Man Talk 4th April

Ever had a case of the box set blues. That empty feeling you get after you complete a marathon watch of an addictive series. I've been there with Breaking Bad  and Game of Thrones, and the latest series to leave me wanting more was the brilliant Love/Hate an Irish crime drama I've watched all five series in about three weeks. It was addictive, but now that I've completed my couch marathon  I'm feeling a little bit lost, and thats the problem with box sets and downloads, you really can't be bothered waiting a week for the next episode anymore. Thank goodness for Netflix. I've taken a sneak peak at bloodlines and House of Cards both look so good I'm saving them up for a proper binge. Who said theirs nothing good on TV 

Can you believe McDonalds are launching their own clothes line. From t shirts to jackets and boots, the range will all come with the distinctive Big Mac logo. Theirs something a little bit 'tasteless' about wearing clothes that promote a less than healthy diet. I expect this will be one designer label where you won't have a problem getting the larger sizes, and of course supersize, will always be an option. Wonder if they'll make a fat suit? 

In Venezuela they have fingerprint scanners in supermarkets. They say it's  to monitor what your buying and to discourage you from hoarding. - I like that idea of someone telling me when I've got to much of something already. it  will save me a fortune! 

Here's a trend from America, men are scheduling their vasectomies during the college basketball playoffs. This way they can justify having time off work and catch the biggest games of the basketball season. I wonder if their is the same spike in snip operations around World Cup time in this country.

Scientist have found that men can lose weight by just sitting on the couch and doing nothing. In fact they lose nearly 3 times more calories than a woman from just laying back and relaxing. Now for those of us who have become skilled in this practice and have been called  a 'couch potato' or accused of just   'dossing around' you can now correct these false assumptions and call it what it is a work out.

A must have for your mobile is a 'Drunk' mode app. The creators say It saves you from making the embarrassing phone call or sending that text you know you'll regret the next day. To overcome the locked phone - you have to be sober enough to solve a maths problem, otherwise it only allows you 

 emergencies calls. 

Funniest thing on TV this week was Jeremy Paxman leaders interview. Talk about making them

squirm. After seeing the first few debates. Its Paxman who gets my vote. Can he win it? Hell yeah! 

Man Talk 22nd March 2015

Tell me why I don't like Mondays goes the song. Turns out what we really don't like is Sunday night. The thought of going to work the next day after a good weekend really spoils our sleep pattern say the boffins.  Maybe that's why  the next day is a 'Manic Monday' for some people 

For sale on Ebay bags of air possibly belonging to Kanye West. The sellers say it was captured at on of his recent concerts. This unique prize Can be yours to own at the give away price of a $1000 a time. Here's a tip if your thinking of buying one? If it's his it's still be hot! 

By now you'd have thought the beard trend would be fading. But no, it seems to be getting its second wind. An exhibition has just opened in London dedicated to facial fuzz. And now a specialist beard website had been launched. Called 'Bristlr' it gives tips and advice on how to manage and cultivate your facial hair, as well as a collection of beard options from the 'Ships Captain' to 'The Explorer' and 'The Lumberjack' and of course everyone's favourite 'The Father Christmas'. 

The world tour of clothes horses better known as fashion week has just come to an end. And the big question men over 40 are being told they need to address is do they know the difference between fashionable and stylish. My rule of thumb is anything in the window of  Primark is fashionable for everything else its John Lewis 

The big story for mens fashion is a return to all things seventies, big flares big collars and of course big hair. The Kevin Keegan man perm is Much in demand. But Calm down calm down if your hairstyle of choice isn't bang on trend. I'm sure it won't be long before the 'combover'and the no1 shaved look will have its day. 

We've all got a friend like Andy Murray- someone who thinks it's a good laugh to drop you in it. Andy thought it was a hoot to tell the world about his tennis partner having a part time girlfriend in Glasgow, whilst his regular other half was back at home on London.Whatever happend to the code of the 'bro' what happens on tour stays on tour, I think it would be a real Life case of 'new balls please' when he got home! 

This weeks mens public service announcement - doctors have found that 'man Flu' is real and is much stronger than the normal flu the ladies get. Doctors  say it's caused by all that testosterone weakening mens immune system.  Girls we don't want you to make a fuss just know most of us are carrying on and suffering in silence. 

In India a bride walked out on her fiancée because he couldn't add up the sum fifteen plus six. He said the answer was seventeen. She was so annoyed, she promptly dumped him. Claiming she'd been Mis lead about his education. Maybe he'd just put two and two together and realised she wasn't right for him. 

 In other Indian wedding news this week, I heard the story of the groom who had a heart attack during the ceremony, so the bride married another guest instead! Well it would have been a shame to waste the cake wouldn't it? 

Man Talk 8th March 2015

A report this week said that we men have at least two pair of trousers in our wardrobe that don't fit. The best excuses are you picked up the wrong size and can't be bothered taking them back. Or you plan on slimming down into them( note it's never the other way - you plan on growing into them! ) 

But For any man feeling pleased that he can still fit into the same size pants as he did in his youth, despite an obvious growing waistline, here is some bad news: boys are becoming victims of The retailing trend 'vanity sizing'. Where clothes can be anything up two sizes bigger than they say on the label. Aways popular with the girls its now being used more and more in men's clothing. In the trade it's called  "manity sizing' of course I don't believe a word if it and would like to continue living in slimline blissfull ignorance. 

