Author Archives: platinumal

A Letter to the New York Post

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Some of you have heard the story before, for which I apologise.  For those that haven’t, the details are below.  Strange, the twists and turns we experience.

The email below was written some years ago, after the events of 9/11.  You’ll understand why I wrote it, I hope.  As far as I know, this letter has never been printed.  If you’d like to share it, please feel free to do so.  It may eventually find it’s way to it’s intended recipient.

With continued respect and affection for New City and the people who live there.

From:XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

To: <letters@nypost.com>

Sent: 24 August 2004 21.18

Subject: IMPORTANT: Message from UK

Hi,

I live in North Wales, in the United Kingdom.  I am writing to you in the hope that you could perhaps print a message to a citizen of New York city in your newspaper.

In September 2001 I was staying with relatives in the Washington DC area, on vacation, and decided to take a trip on the Greyhound bus to New York.  I had always wanted to visit the city having seen it on television and read about it over the years.  So two friends and myself decided to make the trip.

When we arrived we explored, and that evening went out to eat and see some more sights.  Around 10.30pm we left the Broomhill bar (I think in Little Italy?) with the intention of going across the river on the Staten Island ferry.  The taxi driver who drove us was a great character, friendly and a real New Yorker.  He asked us what our plans were, to which we replied, “We’re going to go up the Empire State Building tomorrow.”

The driver pointed out the window, and gave us some honest advice: “See that building there?” he asked.  We nodded.  “That’s the Twin Towers.  Go there tomorrow morning; it’s free, you don’t have to wait, and it’s higher up so you get a better view.”  We thanked him and said we’d take his advice.

The next day, as you can probably guess, was September 11th.

My companions and I never made it to the top of the towers (we stayed out late and didn’t get up that morning early enough).  We were lucky, as the horror that unfolded that day proved.

I just want to let that taxi driver know – we didn’t go to the Towers that morning.  Just in case he is tortured by the advice he gave us.  I don’t know the taxi drivers name, just that he drove a yellow cab and was a native New Yorker (his father, he told us, had worked on the Staten Island ferry).  I hope that you can print this letter in the hope that he may read it, so his mind may be eased if this has troubled him.  Because if he has been troubled, he need not worry anymore.  I’m sorry this letter hasn’t been written sooner.

With fondest regards to the people and city of New York,

Alun Jones

Wales

UK

(Email address removed for privacy)

Drink of the Week

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I refuse to accept the summer is over.  With some warm weather over the last few days, it’s been quite easy to pretend that summer will go on.  Here’s a drink that’s great for warm evenings, with a melon taste that oozes mellow.  

Midori & leomonade

Midori & lemonade

And what a fantastic colour!

Come on over to the Virtual Hot Tub, take a dip in the virtual water and don’t forget to pick up one of these drinks from the Virtual Tiki Bar.

Midori & Lemonade

  • Midori
  • Lemonade
  • Ice

I don’t really need to tell you how to make this, do I?  Take your glass, add midori, ice and top up with lemonade.  Enjoy.

Soundtrack: “Green Hell” by The Misfits.

Rewind Festival

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Rewind – The 80’s Festival

16th – 18th August 2013

It’s a stag do, and as such promises a weekend of laughter and mirth.  Though some readers may be wondering what I was doing at a festival featuring pop bands from the 1980’s, there was actually quite a lot of music to savour.  Plus the banter was to be unmissable.  Besides, I’ve never been to Download or Castle Donington or whatever it is and it’s probably too late for me now.  Rewind festival is go!

The first day is drive down, queue for two hours to get into the festival (at least we had beers) and then put the tents up.  In the evening there’s a chance to explore the festival village, catch some live music and eat.  And drink more ale.  We drank quite a lot of beer and/or cider and got into the spirit quite nicely.  The mood in the festival village was uplifting, everyone excited for the fun ahead.

One of the main acts I actually wanted to see over the weekend was Doctor & the Medics (don’t ask, I loved “Spirit in the Sky” years ago).  Unfortunately a lack of information meant that I turned up for the last thirty seconds of that penultimate song, not something I was happy about.  They did AC/DC’s “Whole Lotta Rosie” for an encore which kind of eased the pain.  A teensy bit.

Blind drunk and weeping at having missed Doctor & the Medics, it was then time to sit around our tents till ridiculous o’clock and drink even more.  I have to say that despite my inebriated state, I contributed many intellectual musings to the conversation, elevating my status as a raconteur and thinker by some degree.

