to blog
You can come along and frog
With Eric and with Sequin when he's off;
And for even wider reach
You've always got the Beach
Where there's camels and there's drinks and food to scoff
GM (123) You absolute star! Could I suggest a slight change to the second half of the first stanza; to keep the rhyme structure right?
Did the DayOne beach remember
All the posts back in November?
Or was Eddie's "Hi" to Appy ever made?
H.
"Ernie, and he rode the fastest newscart in the West!"
Frances & Humph - excellent :-) Much better scanning than mine!
PS I think I got the original 'first line' wrong - I think it might be 'Some things in life are bad, they can really make you mad, other things just make you swear & cuss, when you're chewing on life's gristle, don't grumble, give a whistle etc etc
So, nn, Eddie is not just Eric, he is also Ernie?
A man of many parts.
But no curate's egg.
(indeed, a lad o pairts, I'd venture to say)
But it's Sequin we should be being nice to. After all, Lord Mair isn't here to appreciate our loveliness.
GM/Humph/Frances O - I like it a lot!!
Well done to all of you and I think it might shape up to be the perfect Blog theme. I look forward to the next stage - whatever that may be.
Well, thank you (blush)) and thanks GM and Humph; and all for the idea.
Cos we've got a lot of talent, us froggers.
And there's plenty more, I'm sure, whose work we'd all adore...
oh, blast, got a nasty dose of the doggerels. (Woof!) Down, boy.
Bloggage on the Brow, and here too? Do you think they've got orders to moderate the latest thread first so as to get current material for the programme?
GM - I absolutely love it! Brilliant. Are you sure you only sang in those tv operas & didn't write them too?
Absolutely perfect. Fit for purpose. The best PM theme they've never had. (Yet!) Count me in to whatever scheme Jonnie has cooking up in his techno brain.
Fiona (119). Well, a gite is reserved but not got the paperwork to send deposit yet. Saying that I booked the Hull-Zeebrugge Ferry this afternoon.
Spent some Airmiles (thank you Tesco) to lower cost a little. EuroD not soretd yet. Have to get my head around what to do. Day pass for one park or a 2 or 3 day pass for both parks. As I will spend most of the time near sleeping beautys castle and the "soft" tea pot rides and probably no where near Space Mountain I think the Day pass and the rest of the week being en- vacance is my preferred option. Gite is about equi-distant of EuroD and Epernay. Guess where I want to go.....
Being in the North its far easier to drive to Hull then drive down to South coast ports. It also feels like one less day driving and with two kids in car, minimum driving a bonus. The other bonus is we get home by 10.00am. Kids love the adventure of sleeping on the "ferry boat"
The other benefit is an afternoon in Brugge to stock up on Chocs and belgium beer. I've got some bottles to return. I have over 2 Euros worth of deposit to swap for full bottles of beer. Kids will have to take few clothes/toys cos once I get the Fizz, Beer, Chocs, confit in the car and the load for the beach bar....
Operation Kids finger/toe nail failed. Will try in about 10 mins. I can't remember being such a wimp about toe nails as a child.
Evening all. I'm finally back after a two day trip to southern Czech. Anyone got an alcoholic breverage I can sup (or even *quaff???) I feel in need of some libation after spending the last eight hours driving/ stuck in airports/flying
* What's the difference between swigging & quaffing? You get most of your drink in your mouth when you swig...
Weird - The Brow seems blogged up but postings appear elsewhere.
Think I'll just give up and kip in this new hammock over here. I rather like the colour - never seen a purple one before.
Hi Ffred, hope the trip went well, in spite of all the travelling. Help yourself to one of these three bottles of wine.....Le Froglet, from M&S. I kid you not - it's just been advertised on the telly!
Hi Fearless. It only seems like yesterday that you went away .......
Hello All,
Wow Gossipmistress, and Frances and Humph, well done with that lyric -- and I'm honoured to have had the mention!
And welcome back Fearless.
A, x.
