To get up to date with the Australian government's plan to break the internet, have a read through this blog. I'm not sure if it's making the main news in Australia, but the government has gone ahead with a trial of its censorship scheme. This is scary. You're here right now reading this, so I figure you probably like the internet. Try not to let them break it.
If you are getting sick of me plugging this crusade, let me know and I'll think of you when I post about it next.
Also, since I am in crusade mode, I receieved an email from Mr Josh:
"Hi everyone,
I'm not the type of person that usually writes group emails ranting about politics and how the world is screwed, but this time I feel particularly moved.
If you have time, please go to www.anam.com.au and sign the petition! ANAM (the Australian National Academy of Music) is the only specialist music school for classical performers, and the only music institute in Australia that has a reputation internationally. Unfortunatley, Peter Garrett, the Minister for the Arts has decided to cancel all funding for the academy and close it down at the end of the year.
This year, all 3 finalists of the Australian Young Performers Awards were from the academy. Many of the Symphony Orchestras around Australia are filled with past students of the Academy. If Australia loses an institution like this, music in Australia will severly suffer.
Please take the time to sign the petition.
thanks, josh."
I don't know much about ANAM. You could look into it. And sign the petition although, really, internet petitions don't carry a lot of weight - email is easy and slightly more effective and old-stylee paper-type letters (like bills) are the best.
Go world! Yeah! Crusade! Change!
(Hey Josh, hope that was ok to put on here. Abuse me if not.)
Read my other post too.
Bye bye.
Tuesday, November 25, 2008
Update # Whatever.
Hello.
Since we last spoke, I have been as sick as a proverbial dog. Literally.
That is, I was as sick as a dog that's been made up for the sake of example (or moral lesson or whatever. Don't attack me on this, it's a joke. Shut up. Sam.) and then written down. YEAH!
This leads me to speculate here on the direction of causality between emotions and physical states - did I get sick and feel like crap because I was grumpy, or the other way around?
Ooh. How's that for pseudo-intellectual?
I propose to you that our physical reactions to things happen a lot earlier than our rationality or 'known emotions' are aware. For awesome example, if we are getting sick, we view things more negatively, react more adversely to things, get annoyed with less provocation, etc., before we even are aware that we're sick. Consequently, this idea suggests that all our emotions, thoughts, feelings, interpretations and such jazz are all dependent on our physical state, not our 'controlled rationality'. You are not in control. Take THAT you people who think otherwise! Materialism and determinism Rulez.
What do you think? Bring it, sister (I mean the proverbial sister, not just my one).
So, on Saturday, after my last post, I recorded some stuff for my NEW song (available over on the right - Manowar go to Ghana. It's a joke people. Enjoy it. Listen to it with headphones if there are people who don't like naughty words or bad music around. You've been warned. But, really, I like Manowar, so they shouldn't sue me.) and then crashed mightily. Apart from the not having water and all that business, I just felt like crap - I had barely eaten anything on Friday, didn't eat all day Saturday and had a handful of rice on Sunday. This is unlike me. I spent all day Sunday on a mattress on the balcony drifting in and out of consciousness (sounds much better than 'sleep', doesn't it?). Wah wah wah.
Whatever, I feel ok now. I figure I just got some small bug (there were runny poos involved) and it wiped me out because I was already knackered. I'm still a little bit wussy - Theofo and I did some drumming today and it was pretty hard going. It is hot as hell though. The last half a week has stepped the heat up a notch - that doesn't help.
Anyway. Got any stories?
Actually, I'll tell you what, I want to try writing a song. Just like other celebrities, I want my fans (you) to prompt me with inspiration for my art which I will then use without giving you recognition and become super rich, famous and awesome. SO, in the comments, if I get more than 7.4 suggestions for song ideas, I will choose one and try to write a song about it.
Not original, but everyone's a winner. I'd like to give it a try - I can't do lyrics, so we'll see how it goes.
Otherwise, Devo Go to Ghana is on the possible to-do list. You've been warned.
I don't want to get too carried away with distractions like this cos I'm busy, but... you know... I just want to try...
In other similar news - the beard is staying... so far... for now...
I think I am well enough to get back on the fried rice tonight.
Ok bye.
Since we last spoke, I have been as sick as a proverbial dog. Literally.
That is, I was as sick as a dog that's been made up for the sake of example (or moral lesson or whatever. Don't attack me on this, it's a joke. Shut up. Sam.) and then written down. YEAH!
This leads me to speculate here on the direction of causality between emotions and physical states - did I get sick and feel like crap because I was grumpy, or the other way around?
Ooh. How's that for pseudo-intellectual?
I propose to you that our physical reactions to things happen a lot earlier than our rationality or 'known emotions' are aware. For awesome example, if we are getting sick, we view things more negatively, react more adversely to things, get annoyed with less provocation, etc., before we even are aware that we're sick. Consequently, this idea suggests that all our emotions, thoughts, feelings, interpretations and such jazz are all dependent on our physical state, not our 'controlled rationality'. You are not in control. Take THAT you people who think otherwise! Materialism and determinism Rulez.
What do you think? Bring it, sister (I mean the proverbial sister, not just my one).
So, on Saturday, after my last post, I recorded some stuff for my NEW song (available over on the right - Manowar go to Ghana. It's a joke people. Enjoy it. Listen to it with headphones if there are people who don't like naughty words or bad music around. You've been warned. But, really, I like Manowar, so they shouldn't sue me.) and then crashed mightily. Apart from the not having water and all that business, I just felt like crap - I had barely eaten anything on Friday, didn't eat all day Saturday and had a handful of rice on Sunday. This is unlike me. I spent all day Sunday on a mattress on the balcony drifting in and out of consciousness (sounds much better than 'sleep', doesn't it?). Wah wah wah.
Whatever, I feel ok now. I figure I just got some small bug (there were runny poos involved) and it wiped me out because I was already knackered. I'm still a little bit wussy - Theofo and I did some drumming today and it was pretty hard going. It is hot as hell though. The last half a week has stepped the heat up a notch - that doesn't help.
Anyway. Got any stories?
Actually, I'll tell you what, I want to try writing a song. Just like other celebrities, I want my fans (you) to prompt me with inspiration for my art which I will then use without giving you recognition and become super rich, famous and awesome. SO, in the comments, if I get more than 7.4 suggestions for song ideas, I will choose one and try to write a song about it.
