Tag: neighbourhood

The theme for this week’s JVG Radio Method poem is “Made Up Words“.

OK, now this one would be a no brainer you would think. Jon has just handed this one to me on a plate.

As a person who makes up words for songs and poems as a living, I have this in the bag. AND THEN…

And then Jon says “Not made up like that you silly bugger. Fake made up words like politicians and advertisers use”

Well, that as they say took all the wind out of my sail and it all started to look like hard work.

Do you know how hard it is to invent words?

Do you know how hard it is to write when your bloody spell checker is going off every second word?

Here such as it is, is the week’s effort and for the first time this year, we are visiting the neighbourhood.

Enjoy.

Ed Bates provided the music backing and sound effects. Thatch provided the audio production, have a listen to how it went below…

To play this poem directly in your browser – just click the “play” button below:

Continue reading “Bland On Bland – Made Up Words”

The theme for this week’s JVG Radio Method poem is “3RRR RADIOTHON 2020“.

I could go back and plunder one of the last 10 years worth of Radiothons as to why you should help out but this year Matt Quinn,  bassist of “The Miserable Little Bastards”, over on Facebook has put it beautifully

Before restrictions in March, I was always a subscriber to RRR and PBS, though didn’t listen to them all that much – I often had the radio on ABC to/from work to find out which pollie had done some pollie wrong and get my opinions for the day. At work, I had to endure whatever high rotation commercial station a colleague listened to. But I’d listen to RRR or PBS occasionally, and understood the importance of these institutions.

Then COVID hit. I’ve been working from home for five months. Initially, I switched over to RRR full time during the day to give myself a break from the death-by-a-thousand-cuts of continual COVID updates. It’s now my 6am – 5pm weekday soundtrack (and a fair bit of the weekend). I’ve learnt the rhythm of the different and eclectic regular shows during the week. Some I love, a couple I loathe (sorry, still don’t like jazz!), and many have grown on me. Some informative, some entertaining, ALL are different, unique. From new and learning presenters and content (always supported and encouraged) to seasoned presenters who have been there decades and continue to amass and share a rich wealth of knowledge. And not just music – arts, food, politics, psychology, science, film, nature, health, even marine life. Often hosted by very highly qualified individuals in their field, because they believe in, and are passionate about, what they do.

I understand now, more than ever (yes, I believe that) why it’s important to subscribe or donate if you can. Pick the angle that appeals to you

• • independent media
  • the variety
  • the fact that 99% of it is run by volunteers
  • the real sense of community (I feel it, anyway), 

or even if you don’t listen but enjoy seeing live gigs around Melbourne – SO MANY artists can thank RRR, PBS, 3CR and others for their first (sometimes only) airplay, support, promotion.

RRR Radiothon is on at the moment, up until Thursday. Their sponsorship has all but disappeared as businesses who previously sponsored them have closed during COVID. The technical feat they pulled to keep broadcasting during COVID is quite incredible (there’s a good article somewhere), but that too costs money.

The last five months have brought home to me just how lucky we are to have them, and why we’re the envy of the world – keep them going, please! Subscribe or donate if you can. 

Matt Quinn 

I could not put it any better…

Ed Bates provided the amazing music backing. Thatch provided the audio production, have a listen to how it went below…

To play this poem directly in your browser – just click the “play” button below:

Continue reading “Bland On Bland – 3RRR RADIOTHON 2020 (Parts 1 & 2)”