Annasee - I'm wondering how Jonnie is going to manage this amazing feat of recording...will he have us all in separate studios with headphones on and a click track?!
Where is your performance of Hymnus Paradisi, or has it happened already?
Well -- a lot to take in !
Especially after I've been chasing and texting friends for sheet music for Jerusalem!
Chris says he can do them - with sheet music, that may be a problem, so is there any frogger out there who could play by ear 'Always look on the bright side' and can record it?
Okay!
So it looks like it's 'Always look on the bright side then' -- thanks GM for both the suggestion and where to put the quotes.
And of course to Frances, Nikki, Perky, Humph, Fifi Anna - Rex- et al for continuing with the 'mad idea' inspired by Nikki Noodle.
Perhaps Nikki as she suggested the idea should decide on what the last verse should be?
Anyone have sheet music to it?
Perhaps silver-fox can answer that one in one word :-)
Night all
A quick wave to all before I crash out! yet another drive up to Aberdeen today (thanks for breaking the news to Fiona, FrancesO!, though the best team surely did win on Saturday :o( )
This time it was another uni interview for TD - the last one thank goodness, now all she's got to do is choose.......
Oh, no luck on the T in the P tickets yet, though I found myself entering a Radio 1 competition to win them today, whilst recovering from a woodland walk with Sam, where he managed to burst his lead and land nose first at FULL pelt into a very muddy river. Loved it so much he wouldn't come out, then when he did, he did his one party trick of "drying himself" (which he does to command, and as it turns out, without being commanded too)) unfortunately he didn't realise there was not a towel to hand, but he dried himself extremely vigorously on many years of built-up leaf mould, beech mast, twigs, more mud and general detritus. The worst part was turning up back in the car park of the university with a dog looking like he'd just exited the set of a black and white minstrel show, and myself not looking much better as he had catapulted me ankle deep in mud :o(. Mothers eh? you can't take them anywhere.......
Valery -- let alone TD - what about poor Sam!!
I'll be in contact with gossipmistress first thing in the morning and have the RSPCA on to you :-)
For tose of you who need a reminder - here is Sam in happier days!
I see my friend James has been creeping up to carolyn whilst Eddie is away! While the cats away eh!
Click in Carolyn's lovely pic on the photostream! (above - on the right) - for any newbie lurkers.
I didn't realise he'd submitted a comment until he e-mailed me saying how upset he was that no one had commented on her lovely picture.
I soon put pay to that however!
*Yawn* Oh 'eck! I've overslept! Thanks for the Froglet last night, Gillian! Just what the doctor ordered. I'll probably pay for it today, though. Having to rush back in to the office. I didn't even get a chance to take any piccies to share with the other froggers :-( Sorry! I'll try harder next week when it's two nights in Slovenia. And people wonder why I don't have a life...
I seem to have missed a lot on the Beach the last two days. I'll try and catch up as I can...
Thanks for the welcome back wave, Gillian, Big Sis, & Appy :-)
I must say the song is looking lovely. Very well done, Gossipmistress, Humph, Frances O and of course Nikki Noodle for inspiring us all!
Shall I have a go at recording it next time the Lying Scotsman gets together?
If I set out a guide vocal, you can all contribute either more voices doing the tune, or harmonies, or instruments, or percussion, or ooh-ooh-ooh backing vocals, or whistling ... each according to taste.
Then when it's all collected, Jonnie or Chris (or anyone competent, which lets me out!) can fade up/down different voices for the verses so it's a real Frogs' Song.
Final thought: does anyone know anyone who knows Eric Idle? If we had his official permission to borrow the tune, we could go public with it and maybe raise some dosh for Children in Need in November?
(I have other, even more exciting, ideas up my sleeve but I'll save those for a time when we actually have a song.....!)
Fifi ;oD
Stewart M, you have brought back happy memories of many a school trip that started with a coach ride from Greenock to Southwaite Services (bacon butties!), Southwaite to Hull, and then the best bit:
The Hull-Rotterdam or Hull-Zeebrugge ferry!