Not original, but everyone's a winner. I'd like to give it a try - I can't do lyrics, so we'll see how it goes.
Otherwise, Devo Go to Ghana is on the possible to-do list. You've been warned.
I don't want to get too carried away with distractions like this cos I'm busy, but... you know... I just want to try...
In other similar news - the beard is staying... so far... for now...
I think I am well enough to get back on the fried rice tonight.
Ok bye.
Saturday, November 22, 2008
Sooky today.
And here's the next installment of the multi-part epic, Dudes in Ghana want money from Jacob:
Joseph, of course, came back that night looking for some warm, floppy cash. I hadn't had a chance to get to the bank that day so called Tettey to see if he would be able to drive me to a bank when he got back (from wherever he was, whenever that happened to be). He said that should be ok, so I waited awkwardly with Joseph for a couple of hours. It wasn't awkward in that there was nothing to say, Joseph is a lovely guy and talked a lot - it was more awkward because he was only waiting and talking because he wanted money. And I had things to do.
Anyway, we waited until Tettey got back and decided that he was tired (admittedly, it was late. That is, we'd been waiting for hours) and we'd go to the bank in the morning instead. In accordance with my suspicions of Joseph's unusual friendliness, upon hearing that there was no money tonight, Joseph disappeared with a hasty farewell.
The next morning, we got the money and Joseph came later to scam it from me. I now have his passport as a deposit. As Sam has suggested, he'll probably just come up to me when he gets back without the money to pay back and declare that he needs his passport back. I will have to be strong. Either way, if that happens, I figure I'll have good reason to not give him any more money. Alternatively, if he does bring it back, all will be ok. Poverty and desperation are awesome.
On the lesson front, things went ok for the remainder of the week. On Wednesday I had a 7.30 lesson with Theofo, going over and consolidating some of the stuff that I had been learning, then a lesson at 11 or so with Otu (Kusun don't rehearse on Wednesdays). With Otu I learned a basic outline of the Kolomashie rhythm, which is what people play when doing street parades or running at ungodly times in the morning past my window - sort of like brazilian samba rhythms. Sort of.
After this lesson, Theofo came at 2.00 or so and we went into Accra to go the fetish market. In between my lesson with Otu and going into town with Theofo, I visited Tettey's friend Don, a secretary to Atta Mills, the NDC presidential candidate. I asked him about the possibility of getting an NDC T-shirt, after which one appeared in his hand. This meant that I wore the shirt on my trip into Accra.
An interesting idea.
Basically, the whole way into, through and back from Accra, I had Ghanaians yelling out to me, laughing, coming up and shaking my hand, initiating call-and-response NDC slogans and all sorts of shenanigans. I seriously couldn't walk 2 metres without at least hearing someone call out "Blofonyo NDC-ay!". Talk about attention seeking.
Theofo thought it was piss funny. For him, maybe.
Despite the constant distractions, we did manage to get to the fetish market where I was once again tempted by dried crocodile heads. What we were there for however, were some calabashes and seeds to make shakers. This was fine. End of that story.
The remainder of that night and the next morning I was trying to sort out my enrolment for Melbourne Uni next year. Talk about balls (and not the good kind). Basically, I'm not able to enrol in the subjects I want to enrol in because the computer says I can't. I even called Melbourne Uni and was told that it just 'wouldn't work, sorry'. The frustrating thing is that if I was able to walk in there and sort it out, it wouldn't be a problem - it makes no sense that I, enrolled in Arts/Science, am unable to take subjects that an Arts student can take. Basically, in this case, the Melbourne Model is bad. Maybe I will walk in a parade.
For the rest of Thursday, after spending the morning stuffing around with Melbourne Uni, I went to Theofo's and he started putting together the shakers. It's a multiple-step process however - right now the calabashes are sitting outside his house with soapy water in them, soaking.
On Friday, Theofo was feeling sick so I didn't have any lessons with him. Additionally, my phone is out of credit (courtesy of calls to Australia the day before) and I was too poor to buy more, so I didn't call any other guys an arrange lessons. Instead, I spent the day doing private practice - going over a couple of things that I have learned and also just trying to work on technique. It went ok.
Friday night I went in to the National Theatre to a show celebrating the British Council's 65 years in Ghana. I was not in the mood to go out, but really wanted to see the Pan African Orchestra play. They were there and were great - I have wanted to see them live ever since I heard their CD
years ago. There were also some other performers (the London community gospel choir for one - seriously, what's with gospel music?), but I don't care to talk about them right now.
Instead I would like to whinge about my current situation. If you will recall that my last post lamented our lack of water for the last week or so, you will surely understand my frustration upon awaking today to find that the water is, again, not flowing from the mains. As such, I have not washed, eaten, flushed my toilet or gotten dressed today. I am not planning to leave my room until water flows. I could be here for a while. I also am running out of clean clothes.
As a special bonus for you all, I have, in the spirit of Movember (towards which you should donate, despite my lack of updates... one is coming though.. just... here!), grown an 'I'm not shaving until the freaking water is flowing again because it's too hard and I am a wussy' beard. I see this as a Movember/Ghana/Jacob bonus for you and expect due appreciation. Photos are below (sorry to Eve on dial-up):
In conclusion, you only have a week to donate to my Movember fund, but don't feel too pressured - you would be better off giving it to me. Well, I would be better off if you gave it to me. I think the beard is here to stay for today at least. I know the poll has finished, I just have nothing interesting to do with it. What I mean is that I have a surprise up my sleeve but I want to keep it a surprise. For the present, just in case you, after seeing these photos of my manly beardness, have fallen in infatuation and think that I should remain bearded for a time, even if we get water, I have put up a short, new poll.
So, if anyone wants to email me a shower, feel free. Also comment if you have any ideas I should know about for stuff.
Ok bye.
Joseph, of course, came back that night looking for some warm, floppy cash. I hadn't had a chance to get to the bank that day so called Tettey to see if he would be able to drive me to a bank when he got back (from wherever he was, whenever that happened to be). He said that should be ok, so I waited awkwardly with Joseph for a couple of hours. It wasn't awkward in that there was nothing to say, Joseph is a lovely guy and talked a lot - it was more awkward because he was only waiting and talking because he wanted money. And I had things to do.