What's in a name? Well quite a lot if your a horse called Brian - the Police think Brian's name wasn't heroic enough to be one of its front line  ponies so rejected him! Neigh!!!!

Remember the idea of the paperless office, and how the internet is  going to save the planet because we will be recording everything on line or on discs. Well guess what, technology is moving so fast that a lot of recorded stuff is out if date and could now be lost, but don't worry they've found a solution. Break out the paper and pens everyone. 

The more expensive the restaurant the more likely you are to describe its food in sexual terms says research in America. Orgasmic, and sensual or sexy and naughty are some of the favourites. Where as cheaper restaurants are often described as a drug related experiences. Words such as addictive, craved and  hooked are commonly used. Maybe that explains why I describe my lunchtime sausage roll as a quick fix.

Everyone likes to embellish their CV's just a little, to get an edge. But how about adding that In 2006 you were Time magazines person of the year. And it's true, In 2006 the influential magazine  made "Everyone" their person of the year.

 It recognized the millions of people who contribute to social media. So as as long as you tweet, message or post, that award was recognition for you. Congratulations you've got the job! 

Former footballing 'hard man' and wannabe actor Vinnie Jones is now plying his vocal talents on U Tube giving Spanish lessons. I've seen him and I'm afraid It's a red card from me 

The term having a face only a mother could love seems appropriate if you've passed the Liverpool shop in Williamson Square lately. The posters of the players in the windows wouldn't look out of place on crime watch. Obviously the photographer doesn't have the luxury of Photoshop. 

And on the subject of Liverpool football club. They've gone from

 the Spice boys to the Nivea boys. They must be going soft - their hands that is ! 

Theatre Review - Macbeth

Theatre Review: Macbeth @ The Everyman Theatre Liverpool 

Since Baz Luhrmann, reinvented Shakespeare with his stylised and groundbreaking film version of Romeo and Juliet, the trend for 're-imagining' the bard’s works has shown no sign of losing its appeal. 

But the question is why do producers feel they have to put their own personal stamp on a production, especially with work of such quality?Why do they believe they have to add some quirky twist to makes their version different than the rest? The current production of Macbeth at the Everyman a Theatre is a shining example of this. 

If you were new to this particular work, you may be asking yourself aboutthe significance of the musical ensemble placed centre stage. Or just who were the characters walking about the performance space? Were they the stage crew, or was this the cast? This unusual opening left both myself and most of the audience wondering, 'Has it started?' 

In a traditional version of the Scottish play you might expect kilts,swords maybe some scenery, not to mention haggard witches, this however is no traditional version. This is cut down spliced up and reimagined version of events. The text is used sparingly, replaced at random intervals by a fusion of electronic sounds and tunes. The multi-talented cast display not only some fine if unorthodox acting talents, but also their considerable skills at creating the mix of sounds.

This fast paced one act performance is delivered at a break neck speed, which the Shakespeare novice may find confusing and the purists may find disappointing. 

There is no doubt that this is a version of Macbeth that is both radical and unusual. It may appeal to those lovers of the bard’s work who are looking for something new and some might describe it as avant-garde, but for the average theatre goer looking for a fix of the classics, it may leave them sadly dissatisfied. At the end of the performance, a bemused audience were left looking to one and other for re-assurance, 'Well that was different' said one patron. It's a production that challenges and pushes the boundaries with its interpretation of the text. Sadly for me like the music, it struck one too many bum notes. 

This article was first published in @cultnoisemag - to read the full article please follow the link below: 

http://www.cultnoise.com/theatre-review-macbeth-everyman-theatre-liverpool/

Man Talk 23rd February 2015

The buzz word in the American business world at the moment is 'mindfulness' it's about taking a minute out if the rat race and stop doing whatever your are doing and then tuning your mind into where you are and what's around you. It sounds easy but it's not. You have to try and stop thinking about the future or the past and concentrate on the 'now' Business Gurus (Guru is an appropriate term as it's a very Buddhist concept) say we live such hectic lives everything just passes us by without us noticing. They say we aren't spending enough time just 'being' and if we can stop take a minute and just 'be' it can clean your mind so help improve your performance. The Seattle Seahawks credit practicing 'mindfulness' for their success in reaching the SuperBowl. It's now one of the most searched terms on Google. Having  A sort of wake up and smell the coffee moment is not as easy as it sounds. Just have a go. I tried it and I can tell you getting a moment of personal zen is hard work.

Friends you'll be glad to know that a little bit of me time doesn't only have to be in the mind. Researchers have found that a little bit of 'Me' and 'Me-mates time is also good for you. The experts say,( and they should know that's why they are experts!)

male bonding is more likely to lower a man's stress levels than a night out with his partner, or time spent with the family. - I consider this as a cut and keep paragraph 

What world do the Beckhams live in  when David complains that he doesn't like it when his daughter calls him fat! Beckham fat, more meat on a butchers pencil. 