Choice of discos in which to prance about, sleeping in couchettes only slightly smaller than coffins, and an enormous range of smorgasbord for breakfast as the ferry crept into harbour the next morning.
Ah, them wuz the daze!
Fifi ;o)
Oops Val P - sorry for my football faux-pas, but I think you are having an ok season anyway are you not? There are loads of T tickets on ebay but not sure how much the mark up is - may be worth a look.
Driving with children Stewart - oh what fun! We are planning to buy a camper van, at least then you can stop when you like and have a brew. And have more room to stock up on goodies. Have fond memories of Southwaite myself Fifi - used to be my mid-way stopping off point en-route from East Mids to Aberdeen when I had to do that journey, it was like a comfort point arriving there - knowing I was at the halfway mark.
Good luck all with the song - sounds like quite a challenge!
Bye for now
Hmm, my earlier posting has vanished. About the song. Has it been washed away by the waves?
Oh well, here again is the gist:
Would you like me to record the basic song we now have (and well done the authors!) to give us all something to add our bits to?
Fifi
GM - Hymnus Paradisi is in Kendal Sat a week away. I'm still struggling. Also something by Dyson about the Thames I don't know at all. But proiritising as have some new contemporary ensemble stuff for today, concert on Sunday in Liverpool. See you there?
Fifi, I don't have any music for Look on the Bright Side, do you have a melody line or chords? We might be able to find something on the internet? There is a lot of music out there, but it can take a while to track down. It's probably in one of those "Hundred best film songs of the 80s" (or was it seventies?) type books. Someone must have one of those lurking somewhere.
Fifi - what an excellent idea - someone in the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ must know Eric Idle surely? Jonnie - surely you do, you are so well connected:-)
Also sounds good if your band could record the basic track and we could add to it?
Or if not, maybe there's a karaoke backtrack out there anywhere? I'm trying to remember who did all their musical arrangements for MP, was it John DuPrez or a name like that?
Fifi, etc. Re Eric Idle. No I don;t know him but have you heard of the seven degrees of separation theory. You will know someone who knows someone etc and by the seventh level you will be able to make contact with anyone in the world.
For example I know someone who knows someone who was involved in the Ireland peace negotiations who knows someone who knows George Bush. So to get the the US president I only need to go four levels.
So who out there knows someone who knows someone who knows me?
fifi they dont do Couchettes any more. Its a cabin or a berth in a cabin. And its compulsory to take at least a berth.
Fiona, friends of our got rid of their camper van, Found it just was too cramped with three kids.
Annasee, our bass player has found Look On The Bright Side (words & chords).
I am just converting it to 'our' words, and having a look at a final verse to round it off. Will post it here once tidied.
It's in G, the easiest thing in the world to play on guitar. And although I haven't heard back from our 'proper' guitar player yet, even just me on guitar / singing and John on bass would be enough to get a basic skeleton recorded, for everyone else to record alongside.
After that, once we see what gaps there might be, we can put it all together and get it mixed, and robert is your favourite uncle!
If you need help remembering how the tune goes, give me a ring and I'll sing it down the phone to you in my worst Eric Idle accent....
Fifi ;o)
Adios Amigos!
I'm off to
I'll bring back some tapas.
Here goes ... I have put the chords in separately as the formatting on-frog will move them around.
Anyone who wants the properly set-out version to practise with, please email me via the website or directly.
OOOH, exciting eh?
Fifi
Always look on the bright Side of Life
Monty Python, arr. The Froggers' Chorus
Am D G Em
Am D G
Am D G Em
Am D7
[ spoken ] Did the newsletter arrive in your inbox before five?
And did our comments ever get displayed?
Did the DayOne beach remember
All the posts back in November?
Or was Eddie's "Hi" to Appy ever made?