Anyway, we waited until Tettey got back and decided that he was tired (admittedly, it was late. That is, we'd been waiting for hours) and we'd go to the bank in the morning instead. In accordance with my suspicions of Joseph's unusual friendliness, upon hearing that there was no money tonight, Joseph disappeared with a hasty farewell.
The next morning, we got the money and Joseph came later to scam it from me. I now have his passport as a deposit. As Sam has suggested, he'll probably just come up to me when he gets back without the money to pay back and declare that he needs his passport back. I will have to be strong. Either way, if that happens, I figure I'll have good reason to not give him any more money. Alternatively, if he does bring it back, all will be ok. Poverty and desperation are awesome.
On the lesson front, things went ok for the remainder of the week. On Wednesday I had a 7.30 lesson with Theofo, going over and consolidating some of the stuff that I had been learning, then a lesson at 11 or so with Otu (Kusun don't rehearse on Wednesdays). With Otu I learned a basic outline of the Kolomashie rhythm, which is what people play when doing street parades or running at ungodly times in the morning past my window - sort of like brazilian samba rhythms. Sort of.
After this lesson, Theofo came at 2.00 or so and we went into Accra to go the fetish market. In between my lesson with Otu and going into town with Theofo, I visited Tettey's friend Don, a secretary to Atta Mills, the NDC presidential candidate. I asked him about the possibility of getting an NDC T-shirt, after which one appeared in his hand. This meant that I wore the shirt on my trip into Accra.
An interesting idea.
Basically, the whole way into, through and back from Accra, I had Ghanaians yelling out to me, laughing, coming up and shaking my hand, initiating call-and-response NDC slogans and all sorts of shenanigans. I seriously couldn't walk 2 metres without at least hearing someone call out "Blofonyo NDC-ay!". Talk about attention seeking.
Theofo thought it was piss funny. For him, maybe.
Despite the constant distractions, we did manage to get to the fetish market where I was once again tempted by dried crocodile heads. What we were there for however, were some calabashes and seeds to make shakers. This was fine. End of that story.
The remainder of that night and the next morning I was trying to sort out my enrolment for Melbourne Uni next year. Talk about balls (and not the good kind). Basically, I'm not able to enrol in the subjects I want to enrol in because the computer says I can't. I even called Melbourne Uni and was told that it just 'wouldn't work, sorry'. The frustrating thing is that if I was able to walk in there and sort it out, it wouldn't be a problem - it makes no sense that I, enrolled in Arts/Science, am unable to take subjects that an Arts student can take. Basically, in this case, the Melbourne Model is bad. Maybe I will walk in a parade.
For the rest of Thursday, after spending the morning stuffing around with Melbourne Uni, I went to Theofo's and he started putting together the shakers. It's a multiple-step process however - right now the calabashes are sitting outside his house with soapy water in them, soaking.
On Friday, Theofo was feeling sick so I didn't have any lessons with him. Additionally, my phone is out of credit (courtesy of calls to Australia the day before) and I was too poor to buy more, so I didn't call any other guys an arrange lessons. Instead, I spent the day doing private practice - going over a couple of things that I have learned and also just trying to work on technique. It went ok.
Friday night I went in to the National Theatre to a show celebrating the British Council's 65 years in Ghana. I was not in the mood to go out, but really wanted to see the Pan African Orchestra play. They were there and were great - I have wanted to see them live ever since I heard their CD
years ago. There were also some other performers (the London community gospel choir for one - seriously, what's with gospel music?), but I don't care to talk about them right now.
Instead I would like to whinge about my current situation. If you will recall that my last post lamented our lack of water for the last week or so, you will surely understand my frustration upon awaking today to find that the water is, again, not flowing from the mains. As such, I have not washed, eaten, flushed my toilet or gotten dressed today. I am not planning to leave my room until water flows. I could be here for a while. I also am running out of clean clothes.
As a special bonus for you all, I have, in the spirit of Movember (towards which you should donate, despite my lack of updates... one is coming though.. just... here!), grown an 'I'm not shaving until the freaking water is flowing again because it's too hard and I am a wussy' beard. I see this as a Movember/Ghana/Jacob bonus for you and expect due appreciation. Photos are below (sorry to Eve on dial-up):
In conclusion, you only have a week to donate to my Movember fund, but don't feel too pressured - you would be better off giving it to me. Well, I would be better off if you gave it to me. I think the beard is here to stay for today at least. I know the poll has finished, I just have nothing interesting to do with it. What I mean is that I have a surprise up my sleeve but I want to keep it a surprise. For the present, just in case you, after seeing these photos of my manly beardness, have fallen in infatuation and think that I should remain bearded for a time, even if we get water, I have put up a short, new poll.
So, if anyone wants to email me a shower, feel free. Also comment if you have any ideas I should know about for stuff.
Ok bye.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
There's been no power. Shut up.
Hello.
Here's whatup:
Thursday night: I didn't manage to have a lesson with Afotey. It rained again. I was out in the rain again. I got wet again. This time, however, it was just wet and uncomfortable, not cool and relaxing. Bad rain.
Oddly enough, despite the rain (which doesn't get collected), we have had no water since about Thursday. The water flows on the weekends only and is stored in tanks. Inconveniently for me, Ghanaians come and take/steal the water from the tanks which means that we run out. It's not like they're sneaking in though, they're just walking in and no-one says anything. This is balls. Also, the water didn't run this weekend.
On Friday, I did my thing - had a lesson with Theofo at 7.30 and again in the afternoon. I didn't rehearse with Afotey's group as they were doing some thing at a funeral (the one for the guy who was a dancer in their group and died about a month ago). I was told by Tettey that from about 11pm there would be a fetish ceremony nearby that would play all night. It was decided that I would join in. Of course, due to some mismanagement or miscommuniation, the ceremony didn't happen. I had fried rice for dinner.
Saturday, I woke up feeling like crap. About lunchtime, I went to the funeral which was highly interesting. There were so many people there. First we kind of hung around an area where a big marquee had been put up in the street (it was really hot) and saw some groups (Afotey's included) play. This was quite full-on - because all the people playing were friends with the dancer who had died and were dedicating their performances to him (and had written and arranged things especially) there was lots of emotion and crying. Even while playing and dancing some of Afotey's group could barely stand for grief. Full on.
