tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046Tue, 06 Mar 2018 01:08:41 +0000journalismBristolmusicwritingVenuereviewbathfilmFoliochildrencinemaeventsindie75horsesparagraphprosesubtitledworldHorseWorldImagineJapanalbum reviewanimalanimationcharitydvdfoodlawplanetwelfarewildfireCliftonFreelanceJapaneseKitanoTakeshiaardmanalice in wonderlandartsbloggingcourtfestivalguiltindependentinterviewkidslistingsliteraturemagazineonlinepromotionalpsychobillyrockabillysinglestablesstorysummerthe meteorstimeswhat's onworkshopAn AxeAsianAvonBattle RoyaleBeat TakeshiBjorkCGICOMEGCallingCoemgenDIYDancer in the DarkDanishDestructoDogmeDogtoothFirst EditionFlying PigsForensicFulciGreeceHopeI'll be on the CommonJonathanLarsLeeMarkMcPheeMediaOddballPCOQ and ASandovalSatoshiSomaSpaTaylorTokyoTrierabuadoptionagoraphobiaamericananberlinanswerarabicauditionauthorballoonbatmobilebbcbbqbeautybeginningsblackblindsbookbrian setzerburtonbusinesscakecareercarl perkinscatcbbccbeebiescheltenhamcherrychildhoodchocolatechristmasciosoigclassic rockcolmcomputercontactcrueltyculturecustodydandead 60sdebatedecordecorationdenmarkdhabidogmadr whodragondramadreamsdrinkdrivereartheatingelaineexerciseexhibitionfamilyfantasyfeel good dragfictionfiestafilmsfionafirefleecefreedomfreshfundraisingfurnituregallerygrillgrillstockhamiltonharry potterhazardheartbeatholistichomeitalyjack blackjobjohn peeljohnny cashjohnny depplegallewis carrolllifelivelizardlocalmazzy starmemoriesmotionmoviesmr menmy bloody valentinenewnovelofficerowlsparentsperformancephotographerphotographypigsport erinprimaryprisonproductproductionspromopublishingpunkpuppini sistersquestionreflectingreligious rockretrorichardromanschamashortshrekshutterssimmonsskaskinsleepspotstartstikfasstopstraight razor angelsstray catssuntelevisiontewkesburytheatretherapythrough the devil softlytourismtoy storytraintravellingtreatmentstvtwinstwofour54uniuniversitywacomwarm inventionswe owe ourselveswilliamswindwinterwoodwriting magazinezutonsA portfolio of published work from a freelancing writer.http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (RS)Blogger40125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-6325649663968889740Tue, 28 Dec 2010 17:29:00 +00002010-12-28T17:31:48.383+00:00album reviewBattle RoyaleBeat TakeshidvdfilmJapanJapaneseKitanosubtitledTakeshiREVIEW: DVD Release: Battle Royale Battle Royale Film: Battle Royale Release date: 5th April 2010 Certificate: 18 Running time: 109 mins Director: Kinji Fukasaku Starring: Beat Takeshi, Tatsuya Fujiwara, Chiaki Kuriyama, Aki Maeda, Noriko Nakagawa, Tarô Yamamoto Genre: Thriller/Action Studio: Arrow Format: DVD Country: Japan Could you kill your best friend? For anyone who is not familiar http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/12/online-film-journalism-battle-royale.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-7647643710995719603Mon, 20 Dec 2010 12:13:00 +00002010-12-20T19:36:39.762+00:00An AxebatmobilecherryDestructomusicpsychobillyreviewrockabillysinglethe meteorsAn Axe - Destructo! / Cherry By Robyn Simmons An Axe - Destructo! Allow yourself, if you will, to be transported to the shores of an untouched island; rainforests impenetrably thick, sands blindingly white, tides dazzlingly clear. And then take that vision and thrash a cold shard of jagged glass right through the centre. That’s what Bristol-based An Axe serves up with the first half of http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/12/online-music-journalism-axe-destructo.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-1333004892392968024Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:08:00 +00002010-12-10T14:08:43.700+00:00album reviewbrian setzercarl perkinsindiejohnny cashmusicpsychobillypunkpuppini sistersretrorockabillystraight razor angelsstray catsthe meteors Straight Razor Angels - Straight Razor Angels By Robyn Simmons Straight Razor Angels Having stomped it up with The Meteors and cooled it down with The Puppini Sisters, Straight Razor Angels already pack a punch on the rockabilly scene. Believe it or not, their self-titled album is their first studio venture, but can it live up to the band’s live accomplishments? ‘Straight Razor Angelshttp://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/12/online-music-journalaism-straight-razor.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-8660645786721025441Mon, 06 Dec 2010 23:04:00 +00002010-12-06T23:06:09.186+00:00anberlinBristolfeel good dragindielocalmusicreligious rockreviewsinglewe owe ourselvesWritten for Live-Music-Scene October 2010 Anberlin - We Owe OurselvesBy Robyn Simmons Anberlin Last time they counted, Anerblin had sold over 700,000 albums. Their first single, ‘Feel Good Drag’ reached the top of the Alternative Song chart two years ago, and the year before that they managed to bag a major record deal with Universal. So you’d be forgiven for expecting something special fromhttp://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/12/online-music-journalism-anberlin-we-owe.