CHORUS
G Em Am D7 G Em Am D7
G Em Am D7 G Em Am D7
So always listen between five and six (whistle)
That's when Eric gets up to all of his tricks (whistle)
Am D G Em
Am D G
Am D G Em
Am D7
You can listen live on-line or in stereo divine
In Digital and sometimes Long Wave too
Meanwhile Marc without a K's working tirelessly all day
As the ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ would say 'It's what we do'
REPEAT CHORUS
For those who like to blog you can come along and frog
With Eric and with Sequin when he's off;
And for even wider reach you've always got the Beach
Where there's camels and there's drinks and food to scoff
REPEAT CHORUS
If life's pushed you too far, drop by the Nick Clarke Bar
Or try the purple hammock for a snooze
For frolics in the sun, there's always Fido's Run
To freshen up your mind before the news
FINAL CHORUS
G Em Am D7 G Em Am D7
G Em Am D7 G Em Am D7
A F# Bm E7 A F# Bm E7
A F# Bm E7 A F# Bm E7
And always listen between five and six (whistle)
Always listen between five and six (whistle)
(Come on Froggers, he's reading our emails)
Always listen between five and six (whistle)
Always listen between five and six (whistle) ....
Stewart (151), well I better make sure I stick to just two then! :)
Gillian (136) I noticed the offer for Le Froglet in M&S this afternoon and had a big grin to myself. (I wouldn't let anyone else have it. It's mine, I tell you, mine.)
Val P, nae probbies. Wot's T in the P? Tea in the Park????? If so, check this link, it may surprise you:
Not, I think, what you mean.
In fact there seems to be a lot of things on gurgle which fit the bill. Yours might be the Kinross one, I'd guess wildly.
Stewart - as in '6 degrees of Separation', the fillum?
I really, really have to say this - I can do Nelson Mandela in 2. Am innately proud of this. Means I can probably do Bush in 3, but I don't want to, much.. But would mean I could get to you in 7.
Feefs, try this url:
for "Always Look On...'. It's got the keys, at least.
Humph (125), may I suggest another slight tweak?
Did the DayOne beach remember
A thousand posts back in November?
Or was Eddie's "Hi" to Appy ever made?
Must go -- SO has persuaded me to attend village pantomime tonight. And as I haven't been to the shops yet, our eating options pre-show are limited!
See you all tomorrow... remind me to post the song!
Fifi xx
RJD(153) Have a good trip, and good luck to your daughter. Bring back lots of photos, please!
Fifi (152) that's great! Are you using Frances' 3rd verse? Is it a 4th verse you're adding?
jonnie, thanks for the suggestion, I think it best if someone with a talent for music or words does the last verse :-)
[And also, not to confuse anyone, 'nikki noodle' is a name written on the side of a pen bought for my birthday, a funny gag perhaps, but probably funnier if you can actually see that I am more bass than tenor, and a rather long way from alto... !]
n-n
xx
They've demolished my cell. Boo Hoo.
RJD - have you gone already? Have a wonderful time, we'll be envying you greatly!!
Frances O - T in the Park - you were correct. Weekend Music Fest Extraordinaire (I'm told). Will be looking on eb*y, but the original cost of a Weekend Ticket was exorbitant to start with, without the risk of being ripped off :o). It's her 18th soon and they may have been planning a rite of passage....
Jonnie - oh Sam's fine, he got a bath this morning and looks like a different dog. I took him by surprise and cut his fringe while he was concentrating on making sure he could see where his biscuit was for when he'd dried himself (towels this time of course!).
The Frog Song sounds wonderful - you're all so innovative. I could whistle, perhaps?
You're right Bill'n'Ben I've just had a look too!
It was there the other day!
You could always join us on the beach - there's a nice little secluded spot past the NCM bar in the dunes...
Annasee - I'm away this weekend! Typical!! Is it sunday night at the Phil? Some of my friends are singing in that. I left the Phil choir in 2001 otherwise we might have been performing together! If I'm back early I'll try and get there!
Frances (156) It works see. Seven degrees and you get me!
We can do this in two of course. The blog, You :)
Fiona (154) As I am one of three so to me 2 siblings seems right. SO being one of two disagrees. And she is far too careful for an accident ;-o
I somehow missed GM's post yesterday -- the revised lyrics fit perfectly !
