January 29, 2011

0 'Sunday Girl' Phillipa Alexander has a Sunday baby - and a hit song from Mail on Sunday Ad (includes free mp3 download)

(download)

She was an unknown session artist until she left thousands transfixed
by singing Blondie’s Sunday Girl on television adverts for The Mail on
Sunday’s You magazine last week.

Now Phillipa Alexander is celebrating the success of the song with a
Sunday Girl of her own.

Phillipa recorded the track for the advert just days before giving
birth to her daughter Priya. And, appropriately, the little girl came
into the world on a Sunday.

‘The song is obviously nothing to do with motherhood, but to have
given birth to my own Sunday girl and to have sung it while she was
still inside me feels like a special and very sweet coincidence,’ said
Phillipa.

Her song is used on a series of adverts whose theme is ‘You time’ –
the precious moment of the day when readers retreat with their
magazine.

The Mail on Sunday was inundated with requests to know who the singer
is – and is now making the complete track available as a free
download.

The musical arrangement to Sunday Girl was masterminded by M&C Saatchi
agency composer Alex Ball. Although not a household name, Phillipa,
38, has impersonated singers from Nina Simone to Billie Holiday and
provided voiceover performances for clients including Levi’s, Lynx and
L’Oreal.

‘I am a huge fan of Blondie,’ said Phillipa. ‘Heart Of Glass is my
favourite Blondie song.’

Phillipa moved from Shoreham-by-Sea, West Sussex, to America when she
was seven after her father Colin got an engineering job in San Diego.

Her creative ambitions were encouraged by her mother, Wendy, an artist
and illustrator.

Phillipa enjoyed success as a session singer before moving back to
Brighton with her family at 21. There she met her husband, music
producer Sanj Sen, 35, in 1999.

He suggested a career doing voiceovers for advertisements, and seven
years ago she joined Calypso voiceover agency.

As well as her singing and voiceover work, Phillipa runs a successful
songwriting business, Chicks With Hits, with friend Ellie Wyatt. Their
songs have been heard on hit U.S. shows such as Grey’s Anatomy and
Desperate Housewives, and they are currently trying to secure a record
deal for their latest artist, Larissa Eddie, and her band, Eddie.

But Phillipa’s priority now lies with her gorgeous baby girl.

‘Holding her for the first time was the most incredible experience,’
she said. ‘Priya is adorable, although running my own businesses at
the same time is tough. I am constantly juggling. I am hoping she will
teach me to relax more.’

December 27, 2010

0 On Depression & Getting Help by Rob Delaney

The passing of Andrew Koenig prompted me to write this, but it’s something that will apply to plenty of people.

I have dealt with suicidal, unipolar depression and I take medication daily to treat it. Over the past seven years, I’ve had two episodes that were severe and during which I thought almost exclusively of suicide. I did not eat much and lost weight during these episodes. I couldn’t sleep at all, didn’t even think about sex, and had constant diarrhea. My mind played one thought over and over, which was “Kill yourself.” It was also accompanied by a constant, thrumming pain that I felt through my whole body. I describe the physical symptoms because it helps to understand that real depression isn’t just a “mood.” These two episodes were the most difficult experiences of my life, by a wide margin, and I did not know if I would make it through them. To illustrate how horrible it was, being in jail in a wheelchair with four broken limbs after the car accident that prompted me to get sober eight years ago was much, much easier and less painful. That isn’t an exxageration and I hope it helps people understand clinical depression better. I’m saying that I would rather be in jail in a wheelchair with a body that doesn’t work than experience a severe episode of depression.