' Snackifaction' is my favourite word this week, the trend to bite size everything from food to news to conversations everything is condensed twitter is a good example, say what your thinking in a 140 characters or less and now the new kids favourite Snap Chat.  Its like a Chinese meal within 10 seconds it gone and you've probably forgotten you had it. 

Being fed up is on the increase.  says the experts  in a few years unhappiness, depression and anxiety will have become the normal human condition. - Hope that's cheered you up! 

 

Theatre Review : The Scuttlers

 

 

Theatre Review: The Scuttlers at the Royal Exchange Theatre Manchester

Wils Wilson’s production of The Scuttlers maybe billed as a Victorian drama but it resonates with many modern day themes

It’s portrayed as a story bassed around Manchester’s first street gangs, yet it’s a drama that explores themes that could be from any time frame over the last two hundred years.

The opening scene of workers in a dark mill drawing cotton from a huge loom are the traditional symbols of industrial Manchester’s past, but add a soundtrack of electro beats and it become a very stylised fusion of old and new.

Its a play that resonates with modern day references and the street gang culture of the time is no different to today’s modern equivalent. The gang in this story are known as the ‘Bengal Street Tigers’, a group of disenfranchised souls, who are ‘bonded’ together by the ‘street’ they live on. It sounds like a familiar tale already, and the opening scenes draw out these relationships and the timeless scenarios that have brought the disparate group together. Much is made of the importance of this bond, and as now, the sense of belonging this connection gives them. It’s an ideal that would be shared by many gang members today.

The dysfunctional family, poverty, homelessness and being an outsider, are all social themes addressed by the play. And the young cast do a fine job pulling the threads of the story lines together

Their is swagger to the acting. The males all have the bravado of a young Liam Gallagher. The girls are bold and Leary and would be perfectly at home as characters from that other slice of Manchester underclass TV’s ‘Shameless’ Each one emboldened by their own personal tragedies. It’s only that the play was prefaced with its timeline, that you can distinguish its storyline from modern Manchester. This is a play though of a time, is a timeless tale.

The theatre itself echoes the plays arc of history, It’s a fine eighteenth century building. But within its lays a modern performance area. Its stage is at the centre of a tight, in the round space, within a stark industrial setting. The contrast of heritage and modernity, echo’s the themes of the play where the old and the new collide, yet exist together.

Some may be hoping that this production will be an extension of the TV series ‘the Peaky Blinders’. Although it follows a similar themes and is very stylised, this a far more socially aware affair, This is a play that is more authentic in its content And although it has a large cast works very well within the confines of the space. But credit to the production crew for conjuring up some theatre magic to add to this very enjoyable presentation

The dark mills that once dominated Manchester’s skyline may be gone but the underclass is still there. The play leaves you asking the question has anything changed over the last two hundred years. Or is it just a case of history repeating. Whilst the pointless task of drawing threads, goes on. – Highly recommended

Read the full review at CultNoise magazine 

@cultnoisemag: Theatre Review: The Scuttlers @rxtheatre #Scuttlers #Theatre http://t.co/5oxvM4fiAB

Coming through....'man-slammed'

Man talk 8th February 2015 

Coming through coming through step aside, if you don't want to be 'man slammed' that is. Yup the growing problem of who's got the right of way on the pavement is becoming a big issue when the irresistible force that isn't looking where they are going collides with the immovable object who isn't prepared to give way. There is never a winner, just an embarrassing sidewalk bump. 'The know it all's' blame it on our 'always in hurry' lifestyle and our over use of the iPod & the mobile telephone. I blame anyone I bump into because it's never my fault and why doesn't everybody else just look where there going coz I'm coming through! 

Men you may want to frame this next paragraph -  A judge in Germany has ruled that it's a man right to stand up to pee - A landlord wanted to hold back a tenants deposit because he claimed his dribbling when using the toilet had marked the bathroom floor. The judge threw the case out. Saying a little but of pee going astray couldn't be helped it was 'collateral damage'. - Case dismissed!!

You might also like to know that a standing wee in Germany is called a 'stepinkler'. Whilst a sitting down visit to the loo is called a sitzpinkler 

I liked the story this week that BBC's Songs of praise is auditioning for a football choir to sing 'Abide With Me'  at the cup final at Wembley. Imagine them holding X factor style auditions...what team do you support....Everton....And what will you be singing?.. 'And if you know your history' ......off you go 

They say some animals can sleep through anything, and  experts believe that's why some animals survived a catastrophic meteorite  crashing into the earth 65 million years ago. Imagine they got a bit of a shock when they woke up and saw the world trashed Thought that was some party then asked where's everyone gone? Like a scene from a prehistoric version of 'The Hangover' 

A bar in Hope Street has been named as one of Britains most beard friendly pubs. I want to know what makes a bar 'beard friendly'? Is it like a beardy man refuge, A sanctuary full of trendy hipsters all congregated together to moan about how tough life is when you've got a big bushy beard and how nobody understands what it's like when you've got a half your dinner stuck to your facial hair except this here friendly pub landlord! Save the hipster