Hence Fifi -- the lyrics don't need any modification, as to your -- (new idea)
Excellent! GM (and indeed Humph)
My idea then is to let Fifi have a bash at it with 'The Lying Scotsman' and then I'll stick that up on the blog and we can see if any adjustments are required?
We can then modify it -- and then do a take.
Fifi e-mailed me today with a fabulous idea.
As the blog is so totally organic in the way ideas develop I'll let her fill you in, as I don't wish to jump the gun!
After re-reading Fifi's comment she may wish to hold back on the idea for a while!
It's just Sooo exciting!
And for such a good cause -- my nose is already turning red!
Frances O (157) That is fine by me but as GM was the original inspiration I think that she should have the final say. If it comes to little tweeks GM, I notice that you say "Eric" and I say "Eddie". That is not meant as a cue to sing the words "Let's call the whole thing off!" but I think that the song would be better if it was consistant. Again I think that it should be your decision.
H.
Gossipmistress - No, my concert is not at the Phil this time. It's somewhere I've never been called "Hope Cornerstone". 7 30 pm on Sunday. Apparently a hall which is part of Hope University? I think the smaller ensembles use it - there's a choir for the Stravinsky mass & some other stuff, but only a chamber orch. Actually the bit we rehearsed yesterday sounded quite good & we were able to play it too ! (always a pleasant surprise with brand new music...) . It should be an interesting concert. If you make it back in time do come & say hello!
Oooooh! How exciting. Honestly, you go out for an evening to discuss Verdi and suddenly there's a whole beach karaoke going on!
Looking forward to seeing if and how I can contribute.
nikki noodle (162) Well I never! Talk about shattered illusions.....! Should I go so far as to picture you with a beard too? ;o}
Well, I don't want to be left out so I can Hum. My colleagues at the Hice tell me I do it rather a lot
xx
Annasee - I'll do my best! I'm sure I heard someone mentioning a Stravinsky mass the other day so I think it may be some Phil Choir members.
Humph - OO! Too much responsibility!
What do others think? OK to use both Eric & Eddie? I kind of think 'Eric' fits better in the chorus but I don't mind if others think otherwise!
Fellow composers, I am amending and editing the song taking all your excellent pointers into account. Keep 'em coming, as there is plenty of time before a basic recording can take place.
Bill n Ben, you're right, the Cell is gone.
Please feel free to adapt mine, at /blogs/pm/2006/11/i_have_a_small_but_growing.shtml
I have left a welcome message there, for you and for anyone else who wants peace and quiet without having to be particularly sociable about it!
Fifi :o)
Just wanted to say thanks everyone.....I cannot get the "always look on the bright side" tune out of my head, it keeps just playing over and over and over and over. Occassionally alternated with "Don't go down to the waterhole" - which is this weeks tune on Boogie Beebies....aaagghh (excuse me while I go plug myself into my ipod so I can listen to some good old rock music and cleanse my head!!)
Oh by the way, good morning all - enjoy this glorious sunshine while you can before the snow storms arrive.
Bill'n'Ben, ah so that's what's happened to it? I wondered why I couldn't get in any more. The paranoia led me to believe it was just me....:o)
Dying to hear more about the Big Idea Fifi?
n-n - I always presumed you were a man (no beard though), does that say something about me?
Stewart (166) - yes, we could! But that's too bloomin easy.
;-)
Humph (169) - of course!
And GM - wotevva. I mean, we all know who Eric is.
Feefs - you are wonderful.
Val, my lips are sealed. Let's see if we can get the song recorded first!
But Jonnie's getting even more excited than I am about it.....
Fifi x
Nikki Noodle, I'm a tad surprised too :-)
When is this singing lark actually to take place chaps?
GM - I think using both Eric & Eddie in the same song is fine. I mean, he doesn't seem to know what his name is at the best of times, so you're only being authentic.