Then, after a couple of hours of hanging around the street, the coffin came and there was a big procession to the graveyard. There would have been about 6 or 7 groups playing music in the procession - all were playing different things, some only 5 metres or so from each other. I didn't have my camera, so bad luck for you.
After the body had been buried, there was a performance with a heap of groups. Kusun and Afotey's groups played. I only saw an hour or so of the performance - Theofo had heard there was a fetish ceremony happening nearby and wanted me to see and play at it. So, I went with him, walked around, met some guys, waited around and then was told that the ceremony had finished a while ago.
So, yeah.
By the time we got back to where the performance was at, they had finished. So I caught a tro-tro back home with a bunch of loud and semi-drunken Ghanaians.
Sunday, was a runny day, in that I went running.
And did a runny poo.
To your great delight, I took a camera with me to the beach. Unfortunately, due to the fact that everybody knew the guy that had died and was at his funeral the day before, they were all too tired/hungover to go running, so the beach was quite quiet. To see the photos, go here. Although it was relatively quiet, there are still enough people in the photos so as to give you a bit of an idea of how it works. I may have to take some more another time.
While stuffing around and taking photos, I have a feeling I agreed to go on a 'walk for peace' kinda thing on some Saturday, to encourage peace surrounding the election on December 7th, regardless of the winning party. I suspect that I will be walking a long way with a lot of Africans. For you, I may take photos.
The rest of Sunday I wasn't feeling too well, so spent the day hanging around and avoiding Africans. The power went off at 6.30 or so. That was bad. It is now 3.00 on Tuesday and it's only just come back on. That is bad too. In similar news, the water didn't flow this weekend, so we now have no water for the next week (apparently the water started flowing late on Sunday, but with the power off we couldn't draw the water into the tanks with the pump. Bad luck, hey).
On Monday, I woke up cranky. I rang Theofo and told him not to worry about the lesson at 7.30. To get water to wash in the morning, I had to find a small boy (anyone under about 23 and the cheapest labour force available) and get them to climb into the water tank to fetch buckets of water to bathe. I wasn't in the mood for learning. Additionally, because the power was out, the fans weren't working. Because the fans weren't working sleeping was difficult - Sunday night was HOT. So, I was grumpy.
Eventually, although still sticky and feeling unclean, I got over it a bit and had a lesson. Then I went to another Fetish ceremony. This was the one that was supposed to happen all night Friday, except it was happening at 3pm on Monday and going until about 6pm. So, Theofo and I went over there at about 3.30 and waited until about 5.30 for it to start. It got dark, I wasn't in the mood.
I had banku, fish and pepper for dinner.
Today, I woke up similarly cranky although didn't cancel my 7.30 lesson. So, I stank, sweated and sulked while Theofo tried to teach me stuff. Afterwards, at about 10.00 I went down to Kusun's rehearsal to organise a lesson in the afternoon with Otu. The plan (as was agreed to by those concerned) was to have a lesson with Otu straight after training and then go into the fetish market in Accra with Theofo to buy some shakers. As a side note, the rehearsals start at 9 - when I got there at 10, they still hadn't started. Apparently a 'witch' had been caught out in the street so some of the guys were running around gossiping and trying to get a view. I attempted some discussion on the validity of this lady being labelled a 'witch' discovering that she was a witch because she used magic to do bad things to people.
I couldn't be bothered following that any further so I went home.
When home, I did a couple of scattered hours of practice. I've been trying to fix up a few technique things and it is taking time. While practicing, the power came back on (after two days). Then, 5 minutes later, it went off again. It wasn't just my room that was darker.
A couple of hours later, thankfully, the power came back. All my things are recharging as I write.
During the afternoon, (just after I started writing this) Joseph showed up wanting to have a meeting. Apparently his wife is going to leave him because he doesn't have money and he has cattle up North (where he's from) so he needs to go up there to sell some cattle and then he'll have money and he doesn't have money now for a bus ticket and here's his passport as a deposit so can I lend him money and he'll give it back when he gets back in a week's time.
Not my problem. Also, I don't actually have any money handy - I have no cash at the moment. But, on the off chance that he will pay it back (I think it's far more likely that he'll just not come for his passport, but at least then the next time he asks for money I have solid grounds for rejecting him. Or so I think), I agreed to lend him the money which I was planning to get at the bank in Accra later that day.
However, despite our arrangement (as outlined above), Otu showed up at about 3.00. After chasing him around and sitting him down, I managed to have a lesson. Just now, I have finished. My plans to go into the fetish market are not going to happen - it's too late now. But, I now need to get some money for Joseph who's coming back later tonight.
So, if you want me, that's where I'll be.
I also haven't eaten all day because I am poor. I am wasting away.
Please excuse this post's lack of structure (unlike all my other, finely crafted pieces) - it has been written over about 2 hours of interruptions and I am cranky and can't be bothered fixing it and the power's been off and shut up.
Bye bye.
By Jacob.
Here's whatup:
Thursday night: I didn't manage to have a lesson with Afotey. It rained again. I was out in the rain again. I got wet again. This time, however, it was just wet and uncomfortable, not cool and relaxing. Bad rain.
Oddly enough, despite the rain (which doesn't get collected), we have had no water since about Thursday. The water flows on the weekends only and is stored in tanks. Inconveniently for me, Ghanaians come and take/steal the water from the tanks which means that we run out. It's not like they're sneaking in though, they're just walking in and no-one says anything. This is balls. Also, the water didn't run this weekend.
On Friday, I did my thing - had a lesson with Theofo at 7.30 and again in the afternoon. I didn't rehearse with Afotey's group as they were doing some thing at a funeral (the one for the guy who was a dancer in their group and died about a month ago). I was told by Tettey that from about 11pm there would be a fetish ceremony nearby that would play all night. It was decided that I would join in. Of course, due to some mismanagement or miscommuniation, the ceremony didn't happen. I had fried rice for dinner.
Saturday, I woke up feeling like crap. About lunchtime, I went to the funeral which was highly interesting. There were so many people there. First we kind of hung around an area where a big marquee had been put up in the street (it was really hot) and saw some groups (Afotey's included) play. This was quite full-on - because all the people playing were friends with the dancer who had died and were dedicating their performances to him (and had written and arranged things especially) there was lots of emotion and crying. Even while playing and dancing some of Afotey's group could barely stand for grief. Full on.