To clarify the timeline, I got sober eight years ago and my first episode of depression was seven years ago. I had been in talk-therapy with a psychologist for months and was getting used to life without booze. It’s my understanding that it’s not terribly rare for someone in early sobriety to get depressed. I started to exhibit the symptoms I described above and had no idea what was happening. My psychologist urged me to see a psychiatrist, as did my family, among whom alcoholism and depression are old pals, so to speak. Everyone wanted me to go on medication, except me. I felt that it would be “weak” to do so and that I could soldier through and get a handle on it. But everything got worse and it was terrifying. Most of my thoughts were telling me to kill myself and I began fantasizing constantly about suicide. The images of my head being blown apart by a shotgun blast or me swimming out into the ocean until I got tired and drowned played over and over in my head. My whole body hurt, all the time.
Fortunately, a tiny part of me recognized my thought process as “crazy.” I knew that if anyone other than me was describing these symptoms I would lovingly handcuff them and take them to the hospital and help the shit out of them, whether they liked it or not. So I tried very hard to step out of myself and look at the situation with a modicum of objectivity and “imagine” that I was someone who deserved help.
Quite literally I thought, “I don’t think anyone else would shoot me with a shotgun, so maybe, temporarily, I’ll postpone that and try this Lexapro that everyone who knows me is recommending.” It worked. It wasn’t magical, but it addressed some chemical issues in my brain that allowed me, gradually, to feel better and actually experience my life. I ate again, slept again, got boners when I encounted attractive women, and made normal number twos when I went to the bathroom. I didn’t and don’t feel euphoric all the time or anything. I still get angry, sad, and afraid sometimes. But I also get happy, excited, and horny too. I experience the full range of human emotions, rather than just one horrible one.
Just under eighteen months ago, after a couple of years of both my marriage and my decision to pursue comedy full-time, I experimented with a lower dose of medication and had another episode. It was as bad or worse than the first one, but thankfully I had some idea of how to deal with it. This episode drove home the knowledge that, like alchoholism, depression demands respect and attention. Whether it’s a “good” thing or a “bad” thing, I cannot pretend to know, but it exists and it can kill you dead.
My psychiatrist adjusted my dose and I got feeling better over time. If you know me personally, all this information may surprise you, as I think I generally have a pretty sunny demeanor. For most of my life, I’ve been a happy, optimistic guy. But for whatever reason, I’ve had depression of a serious, life-threatening nature rear its head a couple of times.

The sole reason I’ve written this is so that someone who is depressed or knows someone who is depressed might see it. While great strides have been made in mental health over the years, certain stigmas still exist. I strongly resisted medication at first. But after having been through depression and having had the wonderful good fortune to help a couple of people who’ve been through it, I will say that as hard as it is, IT CAN BE SURVIVED. And after the stabilization process, which can be and often is fucking terrifying, a HAPPY PRODUCTIVE LIFE is possible and statistically likely. Get help. Don’t think. Get help.

Reprinted with permission of the author ~
© Rob Delaney 2010
http://robdelaney.tumblr.com/mobile/post/414007899

Image © Ryan Price 2010 (self portrait)

December 13, 2010

0 News, Video & Sound: X Factor Winner Matt Cardle Renames & Covers Biffy Clyro Track "Many of Horror (When We Collide)"

The Original:

The Cover:

A house painter with Irish ancestry has won the X Factor.

As he celebrated his victory, Matt Cardle revealed his family were originally from Ireland.

"They left for England during the potato famine. We were originally 'McArdles' but we lost the 'Mc' over the years," he said.

As usual, pop judge Simon Cowell was the real winner with an estimated 20 million viewers tuning in, bringing in a record-breaking £25m (€30m) from advertising.

No wonder show creator Cowell has seen his personal stock rising by £40m to £165m in the past year.

The night had begun with finalists Matt Cardle, Rebecca Ferguson and boyband One Direction chasing the final prize of a £1m record deal.

One Direction performing a cover version of Natalie Imbrugulia's hit 'Torn', were an early casualty of the first elimination.

"I'm absolutely gutted for them, but all I can say is this is just the beginning for these boys," their mentor Simon Cowell said, as he joined the group, which includes Mullingar teenager Niall Horan, on-stage to say farewell.

One Direction member Zain Malik added: "We're definitely going to stay together, this is not the end."