Saturday’s music begins with the Sugarhill Gang, not an obvious choice for an 80’s festival but one I was looking forward to.  Hip hop gained international exposure in the 80’s so this was a different, yet very apt act.  Their set includes a run through of hip hop classics (some not their own) that gets the party started in good style.  It’s a raucous start to the day – if Sugarhill Gang are the openers, then we’re in for a treat.

The Blow Monkeys are next – and they do indeed blow the good vibe set by their predecessors.  Insipid eighties pop of the worst kind, their music is forgettable – and should be forgotten.  They leave with a petulant comment about Chesney Hawkes.  At least he had one good song, Blow Monkeys – you have none.

Steve Harley & Cockney Rebel‘s set is peppered with irony – or is it just bad luck?  We get the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” despite the looming rain clouds.  And a song that Steve promises audiences sing along to all over the world – that no-one’s ever heard.  Still, “Mr Soft” and the glorious “Make Me Smile (Come Up and See Me)” offer more highlights.  Let’s just forget that Harley is a 1970’s act.

For some bizarre reason, Billy Ocean is on in the late afternoon.  He could’ve headlined the night.  Hit after hit, performed perfectly with a voice that sounds fresh and energetic.  Billy knows his craft and leads the audience through sing-a-longs one after the other.  It’s amazing how much quality material he has.  As one of my festival buddies commented, previously I would’ve worn a Billy Ocean t-shirt with a hint of irony – now I’d wear one with pride.  Awesome.

Then it was time to go back to the tent for a few cheap cans of lager, which meant that I missed Then Jericho (“A trainwreck” was how one pal described it).  No loss there.  Expensive festival booze encouraged us to enjoy more of our beer stash so I also missed Chesney Hawkes, though we could hear THAT song at the tent – and it was great.

Flying Pickets were also unfortunately ignored, unlike Ches I couldn’t hear them at all.  On the walk back to the festival arena I heard the Journey bloke singing the one good song in their repertoire.

It should be said that the atmosphere at Rewind was great.  The fun of it all was most obviously demonstrated by the fancy dress outfits that were worn by brave festival goers.  Some of my favourites were security guards with Hannibal Lecter (Lecter was a puppet); aliens from “V”; He-Man and the Honey Monster.

Back in the thick of it, and it was time for Heaven 17.  I’ve seen them before and knew they could do a solid job.  Amazing to think that I’ve now seen Heaven 17 more than I’ve seen Metallica.  Great 80’s pop that is, essentially, anthemic dance music.  “Temptation” is another obvious highlight of the day.

Nik Kershaw was my cue to go get some food.  But before I left, I checked out a few of Nik’s songs.  He looks like a healthier Charles Bukowski and delivers a set that is actually really good, loaded with more hits than I remembered.  Great stuff – made me regret leaving early to get a burrito.

Happily fed and with a new bottle of beer, it’s off to see Kim Wilde.  WOW.  Again, I’m surprised just how many great songs Kim has.  I thought she would be good, but Kim really impresses.  What’s more, she’s gorgeous – all twelve of our stag do party falling in love with her.  “Kids in America” is a delight in a set of real gems.

Finally we have the B-52s, a band I actually consider myself quite a fan of.  At least, I know most of their songs tonight.  Starting with “Planet Claire” we are off to the strange sci-fi New Wave world of the B-52s, with a mid set appearance for (my favourite) “Roam”.  Awesome vocals from Kate Pierson and Cindy Wilson lift this and many other songs, till we reach our destination with “Love Shack” and finally “Rock Lobster”.  There’s even some dude head to toe in a foam rubber lobster outfit down the front.  Crazy.

That’s it.  We hang around and enjoy the festival atmos, watching Camp Cooks (hilarious) and the rodeo bull ride (er…).  Then it’s back to the campsite for another night’s chatting utter comedy gold around the tents.  A great days entertainment, the only odd thing about the Saturday line up is the running order.  Billy Ocean should’ve been top of the bill, with Kim Wilde and the B-52s on before him.

That was to be the end of my Rewind adventure, as due to family commitments I had to return home the next morning (thanks for lift, Adam) and miss all the Sunday fun.  Which meant that I missed Go West, the Pointer Sisters, ABC and Belinda Carlisle…

Perhaps not seeing Belinda Carlisle isn’t the disaster it first appeared to be.  Can you imagine the consequences of Belinda and myself actually being in the same place at the same time?  And the obvious chemistry that would’ve brought us together?  No, better to leave it without our meeting.  There are families involved, there are children to consider.  It would have been a catastrophe in the making.

http://www.rewindfestival.com/

Questions #5: Sandwich Fillings

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We’re getting peckish once again at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub.  Time for a snack.  How about a sandwich, filled with whatever you like?