Then, after a couple of hours of hanging around the street, the coffin came and there was a big procession to the graveyard. There would have been about 6 or 7 groups playing music in the procession - all were playing different things, some only 5 metres or so from each other. I didn't have my camera, so bad luck for you.
After the body had been buried, there was a performance with a heap of groups. Kusun and Afotey's groups played. I only saw an hour or so of the performance - Theofo had heard there was a fetish ceremony happening nearby and wanted me to see and play at it. So, I went with him, walked around, met some guys, waited around and then was told that the ceremony had finished a while ago.
So, yeah.
By the time we got back to where the performance was at, they had finished. So I caught a tro-tro back home with a bunch of loud and semi-drunken Ghanaians.
Sunday, was a runny day, in that I went running.
And did a runny poo.
To your great delight, I took a camera with me to the beach. Unfortunately, due to the fact that everybody knew the guy that had died and was at his funeral the day before, they were all too tired/hungover to go running, so the beach was quite quiet. To see the photos, go here. Although it was relatively quiet, there are still enough people in the photos so as to give you a bit of an idea of how it works. I may have to take some more another time.
While stuffing around and taking photos, I have a feeling I agreed to go on a 'walk for peace' kinda thing on some Saturday, to encourage peace surrounding the election on December 7th, regardless of the winning party. I suspect that I will be walking a long way with a lot of Africans. For you, I may take photos.
The rest of Sunday I wasn't feeling too well, so spent the day hanging around and avoiding Africans. The power went off at 6.30 or so. That was bad. It is now 3.00 on Tuesday and it's only just come back on. That is bad too. In similar news, the water didn't flow this weekend, so we now have no water for the next week (apparently the water started flowing late on Sunday, but with the power off we couldn't draw the water into the tanks with the pump. Bad luck, hey).
On Monday, I woke up cranky. I rang Theofo and told him not to worry about the lesson at 7.30. To get water to wash in the morning, I had to find a small boy (anyone under about 23 and the cheapest labour force available) and get them to climb into the water tank to fetch buckets of water to bathe. I wasn't in the mood for learning. Additionally, because the power was out, the fans weren't working. Because the fans weren't working sleeping was difficult - Sunday night was HOT. So, I was grumpy.
Eventually, although still sticky and feeling unclean, I got over it a bit and had a lesson. Then I went to another Fetish ceremony. This was the one that was supposed to happen all night Friday, except it was happening at 3pm on Monday and going until about 6pm. So, Theofo and I went over there at about 3.30 and waited until about 5.30 for it to start. It got dark, I wasn't in the mood.
I had banku, fish and pepper for dinner.
Today, I woke up similarly cranky although didn't cancel my 7.30 lesson. So, I stank, sweated and sulked while Theofo tried to teach me stuff. Afterwards, at about 10.00 I went down to Kusun's rehearsal to organise a lesson in the afternoon with Otu. The plan (as was agreed to by those concerned) was to have a lesson with Otu straight after training and then go into the fetish market in Accra with Theofo to buy some shakers. As a side note, the rehearsals start at 9 - when I got there at 10, they still hadn't started. Apparently a 'witch' had been caught out in the street so some of the guys were running around gossiping and trying to get a view. I attempted some discussion on the validity of this lady being labelled a 'witch' discovering that she was a witch because she used magic to do bad things to people.
I couldn't be bothered following that any further so I went home.
When home, I did a couple of scattered hours of practice. I've been trying to fix up a few technique things and it is taking time. While practicing, the power came back on (after two days). Then, 5 minutes later, it went off again. It wasn't just my room that was darker.
A couple of hours later, thankfully, the power came back. All my things are recharging as I write.
During the afternoon, (just after I started writing this) Joseph showed up wanting to have a meeting. Apparently his wife is going to leave him because he doesn't have money and he has cattle up North (where he's from) so he needs to go up there to sell some cattle and then he'll have money and he doesn't have money now for a bus ticket and here's his passport as a deposit so can I lend him money and he'll give it back when he gets back in a week's time.
Not my problem. Also, I don't actually have any money handy - I have no cash at the moment. But, on the off chance that he will pay it back (I think it's far more likely that he'll just not come for his passport, but at least then the next time he asks for money I have solid grounds for rejecting him. Or so I think), I agreed to lend him the money which I was planning to get at the bank in Accra later that day.
However, despite our arrangement (as outlined above), Otu showed up at about 3.00. After chasing him around and sitting him down, I managed to have a lesson. Just now, I have finished. My plans to go into the fetish market are not going to happen - it's too late now. But, I now need to get some money for Joseph who's coming back later tonight.
So, if you want me, that's where I'll be.
I also haven't eaten all day because I am poor. I am wasting away.
Please excuse this post's lack of structure (unlike all my other, finely crafted pieces) - it has been written over about 2 hours of interruptions and I am cranky and can't be bothered fixing it and the power's been off and shut up.
Bye bye.
By Jacob.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
The Last Couple of Days. By Jacob.
Since Monday, this week has picked up. I've been busy as a bear (non-hibernating and non-koala, which isn't a bear anyway).
Tuesday I had a lesson at 7.30 with Theofo then spent some time going over the lesson and practicing while he was at rehearsal. Then, some hours later, he came back and we had another lesson, which I had to go over. Then I had a lesson with Afotey. I think for dinner I had fried rice.
So, this day was significantly more successful than the previous.
On Wednesday, Kusun don't rehearse, so I asked Theofo to come at 9 rather than 7.30. Apart from being lazy, this was because I hadn't had a chance to go over (involving transferring the video from the DV tape to the computer, writing down all the new material and practicing) Afotey's lesson from the day before. As such, I did this before my lesson at 9. Then I had my lesson, then we got some wakye (pron. Wah-che) for breakfast/lunch. Again, Theofo went off for a while then came back for another lesson after I'd been through the stuff. Then I went to Afotey's group's rehearsal. To mix it up, I had an egg in bread for dinner. And went to the Coming spot for a Malta. Malta is not something I ever need to drink again, I've decided.
