Jordan

I'm sorry Auld Ramsie, I should know better.

Following your own argument, perhaps you should stop trying to force it out of your anus.

That's just the way of music, one band that you think aren't worth much may be great in someone else's mind. There's no right or wrong.

The thing about local artistes is that each individual person is going to have their own opinions on who is good or not. The development side of things would surely give everyone involved in music the opportunity to use that service.

I don't think it is much to ask that we have both a theater and a cinema. I've not seen JWI's letter yet, but I'll be sure to give it a read. I still don't see how the Garrison in any upgraded form could offer real cinema provision, that is, always open and showing a broad range of films. I also think that Shetland could easily support a proper decent cinema. It doesn't have to be huge, just good. That is a fairly low form of argument. I propose a venue suited to musical performance that could also be used in the provision of other activities, I certainly do not propose a 'tin shed like the SECC', nor a sports hall such as the Clickimin. Whatever you think about the lowness of my argument, I still don't understand what the 'nature' you are referring to is. I used the example of the SECC as it was the first multi purpose venue that sprang to mind. The plans for Mareel indicate that the venue could suit a wide range of performances, not just the musical or cinematic, so in that sense I would argue that it is already multipurpose. Certainly. For starters, when the Garrison first started showing films it could guarantee a good audience. Now the novelty of having such a provision has worn off, audiences are much smaller, one might say they have even leveled off, giving us a good indication of the demand for such a provision in the Isles is. But of course, that is mere speculation. I would say it more to do with the Garrison being uncomfortable and unsuitable as a cinema, and to do with the fact that the few films on offer, at limited periods, just weren't very popular. I don't know how many people were there just for the specticle? Do you? Is it not a bit presumptuous to assume that people paid for tickets just to go and have a look. I'd suggest the opposite. If that comment is a throw away one, then fair enough, but how are your readers to know that all of them are not the same. I have no thoughts as to why you cannot agree with the current proposals. I do however disagree with most of what you say, that is all.

You forget your own argument here: that a resource needs to be fit for purpose. The Garrison is a theatre, not a cinema. It is not open like a cinema, it does not screen a variety of films, at a variety of times, aimed to suit the expectations of a varied audience. Fine enough for the school pupils - but what about everyone else? And how would disclosure checks and access out-with the school calendar be worked into this? Do you mean a tin shed like the SECC? And that nature is? I've already made my argument about the Garrison. Can you give examples of these novelty successes? I can't think of any. The North Star events were unattractive to their intended audience. If more concentration had been given towards brining up acts that were more appealing, and a little more money spent on doing the place up, it may have been different. And where do you get your 'idealism is an indulgence for the young' sound-bite from? With respect, it's complete drivel, unless you can prove it?

I remember somewhere in the local press it said that men out-number women 3/1 in Shetland! I could go on to make lots of silly comments here but...

I'd say it's just for the profits. http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=y7jVnrfoZD8&feature=related

They did this to me too! I eventually got a refund after phoning and being put through to someone on the other side of the world, who got so exasperated at me not understanding him that he just said he'd give me the money back.

Hi, I'm not sure if anyone can help here, but I'm trying to work out where I stand legally if I sample audio from a movie in a recorded song of my own? Any help, links etc would be much appreciated. Jordan

The AHS might initially look sensible from a school pupils perspective, but ultimately fails to take account of everyone else in the community who wants to access music education facilities, go to a concert in a proper venue, and go to the cinema. Would every person wanting to perform/rehearse/record in the AHS have to be disclosure checked first? If so, who would pay for and administer the procedure? Would the school be open after 5pm and in the holidays? If so, who would be checking that the facilities were being used properly? Who would be paid to do this? Who would pay for the cost of the use of school utilities like electricity? How would they work this out? School planned events would also clash with potential concerts, film showings etc. The Garrison, NAFC, New Museum and Archives, etc: these are not cinemas. They are lecture halls and are only available at limited times. They simply cannot offer the same service a decent cinema does. Using the new AHS as an alternative is a half baked idea at best. If it did come to be, the state of things would be no different from what they are now.

Economic determinism is no way to address how Shetland provides for and develops its culture. Why when it comes to the arts do all the cynics emerge? I doubt that all of Shetland's sporting and recreation facilities are profitable. For example, we have dozens of leisure centres dotted around the isles, managed by the massive SRT. Don’t you people think that these cost a fortune to run? A fortune that I’m sure is not accounted for in till sales. The Council also spends lots of money on a Sport’s Development service, employing people to do such things as organise islands games teams and football matches, etc. Now, I think this is all good, but the same must be applied to the arts and culture in Shetland. Shetland Arts is a minuscule agency in comparison to the SRT. It deserves to be recognised for the crucial role it has in the whole of the Shetland community and for its future vitality. I don’t want to see my home become a tourist town come retirement home, which I fear is the way it will go if Councillors like Mr Duncan get their way. When I have children I want to be able to take them to the cinema, be able to learn in the music facility, access workshops, learn to appreciate art etc. I also want to go to concerts and go to the cinema myself..This is not much to ask, and without these and other cultural facilities, I think it very likely that many people will simply leave Shetland for a better life elsewhere.

Have you heard the sound in the Marts? It's even worse than the Clickimin. Move reverb than playing a Phil Spector record in a dustbin. Both also have no soul. A music venue needs to be fit for purpose, and at the moment there is nothing in Shetland that even comes close.

When I was in my early teens I blew my hand up with a firework. Taught me never to mess with them again. The nurse at A&E gave me a right stonesing too. I recovered eventually tho!

I've found myself doing the same a few times recently too. It's an amazing archive. What's your favorite?

The SNP are charlatans. This RET pilot is act of pure self interest to ensure similar voting from the North West at the next election. My main issue is with what they said about clearing student debt? What happened there? I remember their candidate for Shetland clearly saying to me 'Yes, if we get elected we will write-off Scotland's student debt.' They really should have included a clause in their manifesto along the lines of... 'if we only get a minority administration then these pledges aren't worth the paper they are written on'.

With full respect to the artists involved, I’ve got to agree with the SIBC supporters here. I know many folk who send 100’s of CD’s to labels/promoters/stations and to get a reply is rare. If you do get a response and some feedback then be thankful, even if you don’t agree with what they say. I’ve been derided plenty of times with two word profanities, which sucks a lot more that getting an honest critical response – however negative that may be. I also question why the band manager sent this type of music to SIBC in the first place? It says on their website what kind of music they play and if you listen you also get a fair idea. I’m not being cheeky here, but before sending out CD’s you need to know your market, otherwise it’s a total waste.

They've converted me for sure. I've always gone for free-range eggs in the past, but still bought the cheap chicken. Now I haven't eaten chicken for a week or two and I don't miss it much. When I do I'll buy a free-range one, not organic though as I think they are still to expensive. However, I do worry for the moral pressure being put on low income families who can't afford to buy the good chickens. I also have concerns about how many of the products I buy may contain battery eggs as ingredients.

a new one i learned recently brigdi/bregdi = basking shark

Merran Moad's Steps are those that go down to Harbour Cafe, beside Clive's Record Shop. Does anyone know who Merran Moad was and when she lived? What she did etc...?

From Nivana's MTV Unplugged performance alone I'd vote them. I don't think the Foo Fighters (nor many others) could top that.

The Cribs.

( ** MOD EDIT ** That is wrong. Check out Shetlink's T&C's) Is this wrong? Or is it just funny?

This is wonderful news, not just for Brian but for all involved in music in Shetland! Well done dude.