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-885470539787731086Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:25:00 +00002010-12-01T16:54:34.309+00:00album reviewCoemgenCOMEGfireindiemusic COMEG - Touched by Fire Comeg - Touched With FireBy Robyn Simmons The opening science fiction sound effects on ‘Face Away’ may lure you into expectations of Hawkwind or Doctor Who’s tardis, but don’t be fooled. Comeg is not an experimental prog rock venture; rather, they are a cool, confident trio who exude poise and self-assurance. ‘Touched With Fire’ is frontman Coemgen Savage’s seventh http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/12/online-music-journalism-comeg-touched.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-8217434045047756740Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:46:00 +00002010-11-21T17:52:25.059+00:00dead 60sI'll be on the Commonindependentindiejournalismmusicport erinskazutons Port Erin Port Erin - I'll be on the Common They might be named after a town on the ‘Lonely Isle’ of Man, but Port Erin kick off ‘I’ll Be On The Common’ in a seemingly deliberate attempt to quash that association. Starting at one place and ending at a completely different one, streetwise bass and ubiquitous drums take listeners on a journey through urban, ska-inspired alleyways before http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/11/music-journalism-port-erin-ill-be-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-7281032378419334163Sat, 20 Nov 2010 21:13:00 +00002010-11-21T17:53:34.485+00:00AvonBristolCallingclassic rockheartbeatindependentindiejohn peeljournalismmusicreviewPublished on live-music-scene, Aug 2010   Various - Avon Calling 2 Various - Avon Calling 2 When John Peel describes an album as “truly superb, the compilation that all others should be judged by”, people prick up their ears. They know that they need to listen. This was the first ‘Avon Calling’ record, a Bristolian compilation put together in 1979, designed to Bristol on the musical map.http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/11/online-music-journalism-avon-calling-2.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-8766142262002991936Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:55:00 +00002010-11-20T20:55:13.497+00:0075earthguiltparagraphplanetprosesummersunwindFeatured on front page 10th July 2010 Rest in the Summer It takes persistence, patience and perseverance, but every effort is worth it. The warmth that soaks into my skin and the breeze that sweeps over my body finally lull me into complete relaxation. After constantly battling the temptation of idleness, I am learning to let go. I fearlessly reject those nagging, festering guilt trips http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/11/prose-paragraph-planet-rest-in-summer.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-7333322792729208663Sat, 20 Nov 2010 20:47:00 +00002010-11-20T20:50:35.824+00:0075cakechocolateeatingfoodguiltparagraphFeature on front page Dec 26th 2009 I Love Cake I've given in to my craving. I'm not hungry, just weak. My teeth sink into the cocoa sponge, springy and soft. It dissolves over my tongue, washes over my gums. My bite is challenged by joyful chunks of solid chocolate; diamonds in a treasure chest. The secret sound as they break into countless pieces vibrates through my jaw before they melt http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/11/prose-i-love-cake-paragraph-planet.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-5004294315515493154Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:55:00 +00002010-11-19T11:57:50.955+00:00dreamsprosesleepwritingFeatured on front page 4th Oct 2009Waking A distant, electronic melody creeps into my mind and stirs me. Sleep weighs heavy, bearing down on me, on my eyes. Dreams cling to the inside of my head like dew, and I try to grasp them as if I were a traveller trekking through desert, dying of thirst. They escape me though. I try to chase them, but it’s too late; lost for another day. Already, I look http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/11/prose-paragraph-planet-waking.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-6648959043057662766Sun, 31 Oct 2010 12:11:00 +00002010-11-19T23:13:27.088+00:00bathBristolcheltenhamdrinkeventsfestivalfoodjournalismmusicschamatewkesburyVenueWritten for Venue, July 2010 Music Cheltenham Music Festival Classical Brit award winner and Cheltenham Music Festival regular Alina Ibragimova returns with the likes of Gunilla Sussman, Milos Karadaglic and Steven Isserlis to provide Cheltenham’s classical summer soundtrack. The eco-friendly organisers ensure all proceeds go to the local community, so if you fancy a bit of charitable culture, http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/10/journalism-whats-on.