Today, I blew off the early lesson - even though I had been going through the material after my lessons and writing it down and stuff, I hadn't really had the time to internalise it properly. I need more time. Drumming in Ghana is hectic when people turn up!
So, right now, I am waiting for Theofo to come for today's lesson, after which I have another with Afotey. I am going to do some practice now while I'm waiting, just thought I'd update y'all.
So, everything's ok, albeit busy as hell.
Cheeregards.
Jacob
Tuesday I had a lesson at 7.30 with Theofo then spent some time going over the lesson and practicing while he was at rehearsal. Then, some hours later, he came back and we had another lesson, which I had to go over. Then I had a lesson with Afotey. I think for dinner I had fried rice.
So, this day was significantly more successful than the previous.
On Wednesday, Kusun don't rehearse, so I asked Theofo to come at 9 rather than 7.30. Apart from being lazy, this was because I hadn't had a chance to go over (involving transferring the video from the DV tape to the computer, writing down all the new material and practicing) Afotey's lesson from the day before. As such, I did this before my lesson at 9. Then I had my lesson, then we got some wakye (pron. Wah-che) for breakfast/lunch. Again, Theofo went off for a while then came back for another lesson after I'd been through the stuff. Then I went to Afotey's group's rehearsal. To mix it up, I had an egg in bread for dinner. And went to the Coming spot for a Malta. Malta is not something I ever need to drink again, I've decided.
Today, I blew off the early lesson - even though I had been going through the material after my lessons and writing it down and stuff, I hadn't really had the time to internalise it properly. I need more time. Drumming in Ghana is hectic when people turn up!
So, right now, I am waiting for Theofo to come for today's lesson, after which I have another with Afotey. I am going to do some practice now while I'm waiting, just thought I'd update y'all.
So, everything's ok, albeit busy as hell.
Cheeregards.
Jacob
Monday, November 10, 2008
FTW (For The Weekend)
Hi.
I have a headache. Like, a real one.
On Saturday I had some lessons with Theofo and did some practice. Sunday, Theofo and I went back to the fetish ceremony from Thursday. From this I have a bit more video:
(For those of you who don't know him, Theofo is the guy drumming in the middle for the first 4 minutes or so of this video [with the blue drum]. He's pretty darn good.)
So, that was Sunday. I didn't go running - I was feeling crook. Next week. I promise.
Today (Monday) started well - Theofo came around at 7.30 for a lesson, which was good. After that, he went to rehearse with Kusun. I am sitting out of the Kusun rehearsals for a while as I haven't felt like I've been getting enough done there - instead, I am trying to spend the time going over my lessons and practicing.
So, Monday started pretty well. From there on in, however, the day rapidly detoriated.
Well, not rapidly... Rather, it deteriorated slowly, painfully and with a lot of waiting.
After Kusun's rehearsal I was meant to have another lesson with Theofo. He ended up getting caught up doing something else. As such, I waited.
This was more frustrating than the following sentence would suggest, mostly because I would call him (or receive a call from him on a borrowed phone) every 30 minutes or so and he'd tell me he was finished and on his way. Also mostly, it was frustrating because I couldn't really do anything else or concentrate because I was expecting him to turn up at any minute. In the end, I waited from 11.30 until 4, when I left to go to Afotey's rehearsal.
When I got to their training ground (at about 4), no-one was there. They'd travelled and played at a funeral (the one for the dancer in Afotey's group) on the weekend, so I had suspected that rehearsal wouldn't be happening, even though Afotey said on Thursday that it would.
Just to check, I called Afotey. To my surprise and despite all evidence to the contrary, he informed me that they were rehearsing.
So I waited.
After another 40 mins there was still no-one there. Additionally, some nasty-looking clouds had rumbled in. I decided to stop waiting and get home as quickly as possible - it was about to rain. Heavily.
In true Ghanaian style, as I was heading home I ran into some of the dancers who were going to rehearsal. It seems that, after the rain clouds showed up, rehearsal was on. I, however, not too thrilled about being caught in the impending rain, kept going.
To cut it short, this story ends with me being drenched in the downpour on my way home. In about 5 seconds I was soaked. I just kept walking home (20 minutes in pouring rain. Poor me).
In a dramatic epilogue, although you probably feel really sorry for me and perhaps are crying into your keyboards (as well you should), it was actually quite nice getting soaked. I mean, it was cold and all, but I figured I may as well embrace the discomfort and just take it easy getting home.
I let all my frustration and anxiety wash from my body in a muddy stream, forming a rancid, mosquito-infested puddle at my feet.
Delicious.
All in all, another day in Ghana - Theofo is coming again at 7.30 tomorrow morning. We'll try again.
Bye.
I have a headache. Like, a real one.
On Saturday I had some lessons with Theofo and did some practice. Sunday, Theofo and I went back to the fetish ceremony from Thursday. From this I have a bit more video:
(For those of you who don't know him, Theofo is the guy drumming in the middle for the first 4 minutes or so of this video [with the blue drum]. He's pretty darn good.)
So, that was Sunday. I didn't go running - I was feeling crook. Next week. I promise.
Today (Monday) started well - Theofo came around at 7.30 for a lesson, which was good. After that, he went to rehearse with Kusun. I am sitting out of the Kusun rehearsals for a while as I haven't felt like I've been getting enough done there - instead, I am trying to spend the time going over my lessons and practicing.
So, Monday started pretty well. From there on in, however, the day rapidly detoriated.
Well, not rapidly... Rather, it deteriorated slowly, painfully and with a lot of waiting.
After Kusun's rehearsal I was meant to have another lesson with Theofo. He ended up getting caught up doing something else. As such, I waited.
This was more frustrating than the following sentence would suggest, mostly because I would call him (or receive a call from him on a borrowed phone) every 30 minutes or so and he'd tell me he was finished and on his way. Also mostly, it was frustrating because I couldn't really do anything else or concentrate because I was expecting him to turn up at any minute. In the end, I waited from 11.30 until 4, when I left to go to Afotey's rehearsal.
When I got to their training ground (at about 4), no-one was there. They'd travelled and played at a funeral (the one for the dancer in Afotey's group) on the weekend, so I had suspected that rehearsal wouldn't be happening, even though Afotey said on Thursday that it would.
Just to check, I called Afotey. To my surprise and despite all evidence to the contrary, he informed me that they were rehearsing.