Here’s the proposition.  The Virtual Hot Tub snack bar will create any sandwich you like, with up to three fillings.  You can have whatever bread you want, and as much salad as you can cram in there – a bit like Subway.

Except grated carrot.  Why would anyone want carrot on a sandwich???

Anyway, just pick three items to fill your sandwich with.  The Virtual Hot Tub sandwich makers will put it together for you, whatever you like.

Q: Which three items would you pick for your ideal sandwich filler?

Jayne

  1. Chicken
  2. Bacon
  3. Cheese

Jack

  1. Pepperoni
  2. Cheese
  3. Bacon

Si

  1. Meatballs
  2. Onion
  3. Cheese

Terry

  1. Ham
  2. Cheese
  3. Bacon

Dan

  1. Chicken
  2. Bacon
  3. Cheese

Ash

  1. Sausage
  2. Bacon
  3. Cheese

Joe

  1. Beef
  2. Ham
  3. Cheese

Natasha

  1. Cottage pie
  2. Sausage & mash

Stu

  1. Sausage
  2. Fried egg
  3. Hash brown

Ben

  1. Chicken tikka
  2. Glastonbury mature cheddar cheese
  3. Nachos

Jon

  1. Smoked salmon
  2. Cream cheese & chive
  3. Rocket lettuce

Mike

  1. Turkey
  2. Cranberry
  3. Stuffing

Sam

  1. Fishfinger sandwich

Me

  1. Chorizo
  2. Cheese
  3. Chicken

There you go.  What three would you choose?  Please leave a reply below and let us know.

Random Bike Ride Playlist #6

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This was a fun one.  Lots of uphill.  Going fast downhill.  Got chased by a dog.  13.36 miles, iPod on shuffle:

  1. The Misfits – “Crimson Ghost”
  2. Muse – “Screenager”
  3. Dio – “Straight Through the Heart (Live)”
  4. Jimi Hendrix Experience – “Foxy Lady”
  5. Angel Witch – “Dr. Phibes”
  6. Johnny Cash – “Cocaine Blues”
  7. Los Olvidados – “Going Down”
  8. Soundgarden – “Somewhere”
  9. Devo – “Girl U Want”
  10. Dio – “Mystery”
  11. Matt Monro – “Hey”
  12. Dusty Springfield – “I’m Coming Home Again”
  13. The Cult – “The Witch”
  14. Howlin’ Wolf – “Sittin’ On Top of the World”
  15. Mudhoney – “In the Winner’s Circle”
  16. Melvins – “Missing”
  17. Rocket From The Crypt – “Poison Eye”
  18. Weezer – “Troublemaker”
  19. Bob Dylan – “Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat”
  20. Sham 69 – “They Don’t Understand (Live at the BBC)”
  21. Van Halen – “Mean Street”
  22. John Lee Hooker – “I’m Going Upstairs”
  23. Hard-Ons – “Breakfast Caramel”
  24. Stereophonics – “Check My Eyelids for Holes”
  25. Black Flag – “Annihilate This Week”
  26. Mudhoney – “Magnolia Caboose Babyshit”
  27. Lit – “Lovely Day”
  28. Rob Zombie – “Return of the Phantom Stranger (Tuesday Night at the Chop Shop Mix)”
  29. SNFU – “Bobbitt”

Double Melvins, double Mudhoney, double Dio!

Tat Trek Update #3: Elvis Beach Towel

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It’s been a while since I last updated the Virtual Hot Tub.  And a while longer since we had a Tat Update.  This one’s a stormer.

Item: “Elvisly Yours” Beach Towel

IMG_2374

Elvis beach towel on location

Description: a standard beach towel bearing the image of the King himself, Elvis Presley – in the full on white jumpsuit.

Cost = approx £5.

Bought at: Rhyl, of course.

Reason for buying: I wanted a beach towel, and this one’s got Elvis on it.

In the temple of tat, there are two kings: the big Mr J Christ and our other good buddy, the one and only King of Rock’n’Roll – Elvis Presley.  Any item with the image of Elvis on automatically attains cool status, as far as I’m concerned.

This piece is both fun and functional – I used it on my recent summer holiday to Greece.  And yes, I am a fan of the King (though I prefer Johnny Cash if I had to choose).  I just can’t help believin’ that this is a great item for the Tat collection.