Legal secretary Rebecca Ferguson and rival Matt Cardle then both performed their winner's single.

Following Cardle's performance, a cover of Biffy Clyro hit 'When We Collide', judge Cheryl Cole told him: "You sang that from the depth of your heart. Whatever happens tonight I wish you the best of luck."

Simon Cowell added: "Back to business . . . thoroughly well deserved both of you. Matt, that was an incredible song. The best performance of the whole series so far, but I can't call this. I have no idea what is going to happen."

Rebecca Ferguson then sang her winner's song: a cover of Duffy track 'Distant Dreamer'.

"That song was absolutely perfect for you Rebecca," Simon Cowell told her.

Dannii Minogue added: "Rebecca, that was a beautiful performance and I'm so glad you turned up at auditions."

Her mentor Cheryl Cole then told her: "I could talk about this girl all night. You've been a dream to work with and I hope you realise your dream tonight and are crowned winner."

However, moments later Matt was announced winner of 'The X Factor' 2010. His shock was apparent.

"I just wanted to thank everyone who voted for me. I want to thank Dannii and all the judges," said the 27-year old.

All the drama was over until next year. But with Simon Cowell preparing to launch a version of 'The X Factor' in the US, there is some doubt if 'Mr Nasty' will be appearing on next year's 'X Factor'.

These rumours were fuelled when Cowell was asked if he would commit to next year's show and he would only say: "The show will be back.

December 11, 2010

0 In Sound: The Salvation Army Band Play on Gallowtree Gate, Leicester - Christmas 2010

I recorded this on the 11th December 2010 at 14:43 - a bright, winter afternoon in Leicester city centre. The Salvation Army played Christmas Carols to shoppers on Gallowtree Gate. My last Christmas in Leicester.

(download)

In memory of George Thomas Brown
12th April 1920 ~ 11th December 1999

December 4, 2010

0 Jesus on Toast

British artist Adam Sheldon recreated Jesus’ crucifixion using some pieces of burned toast and a scraping knife. His work of art is now on display at the Anglican Church of St Peter, in Lincoln.

33-year-old Adam Sheldon took on the project at the request of his mother, who worships at St. Peter’s Church. Before starting work on his 1.8 ,meters long, 1.1 meters wide masterpiece, Adam scraped the Last Supper on three pieces of toast, to perfect his technique.

He used a regular toaster to burn the pieces of bread, then dried and flattened them so they would fit in a giant frame. Using a scraping knife he managed to create the lighter parts of the artwork, and darkened the background with a blowtorch.

At first, the reverend and parishioners were stunned by Sheldon’s creation, because they didn’t expect something this original, but now they’re thrilled to have such art on the walls of their church. The artwork was so skillfully scraped, some believed it was actually painted on tiles, before realizing the tiles are really pieces of bread.

The toast crucifixion of Jesus was on display at the Anglican Church of Saint Peter until January 30 2010.

November 30, 2010

0 Act Aware: World Aids Day - 1st December 2010 - Take Action

Act Aware

TAKE ACTION ON 1ST DECEMBER '10

Over 90,000 people are living with HIV in the UK and new infections continue every year. World AIDS Day 2010 is all about raising awareness to tackle HIV prejudice and help stop the spread of HIV.

This year, (RED) launches the most important campaign to date.

For the first time since AIDS arrived on the scene, we have a chance to realize, in the next 5 years, a whole generation born AIDS free. This goal is achievable through continued funding from the global health community, including the Global Fund.

As a way to educate people about the goal and create a rallying cry to help achieve it, (RED) have enlisted numerous street artists, painters, illustrators, photographers and sculptors to provide their creative interpretation of an AIDS Free Generation born in 2015. Each artist chose a headline and incorporated a unique take on “2015”. We are launching with 10 artists, but many more will follow in the months to come.

The best way to understand the reality of living with HIV in the UK today is to read true accounts written by people with HIV.