So I waited.
After another 40 mins there was still no-one there. Additionally, some nasty-looking clouds had rumbled in. I decided to stop waiting and get home as quickly as possible - it was about to rain. Heavily.
In true Ghanaian style, as I was heading home I ran into some of the dancers who were going to rehearsal. It seems that, after the rain clouds showed up, rehearsal was on. I, however, not too thrilled about being caught in the impending rain, kept going.
To cut it short, this story ends with me being drenched in the downpour on my way home. In about 5 seconds I was soaked. I just kept walking home (20 minutes in pouring rain. Poor me).
In a dramatic epilogue, although you probably feel really sorry for me and perhaps are crying into your keyboards (as well you should), it was actually quite nice getting soaked. I mean, it was cold and all, but I figured I may as well embrace the discomfort and just take it easy getting home.
I let all my frustration and anxiety wash from my body in a muddy stream, forming a rancid, mosquito-infested puddle at my feet.
Delicious.
All in all, another day in Ghana - Theofo is coming again at 7.30 tomorrow morning. We'll try again.
Bye.
Saturday, November 8, 2008
And here's some more GREAT African music
This is Awilo Longomba from Côte d'Ivoire The Democratic Republic of the Congo. You love it. The guitar sound is sick. It makes me jiggle.
Bye.
Bye.
Here's some more video for YOU.
Yo.
I have uploaded some video of the fetish ceremony I went to on Thursday with Theofo. I am learning these rhythms. They are complicated.
You work it out.
To see the video, you can go here (or, as always, the link in the right-hand column).
Also, I'm working on a song titled 'Manowar go to Ghana'. If you listen to my earlier, similarly-titled song and go here, you may be able to guess vaguely what it will involve.
Watch out. Power and might are on their way, direct from the kingdom of steel.
Today was Saturday. I had a couple of lessons with Theofo, waited for Otu to show up for a lesson (he didn't, unfortunately) and that's about it.
I repeat, that's about it.
UPDATE: The above link now works - it seems if I don't include the 'http://' in a link it tries to link to a site within my own blog. Fine. Fixed now.
Goodbye.
By Jacob.
I have uploaded some video of the fetish ceremony I went to on Thursday with Theofo. I am learning these rhythms. They are complicated.
You work it out.
To see the video, you can go here (or, as always, the link in the right-hand column).
Also, I'm working on a song titled 'Manowar go to Ghana'. If you listen to my earlier, similarly-titled song and go here, you may be able to guess vaguely what it will involve.
Watch out. Power and might are on their way, direct from the kingdom of steel.
Today was Saturday. I had a couple of lessons with Theofo, waited for Otu to show up for a lesson (he didn't, unfortunately) and that's about it.
I repeat, that's about it.
UPDATE: The above link now works - it seems if I don't include the 'http://' in a link it tries to link to a site within my own blog. Fine. Fixed now.
Goodbye.
By Jacob.
Friday, November 7, 2008
The Internet Strikes BACK™.
Hello.
Regarding my earlier post about our naughty government trying to break the internet, there is a site dedicated to voicing concern about this problem. You can get to it by clicking on the button over there on the right. It gives you information about why it's a problem and provides you with several ways to contact people about it. At the very least, you can sign a petition.
Thanks.
Also, thank you to those who have commented or emailed since my last post (except for Scout. I don't care about Scout). Keep it up. Or else you will be got.
Thanks.
Sayonara.
Regarding my earlier post about our naughty government trying to break the internet, there is a site dedicated to voicing concern about this problem. You can get to it by clicking on the button over there on the right. It gives you information about why it's a problem and provides you with several ways to contact people about it. At the very least, you can sign a petition.
Thanks.
Also, thank you to those who have commented or emailed since my last post (except for Scout. I don't care about Scout). Keep it up. Or else you will be got.
Thanks.
Sayonara.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
Ghana is ok.
This post is going to be short but packed with wonder.
Today I paticipated in a somewhat lukewarm rehearsal with Kusun. Then I had a lesson with Afotey (which was really good, as always). Then Theofo, Otu and I had some lunch. Then Theofo and I went to a fetish ceremony in Labadi. The drumming was great. I was able to take some video - I will upload some sometime.
Afterwards, we went to Theofo's mother's house (in Labadi) to wait for the traffic to quieten down. She fed us and was lovely. We sat there quietly eating and just chillin' in the hood. It was great.
Thus, although this morning was suboptimal, I had a good end to the day.
This is fortunate - the last week or so Ghana has been giving me the shits - it's hard to get things done, people have been especially flaky, unreliable and asking-for-money-ey, no-one comments on my blog and it's been really freakin' hot. This evening has restored my level of enjoyment.
We'll see how we go tomorrow.
Cheers.
How are you?
Today I paticipated in a somewhat lukewarm rehearsal with Kusun. Then I had a lesson with Afotey (which was really good, as always). Then Theofo, Otu and I had some lunch. Then Theofo and I went to a fetish ceremony in Labadi. The drumming was great. I was able to take some video - I will upload some sometime.
Afterwards, we went to Theofo's mother's house (in Labadi) to wait for the traffic to quieten down. She fed us and was lovely. We sat there quietly eating and just chillin' in the hood. It was great.
Thus, although this morning was suboptimal, I had a good end to the day.
This is fortunate - the last week or so Ghana has been giving me the shits - it's hard to get things done, people have been especially flaky, unreliable and asking-for-money-ey, no-one comments on my blog and it's been really freakin' hot. This evening has restored my level of enjoyment.
We'll see how we go tomorrow.
Cheers.
How are you?
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
The Mo stays.
Thanks to the hundreds of thousands of you who voted on my poll. It took me hours to count all the votes and 54% (6) of you think that it's ok for me to just leave the mo as is.
Which I guess means that you will donate anyway.
So do it.
America, hey?
Not much newsworthy has happened. I've done another song called "Yngwie Goes to Ghana".
Yes, it's what it sounds like. It's roughly thrown together, but you will love the POWER of it anyway.
Listen to it over on the right.
No one comments anymore. I think you should. It would make me less lonely and hopeless.
Come on, send some love.
Have a love-sending time.
Which I guess means that you will donate anyway.
So do it.
America, hey?