Re the concert, yes, there were definitely some RLPO choir members there yesterday. We rehearsed at the Phil, though tomorrow we rehearse at this new place I have yet to visit. It would be lovely to meet you if you can make it back in time.
I'm not in the last piece in the concert, so if possible, I'll be off then. So see you beforehand or in the interval?!
Timescales for song:
I may be able to record the skeleton of it on Thursday next week. No promises, but that is looking possible.
Then it'll be over to everyone else to record and send in their bits, to fit with it.
The words may have to be adjusted, eventually, if my Big Idea looks like being possible. But we can cross that bridge when we get to it ... and it's actually part of the Idea.
OOH I'm getting excited!
Fifi xxx
Ooh ooh ohh!!! I bring lots & lots of celebratory bottle of drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic) to put behind the bar :-) I've just managed to get Maria McKee* tickets for Bush Hall next month, so I'm in a party mood, and I want to share it with my froggy friends :))
* MM is possibly the best female singer/songwriter of the last 25 years, IMHO. For those who don't recognise the name, she wrote A Good Heart, as sung by Feargal Sharkey....
Jonnie and Fifi......what teases you are! Do tell....please!
Congratulations Fearless, and cheers! I've already been at the Sheridan's this evening (I know!) but one of those there tipples will go down nicely! :-)
Hmmm. There are times when I am really glad about the arrival of the weekend. When you have had the type of week that I have, then re-living the fun of the beach is a great way to relax. And it has been a good week on the beach, with a lot of talk about a Frog song. But then I came across what I think is the seed that started it off. It was sent by n-n (48), by the way I was surprised by post 162 as well :-(, and said:
I know I'm still new, but has anyone suggested meeting up to croon on the beach? it seems that many froggers could make a pleasant evening's harmony together.
Hang on one frogging second! βmeeting up to croonβ? Could that actually work? As I understand the present plans we are hoping that Fifi and fellow members of LS will record a sound track that the rest of us could use, via jonnieβs website, to send in sound tracks that could then be pasted together. How about those of us who are interested, and able to do so, actually meeting up somewhere to record that sound track together? Then the others who either do not want to meet up, or cannot do so, can add their harmonies etc at that point? Annaseeβs website talks about a mobile recording service. Annasee, could that be used for this sort of thing? Could we arrange a meeting somewhere near the centre of the country (and no, that is NOT London!) to do this? Would people want to? Do YOU want to?
If you are interested in doing this, then please write to let the Frog know. If there is enough interest, then we can start working on the logistics (urrghhh!*). If there is no interest, then we will not bother. Of course, all this may delay progress, to some extent, and assumes that it does not interfere with Fifiβs big plan; but as we do not know what that is then I am not to blame for that. However, if Fifi was to tell us what her big plan was, it would be easier for us to work out whether this suggestion could be workable. Go on, Fifi, just a quiet whisper! I wouldnβt tell anyone else! Honest!
H.
p.s. *Guess which part of my job has been getting me down, this week!
Humph (187), Was it the part that involves wearing laderhosen and acting out scenes from Holby City with a cast of armadillos? Or am I thinking of someone else?
Humph - it would be technically feasible, I should think. It's just himself with some microphones, computer, & maybe some other stuff I've forgotten about. Can get a good sound from most venues with this (eg our back room, which was where the cd was recorded!)
Finding a quietish venue could be tricky. Also finding a date that suits most people. Our backroom only works on Sundays at the moment, since the lovely gas company spend 8 hours a day drilling with pneumatic drills outside our house, & will for the next couple of months. Except on Sundays!
Where did you have in mind as the "centre" of the country? And does this tally with anyone else's idea? Personally I feel Manchester must be the centre... And I could put the kettle on.
I believe the geographical centre of the UK is Alston in Northumberland.
Well... it would be good to meet in Real Life.
I think Eddie should arrange for a Beeb recording studio to be put at our disposal. Or Marc. Or someone. But I fear this is unrealistic.
I haven't got a car at the mo, so somewhere on a mainl train line... ???