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-175761128620476035Wed, 27 Oct 2010 20:48:00 +00002010-11-19T12:00:16.111+00:00BristolcareercourtcustodyelainejoblawofficerPCOprisonsimmonsVenueworkshopWritten for Venue, July 2010On the job…Elaine SimmonsPrison Custody OfficerWhat does a PCO do?I escort people in custody to court from prisons and police stations, and work within the court.Why did you apply for the job?I was looking for a change from sitting in an office all day!What’s the pay like?Depends on the hours.What are the hours like?It varies, but it can be a long day. Mainly I travel http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/10/journalism-on-job-interview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-8454827665132345660Sat, 23 Oct 2010 22:41:00 +00002010-11-19T23:14:10.202+00:00artsauditionbathbeautyBristoldramaeventsjournalismliteraturelivemusicperformancetheatreVenueworkshopWritten for Venue June 2010. Stop Press Performance Sat 26: Beauty and the Beast Children’s Auditions Bristol Hippodrome, Saint Augustine Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ, 10am, free. Ffi: sarahmilne@theambassadors.com, blocproductions.co.uk Bristol Light Opera Club are running auditions for boys aged 8-12 to play Chip. Auditionees should be no taller than 4’ and able to sing, dance and act, but no http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/10/events-listing.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-3690504823071512581Sun, 10 Oct 2010 20:47:00 +00002010-11-19T23:25:30.393+00:00agoraphobiaauthorbathBristolinterviewJapanJonathanlawLeenovelphotographerphotographySatoshiTokyoVenueConducted and written for Venue July 2010 Turning Japanese  Robyn Simmons catches up with the newest writer on the block to find out what happens when you plonk a Western hermit in the heaving East. A first class honours degree, a lucrative career and stints working abroad. At the tender age of 29, Jonathan Lee is well on his way to completing most people’s to-do list of life, but the http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/10/turning-japanese-interview-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-1068445032244343496Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:40:00 +00002010-11-19T23:30:10.128+00:00alice in wonderlandburtonchristmascinemadragondvdfamilyfilmsharry potterjack blackjohnny deppkidsMcPheemoviesowlsshrektimestoy storyWritten for Primary Times July 2010 2010 has been a big year for kids’ films. With the release of Alice in Wonderland, Shrek Forever After and the long awaited Toy Story 3, piggy banks all over will have been raided, drained and destroyed. But don’t start taping the splinters together just yet; in a few short weeks the new Harry Potter saga hits the cinema and, for those forward-thinkers http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/10/film-journalism-overview-of-2010s.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-3740783398206473033Sun, 03 Oct 2010 18:29:00 +00002010-11-20T19:14:49.996+00:00bathblindsBristoldecordecorationDIYFoliofurniturehomepromotionalshutterswoodWritten for Folio June 2010 The Wooden Blind Company   These classic blinds have been fashion and fitted by Steve Sharp’s very own hand. Owner of the family-run Wooden Blind Company, Steve is dedicated to tailoring each order to perfection, making each set of blinds or shutters as unique as their owner. With their limitless appeal, shutters “suit Edwardian Georgian properties right http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/10/promo-journalism-wooden-blind-company.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-8660443891249397838Fri, 10 Sep 2010 18:56:00 +00002010-11-20T20:02:00.389+00:00BristolciosoigcolmfleeceHopejournalismmazzy starmusicmy bloody valentineSandovalthrough the devil softlyVenuewarm inventionsWritten for Venue magazine, July 2010 A Glimpse of Hope With Massive Attack putting her smoky vocals to use earlier this year, Hope Sandoval has added yet another name to her collaborations list. Teaming up with ex My Bloody Valentine, Colm Ó Cíosóig to form the Warm Inventions in 2001, last year saw the release of their second album, Through the Devil Softly, a record sure you sweep you awayhttp://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/09/music-journalism-band-overview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-6564304986747027581Thu, 09 Sep 2010 21:34:00 +00002010-11-20T19:59:00.111+00:00artsBristolCliftonexhibitionfionaFoliogalleryhamiltonSomaWritten for Folio magazine, June 2010. Soma Overview Fiona Hamilton brightens up Clifton Arcade with her display of prints, ceramics, textiles and jewellery supplied by local and established artists.    “I opened in 2004 and originally it was just prints,” she recalls. Mainly attracting budding illustrators at the time, contributors have gone on to establish successful careers. http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/09/art-exhibition-overview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-4105213038772827486Fri, 03 Sep 2010 11:46:00 +00002010-11-20T19:17:37.152+00:00balloonbathBristolchildrendr whoeventsfestivalfiestaFoliolistingsliteraturemr menromanspotsummertourismtravellingwhat's onProduced for Folio magazine, June 2010 Heritage City BANES council are really upping their tourist game this summer by er, plugging, the city’s noble reputation. Plunge into the historic waters of Georgian Bath (okay, the aquatic puns will stop here) with a late(ish) night visit to the Roman Baths, whose managers have pledged to keep the doors open until 10pm throughout July and August. Entryhttp://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/09/whats-on-panel-pieces.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-3469090581649400421Thu, 19 Aug 2010 20:39:00 +00002010-11-20T19:23:36.953+00:00americanbbqBristoleventsFoliofoodgrillgrillstockjournalismVenueWritten for Venue, June 2010Grillstock If you spot smoke signals coming from the Waterfront, don’t panic. Leave your white vests and cans of lager at home and make way for the professionals; Grillstock is a two day barbeque spanning 17th – 18th July.In a weekend-long competition, grill-chefs from around the UK gather to impress and excite judges and punters alike in their battle for the King of http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/08/grillstock-overview.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-3205511924365859502Sat, 14 Aug 2010 09:01:00 +00002010-11-20T19:56:29.145+00:00bathBristolCliftonFolioholisticjournalismMediapromopromotionalSpatherapytreatmentsPublished in Folio magazine, June 2010. Clifton Medi Spa If summer means sweltering away in mid-day heat wrapped in a jumper and boots, or if you seem to be spending a fortune trying to find that miracle foundation, you’ve probably got a few imperfections to hide. Surgery is a drastic option, but there are other means. Clifton Medi Spa could be the ticket to a cooler, care-free summer and a http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/08/promo-journalism-clifton-medi-spa-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-4157109887452825689Fri, 06 Aug 2010 18:34:00 +00002010-11-20T19:44:57.328+00:00bookchildrenjournalismparentsprimaryreviewtimesPrimary Times, June-July 2010. The Babysitters Club: The Summer Before 176 million readers can’t be wrong. The Summer Before is a lively account of how three girls find friendship through a simple hobby: babysitting. When new girl Stacey arrives on the scene, the trio soon hear of her own enthusiasm for watching over youngsters. Four girls, one passion and masses of motivation can mean only http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/08/journalism-book-reviews.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-2319065875178968408Sun, 25 Jul 2010 21:18:00 +00002010-11-20T19:54:45.932+00:00BristoleventsjournalismlistingsmusicVenuewhat's onCompiled and written for Venue, June 2010. Performance Sat 26: Beauty and the Beast Children’s Auditions Bristol Hippodrome, Saint Augustine Parade, Bristol, BS1 4UZ, 10am, free. Ffi: sarahmilne@theambassadors.com, blocproductions.co.uk Bristol Light Opera Club are running auditions for boys aged 8-12 to play Chip. Auditionees should be no taller than 4’ and able to sing, dance and act, but no http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/07/journalism-work-for-venue-mag.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-88888876554057068Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:18:00 +00002010-11-20T20:05:08.528+00:00blackbloggingcathazardproseshortstoryTo be published on Hazard Cat. Black Cat The vole in her mouth was still warm as she leapt onto the discoloured brick wall of her owner's home. The furry shape gently swung with the movement in a moment of false animation. From a bird's eye view the wall formed a rectangle around a council house, identical to all the other rectangles surrounding it. From the ground, it was marked out from the http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/07/prose-black-cat.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6509710809450250046.post-6278418368339984950Mon, 12 Jul 2010 19:46:00 +00002010-12-28T21:44:30.077+00:00AsiancinemafilmJapanJapanesejournalismKitanoreviewsubtitledTakeshiworldREVIEW: DVD Release: Takeshis’ Takeshis' Release date: 8th March 2010 Certificate: 15 Running time: 108 minutes Director: Takeshi Kitano Starring: Beat Takeshi, Kotomi Kyôno, Ren Ôsugi, Susumu Terajima Genre: Drama Studio: Artificial Eye Format: DVD Country: Japan “500% Kitano - nothing to add” was the simple message that promoted Takeshis’ at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival: never could a http://robynsimmons.blogspot.com/2010/07/film-journalism-takeshis-review.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (RS)0