People are often surprised to hear that what it is really like to live with HIV. Advances in treatment mean that many people diagnosed today can expect a near normal life expectancy if they get diagnosed early and take treatment correctly. However side effects of daily treatment can have an impact. For many people with HIV it is the social consequences that can have the biggest impact - dealing with prejudice, money worries or how to tell friends and family.

The stories below have been submitted from people living with or affected by HIV. Each person explains in their own words the impact HIV has had on their own lives.

Whether you have a family member or friend that is affected by HIV, or are HIV-positive and want to tell people what it's really like to live with HIV - we’d like you to share your story. Real stories, whether positive or negative, help build a true picture of HIV in the UK today and increase public understanding:

View real stories from people living with HIV and hear them explain in their own words the impact HIV has on their lives. These videos messages include stories from Gary, Steve and Adrienne who tell us about late diagnosis, long term medication and stigma and disclosure.

Gary - Late diagnosis

Steve - Long term medication

Adrienne - Stigma and disclosure

A special message from Annie Lennox:

Now visit these links, please:
www.worldaidsday.org
www.joinred.com

Do Something

November 26, 2010

0 Germany Debuts 'Mentally Ill' Stuffed Animals

A depressed turtle, A delusional snake, A paranoid crocodile, A sheep with multiple personality disorder, A hippo with autism.

Promising hours of fun for the whole family, a German company has introduced a line of stuffed animals that suffer from psychiatric disorders. There's Dub the turtle, who has severe depression; Sly the snake, who suffers frightening hallucinations; Dolly the sheep/wolf, who has multiple-personality disorder; Kroko the crocodile, who is terrified of water; and Lilo the hippo, who's been obsessed with solving the same wooden jigsaw puzzle for months. The company's founder says: "It started as a bit of a joke with my girlfriend, who has lots of soft toys, and then we thought there could be something in the idea. Children and grownups like their vulnerability and find something in them that gives them a great sense of comfort in helping to heal them." This should go over about as well as bacon sandwiches at a Bar Mitzvah... Funny isn't it? No... read more below:

(download)

A depressed turtle, A delusional snake, A paranoid crocodile, A sheep with multiple personality disorder, A hippo with autism.

At first glance, you might think these are cute. But go further and you'll learn that these furry animals are stuffed with stigmatizing beliefs about mental illness.

parapluesch.com - a European toy company - is selling these toys with the tag line "Psychiatry for Abused Toys". On the website, you can play an online game at "The Asylum" and give "treatment" to the toy of your choice. But be prepared for stereotyped crazy behavior, outdated and incorrect diagnostic labels, hallucinogenic drug reactions and the always insulting puppet-sock therapy. Make sure you see the "no-hanging" suicide policy wall sign in the community room. Insensitive. Distasteful. Stigmatizing.

Several blogs have picked up on this story - so you might be hearing about this in mainstream media soon. I'm no stick in the mud. I do enjoy humor. But this stuff needs to stop.

Thoughts?

November 26, 2010

1 Be a Contributor to uselessdesires.co.uk - A Personal Plea from the Creator!

Are you a creative writer? Do you enjoy design? Maybe you write music or perform songs? Maybe you do all of these of these wonderful things? Maybe you don't do any of these, but feel you have something worth sharing?

I'm looking for regular contributors to this site. Once approved, you will be able to publish anything insightful, informative or creative directly to the site. Not everybody wants to run their own website or blog - this gives you the opportunity to post your photography, your written work, your experiences or your music, with minimal effort. Once approved, all you do is send an email from your own account to a special address which will create and publish your content directy online. You can even attach photos, audio files, videos, youtube links and any other type of file or document. I will format your content quickly, ready for web viewing.

Have a look around the site and you'll be able to see the type of things I'm currently posting on my own. It would be great to have a bunch of friends all contributing to the same site, so please join me!

Regular contributors will also get a mini-bio with link to the work they have submitted. You can see the contributors link in the menu above. Get a place in there - it's empty at the moment!

Thanks for reading, and I really hope to hear from you soon...