Well fellow froggers, I have never sat through a night of Comic Relief/Children in Need/similar before but I am SOOO glad I did tonight! Did you see Tony Blair with Catherine Tate just now? Marvellous stuff :-)
Humphf ... give me a whisper via the website and I'll intimate in which direction my mad ideas are taking me.
Not that mad ... ... but I'd rather get the technical side sorted out before I reveal my completely bonkers after-plan!
Trust me. You'll love it!
Fifi
Re: Humph, Fifi, Annasee, Gillian - everyone involved
This is all going too fast.
Can I make a suggestion?
Fifi reveals the big plan and FIRST we stick to the original idea, instigated by Nikki Noodle.
The original idea was for us to come up with a song - which we have now done, and as Humph said I will publish it on the website - or one of us somewhere and then we can send all our various bits through, mix it together, and see what we come up with.
I think this is what we should STILL do. If it seems to work out, then we can discuss the logistics of Humph's idea with the aid of Annasee etc.
Let's not rush it - it's all in the planning.
Appy (188) You are thinking of someone else.
H.
Jonnie (194) and Fifi - I want the big plan and I want it Now! (Please)
Cripes! I go to Oxford for the night and have missed so much!
I quite like the idea of us all recording bits and someone putting it all together. Although maybe some of us who live close enough could do our bits together? I forsee some problems (not least with my own weekends!) with finding a day we could all manage, and it'd be a shame if some people didn't contribute because they couldn't make it. It'd be good to have lots of froggers involved.
And someone will have to take the mike to the Hice for Lady Cammellia to do her 'humming'...
Meeting up somewhere at some time would be a good plan though, at some point.
PS Excellent last verse Fifi! I hope there'll be the obligatory 'up a tone' at the end? And we need a few more suggestions for the little 'talking' bits at the end - like the one you've done Fifi!
Maybe to do with 'It's my crap...' or 'See you on the Ice' or 'Let the healing begin' - maybe someone could persuade Eric himself to do these or can anyone mimic him??!
Humph - sad to hear about your awful week, logistics, schmogistics. Mine has taken a turn for the better towards the end, thank goodness. Weird that I've just come down to read these latest comments about the Frog Song this morning, because last night I actually dreamt that we did meet up - how spooky is that? In my dream though, it wasn't a wild success, but that's down to complexes of my own!
Technology-wise I bet I'd have difficulty submitting an input, I have problems enough with my camera phone not speaking to the pc, flashplayer constantly deleting itself etc, etc
Appy - SO and I were totally knocked out by the TB/CT sketch. Great Respect to him. I know you are a fan, and I've always been sceptical, but in one fell swoop he has established an image change which your other pal AC didn't manage for me. Bit of respect to him too, of course, for his prog with Alan Sugar :o)
Fearless - meant to say, great to hear your news, I still have some links to Maria McK saved on y*ut*be from your original recommendations.
Now that I'm back from Belvoir Castle, and have had something to eat, I will be taking my laptop downstairs so I can sit somewhere other than my usual place of work ...
... and share with those who want to know, what my Big Scary Idea is for the Song.
I'll set up a separate rendezvous for us, so those who'd rather take my advice and leave it for now, don't have to find out.
Humph, if you're here, I'm also at the Cransley waiting to talk to you!
Secretive Fifi ;o)
Anyone who's interested, see me here
/blogs/pm/2007/02/susan.shtml
and I'll share.
Or pop in to the Cransleycam and we can talk there.
Cheers!
Fifi
Appy & Valp, thanks for the congrats! Those of you who remember my rants from last year willknow how much this'll mean to me:-)
Do you think there's any way we can extend the w/e? I'm going to miss another week on the frog because of work, and I'm not looking forward to it :-(
thanks froggers - I am sure I ought to be pleasantly pleased and delighted by all your comments of surprise*, though somehow i also feel slightly surprised at them all myself!!
hey-ho. Could be a lot worse. Could be a camel. Or a peer. Or both!
n-n
xx
[*all except Val P, that is!]