Not much newsworthy has happened. I've done another song called "Yngwie Goes to Ghana".
Yes, it's what it sounds like. It's roughly thrown together, but you will love the POWER of it anyway.
Listen to it over on the right.
No one comments anymore. I think you should. It would make me less lonely and hopeless.
Come on, send some love.
Have a love-sending time.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Today it rained.
So I wrote another song. Called Raining. Because it was raining.
It started with me recording the rain, then just playing about. Then doing wicked electric piano solos over the top (just like Chick Corea).
Please listen to it in the player up on the rop right. I haven't posted it on the other website (the one with all my photos and stuff) but will shortly.
I had fried rice again.
Thanks very much.
Have a dry time.
It started with me recording the rain, then just playing about. Then doing wicked electric piano solos over the top (just like Chick Corea).
Please listen to it in the player up on the rop right. I haven't posted it on the other website (the one with all my photos and stuff) but will shortly.
I had fried rice again.
Thanks very much.
Have a dry time.
Sunday, November 2, 2008
The 'What I did today' post for today.
Today, I went running again. At 5.00 again.
Unfortunately for me, I also didn't sleep much last night. Again. And my hip hurts....
No, really, running was fine.
Sure it was.
Anyhoots, after spending the remainder of my morning zombie-ing around and feeling sorry for myself, I went out to lunch with my mother's friend Thomas, a teacher. This was nice - we drove to Tema to a chop bar. The food was really good (even though I wasn't that hungry - I'd had wakye for late breakfast). So I spent an hour or so with him and his wife, then came back home.
From then on, the day wasted away. It was the sabbath, so that means bumming around for a day is ok.
Tetteh and I watched Kung Fu Panda and 10,000 BC. Kung Fu Panda was surprisingly good. I was entertained and may have even giggled once or twice. 10,000 BC was... well... it felt like it should have been awesome but, really, I was underwhelmed.
Thus ends my review for this holy day.
This cinema thing is becoming a bit of a habit. I need to be careful though as I am running out of movies. Luckily, Ghanaians like Willow so much that I think they would watch it at least another 103 times without complaint (it is pretty good though. If you haven't seen it, do so. I command it. Val Kilmer is such a good actor).
Additionally, I looked up a heap of music (see my earlier post for the tip of the iceberg) and tried to burn some DVDs for Theofo. It was a no-drumming day.
Kusun start rehearsing again tomorrow so I will be drumming properly all day again. I also have a lesson and a rehearsal with Afotey's group, so I think I'll be ok for drumming tomorrow.
That's about all. Anyone there got any more interesting Sabbath adventures?
Comment and Follow and Vote and Read and Love and Listen and Wash.
Yes, wash. Please wash.
Cheerio.
Unfortunately for me, I also didn't sleep much last night. Again. And my hip hurts....
No, really, running was fine.
Sure it was.
Anyhoots, after spending the remainder of my morning zombie-ing around and feeling sorry for myself, I went out to lunch with my mother's friend Thomas, a teacher. This was nice - we drove to Tema to a chop bar. The food was really good (even though I wasn't that hungry - I'd had wakye for late breakfast). So I spent an hour or so with him and his wife, then came back home.
From then on, the day wasted away. It was the sabbath, so that means bumming around for a day is ok.
Tetteh and I watched Kung Fu Panda and 10,000 BC. Kung Fu Panda was surprisingly good. I was entertained and may have even giggled once or twice. 10,000 BC was... well... it felt like it should have been awesome but, really, I was underwhelmed.
Thus ends my review for this holy day.
This cinema thing is becoming a bit of a habit. I need to be careful though as I am running out of movies. Luckily, Ghanaians like Willow so much that I think they would watch it at least another 103 times without complaint (it is pretty good though. If you haven't seen it, do so. I command it. Val Kilmer is such a good actor).
Additionally, I looked up a heap of music (see my earlier post for the tip of the iceberg) and tried to burn some DVDs for Theofo. It was a no-drumming day.
Kusun start rehearsing again tomorrow so I will be drumming properly all day again. I also have a lesson and a rehearsal with Afotey's group, so I think I'll be ok for drumming tomorrow.
That's about all. Anyone there got any more interesting Sabbath adventures?
Comment and Follow and Vote and Read and Love and Listen and Wash.
Yes, wash. Please wash.
Cheerio.
I am a detective.
After doing some sleuthing, I found out the name of the song I talked about previously (Tetteh told me). Its name is Africa Money and the artist is Sidney feat. Morris Babyface. You love it. Apparently it's about 'the master' having lots of money while everyone else is poor.
True.
Here's the video clip. You should definitely watch it.
[UPDATE: Go here for some more info about the meaning of the song and a link to the lyrics.]
Also, here's another song which is great:
It's called Alhaji [Ey Alhaji] by Tha' Donet.
Listen. Enjoy.
Also, don't forget to vote. In my poll regarding Movember.
By the way, WHO said I should get rid of my mo?
You are in big trouble.
Bye.
True.
Here's the video clip. You should definitely watch it.
[UPDATE: Go here for some more info about the meaning of the song and a link to the lyrics.]
Also, here's another song which is great:
It's called Alhaji [Ey Alhaji] by Tha' Donet.
Listen. Enjoy.
Also, don't forget to vote. In my poll regarding Movember.
By the way, WHO said I should get rid of my mo?
You are in big trouble.
Bye.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Today I did squat.
Not an actual squat, rather, I did not much at all.
I was in a grumpy mood today, so spent most of it in my room.
I watched Goldeneye, The Thin Red Line and National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Goldeneye was tacky but enjoyable. Thin Red Line was great but disturbing and odd. National Treasure was a tour de France.
And that's my movie review for today.
In addition to broadening my mind with movies, I did a bit of drumming practice and writing things out.
And that's about it.
Read all my other posts, they're much more interesting.
Heal the World.
I was in a grumpy mood today, so spent most of it in my room.
I watched Goldeneye, The Thin Red Line and National Treasure: Book of Secrets.
Goldeneye was tacky but enjoyable. Thin Red Line was great but disturbing and odd. National Treasure was a tour de France.
And that's my movie review for today.
In addition to broadening my mind with movies, I did a bit of drumming practice and writing things out.
And that's about it.
Read all my other posts, they're much more interesting.
Heal the World.
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