What do you think of this item? Don’t be cruel – leave a comment and let me know!

Questions #4: Wrestler Intro Music

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You’re a famous WWF wrestler.  Tonight is a big match as you face your greatest nemesis.  The crowds roar and the lights blaze.  Dry ice clouds the air.

Back stage you are almost ready to go on – to take the long walk down to the ring.  But what would your intro song of choice be?

Here are the answers I got to that question:

Q: If you were a wrestler, what would your intro song be?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

El Taco Grande

Alix: “Gabriel’s Oboe” – Ennio Morricone

Joe: “Enter Sandman” – Metallica

Mike: “Crawling in the Dark” – Hoobastank

Wolfie: “Sail” – Awolnation

Terry: “Here I Go Again” – Whitesnake

Jamie: “Walk This Way” – Aerosmith

Gareth: “Song 2” – Blur

Sam: “Danger Zone” – Kenny Loggins

Ben: “Jungle Boogie” – Kool and the Gang

Jon: “Don’t You Want Me” – Human League

Me: “Highway to Hell” – AC/DC

We’ll leave discussions about names, outfits and signature moves for another time…

 

Random Bike Ride Playlist #5

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A mission up the river.  No chopper cover.  Just the mission, the river, the bike and me.  This was my soundtrack.

Again some interesting choices from Ipodicus, covering several different genres.  I particularly enjoyed the Finale from Return of the Jedi – nearly brought a tear to my eye!

If you’re not a fan of these random lists, click away now – this is the longest yet.  22.5 miles.

  1. Free Beer – “We Are Free Beer (We Got the Beer)”
  2. Tom Jones – “Delilah”
  3. Groove Armada – “At the River”
  4. Shania Twain – “From This Moment On”
  5. The Who – “Pictures of Lily”
  6. Pantera – “Walk”
  7. Cypress Hill – “Hits from the Bong”
  8. System of a Down – “Aerials”
  9. John Williams – “Victory Celebration/End Title” (from Return of the Jedi!)
  10. Steve Jones – “Leave Your Shoes On”
  11. Eminem – “Under the Influence”
  12. Fun Lovin’ Criminals – “Friday Night”
  13. Imelda May – “Tainted Love”
  14. Fishbone – “Those Days Are Gone”
  15. Ramones – “Have You Ever Seen the Rain”
  16. Dusty Springfield – “Some of Your Lovin'”
  17. Hayseed Dixie – “Whole Lotta Rosie”
  18. Suicidal Tendencies – “Pledge Your Allegiance”
  19. Beach Boys – “Let Him Run Wild”
  20. Orange Goblin – “Hot Magic, Red Planet”
  21. Ramones – “Wart Hog”
  22. Toto – “Africa”
  23. Ween – “Happy Colored Marbles”
  24. L7 – “Me, Myself and I”
  25. The Yardbirds – “For Your Love”
  26. Tom Waits – “Jersey Girl”
  27. Motorhead – “Crazy Like a Fox”
  28. Beck – “Derelict”
  29. Fishbone – “Sunless Saturday”
  30. Sound of Guns – “Antarctica”
  31. Joe Walsh – “Time Out”
  32. Danzig – “Black Acid Devil”
  33. Manic Street Preachers – “Nat West – Barclays – Midlands – Lloyds”

Cheeky Vimto

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It’s time for a tipple at Platinum Al’s Virtual Hot Tub.  This one’s an old classic – I’m sure you’ve tried it, if not – enjoy!

Cheeky Vimto

  • 1 measure ruby port
  • Blue WKD
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Cheeky Vimto

Really simple to make: pour one measure of port into a large tumbler.  Top up with WKD of the blue variety.

You will create a drink that looks, smells and tastes just like a fizzy Vimto – but with a hidden punch.

Play around with the amount of WKD you add – but the colour should be a dark purple, not translucent at all.

It’s been a long while since I was introduced to the Cheeky Vimto, and it became a favourite for a while.  It was the Vodka/Redbull of it’s day.  I have fond memories of introducing this drink to several weary travellers when we got home from Amsterdam on Baz Coppack’s stag do.

Well worth re-discovering.

Soundtrack: Stereophonics

By the way, I say “W-K-D” (the initials) not “Wicked”.  I hate the word “wicked” when used in that way.  You do not sound cool if you say, “Hey, that’s wicked!”.  You sound like a pretend cockney who thinks they’re a “geezer”.

Say “rad” or “killer” instead and avoid looking like a chimp.