*sighes*
that'll probably remove me from Her Ladyship's christmas card list now.
Still, 'always look on the bright side of life!'
n-n
xx
"me and my big mouth" - a singularly personal strapline for one.
Have just opened another bottle; please help yourselves - munchies in the bar too.
Oh Fearless, I feel for you!
Have one of these. I forgot I still had one.
* H U G *
Fifi ;o)
Thanks Feef!!
:))
boohoo!
two recent comments, but neither are visible. So I have decided to change the colour of my font, to see if this gets through.
Fifi obviously has a fast track, as her 'more recent'erer comment has appeared before either of mine.
*sob*
I'm just in time to wish you all greetings on St Patrick's Day and put a bottle of Bush and one of Paddy's on the bar.
Now i'll catch up.
Ffred, make the most of tomorrow (sunday) and be kind to yourself. You know we'll all be here next weekend if you need us. Got any holiday for Easter? It will soon be here. Hang in there. ;o)
Morning All
have to rush as we only have intermittent btinternet
Oh dear, do we have a bloggage? I can't believe we can all be so late getting here.
Happy Mothers Day. I've brought some iced fancies decorated with sugar violets for elevenses and left some multi-coloured parrot tulips on the bar in honour of the occasion.
Seems lots of us are horribly busy at present, hence absences from the Frog. Here's Sara:
*
Yes- I'm still here! How absolutely lovely of you, Gillian & Big Sis to miss me! I don't feel I contribute much.
But you're right - I have been fearfully busy (which reminds me that Fearless has also been very busy too) and although I have actually dropped by the beach once or twice last week I really didn't have time to add my twopence-ha'penny worth!
I also dropped into Jonnie's place a couple of times but only a "Guest 1" was there or no-one at all, so I didn't stay.
I'm sorry, cos I've missed you all too. I see you're planning a song which is wonderful (but don't ask me to sing!) but of course I can only follow that if I log on at home because I don't have a soundcard at work (how awful is that!).
But I will pop by again very soon - and thanks again for being in touch. Lol to you all,
Sara
*
There you are then. You're not the only person a little pushed for time these days....!
Fifi xxx
Lovely flowers, Gillian. I'm not a mother but I adore tulips.
Fifi
A little encouraging thought for those of you thinking that because you (allegedly) can't sing, you can't be part of the Song:
Fifi
As I was saying, intermittent broadband service. I shall be speaking with an Indian accent if I have to speak to the fault line for much longer.. only a total of 7 hours so far, hanging on to frightful out of tune VOIP music. I need a very very stiff drink, swiftly followed by several more aaaargh
I'll go before I either lose the connection or my blood pressure blows but The Song sounds lovely, well sounds as if it might sound lovely - I agree with jonnie, do the possible first then see what happens. Good Luck from me and colleagues who get banned from humming........
Looks like it's been very quiet down here today, and on the New Beach too? I've been thoroughly lazy and the family have run around after me all day, so much so that if I sit down here I'll probably nod off! So I shall stagger back to March and catch up with everyone tomorrow - I'll leave a bottle of this very fine Rosetti Black Shiraz, for anyone who comes down later tonight. It's a 15%er, enjoy!
and me, too, just nipping in.
Thanks, Val P, a glass of Shiraz will just suit! I've been hare-ing round in March all day today, and a quiet saunter along the biggest ever beach is a small but meaningful treat.
or should i post on the newer beach?!
Happy wotsits to you all - (other snacks are available).
n-n
xx
You'll never guess what!
Fred's got legs!!!
(our tadpole that is,not u Fearless!)
I did so like the old beach though... ... ...ahhh
old memories...
Mpb
xxx
Hi. Your Archers download needs updating. It is Thursday night (5th April) and when I try and download/listen over the internet to the edition broadcast at 10:00 Hrs tonight I get the Wednesday (4th April) edition - and I have deleted all temporary files so the [roblem is at your end not mine. Someone has forgotton to upload the latest episode onto the website.