In praise of Postie: Creativity through monotony.
Joyful Posties at work stamping stamps, all the live long day.
Elise Moab Q&A: "Where and where was it created?
This particular piece is a field recording that was recorded by ethnomusicologist James Koetting in 1975. The music was created by the postal workers canceling stamps in the University of Ghana post office in Ghana.
The whistled part is from the hymn "Bompata," by the Ghanaian composer W.J. Akyeampong (b. 1900). This type of music is created daily as a normal part of life for the Africans in Ghana."
Vimeo version:
Cancelling Stamps in Ghana from Tim Foil on Vimeo.
MP3 version at WFMU.
Read a detailed account of the recording, featured in the book/CD Worlds of Music: An Introduction to the Music of the World's Peoples
Multitasking man in action...
Saturday, 20 March 2010
Thursday, 11 March 2010
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - Since 1860
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home - 150th anniversary - Royal Mail Stamps
150 years of cruelly miniturising rescued animals to save on food and accomodation bills. Yet still celebrated, now with stamps, now with the Queen's approval... where will it end? It beggars belief.
How much longer can this be allowed to go on for?
Why do we all continue to turn a blind eye to all that goes on at the Battersea Dogs Home?
"we’re making a number of stamp issues available; each one beautifully capturing the richness and diversity of British heritage and culture." (Royal Mail)
With respect, are they bollocks. And, to put it mildly, it's a National Disgrace.
It is not part of British heritage or culture to shrink dogs to postage stamp size.
battersea_yapper_dog.jpg
(actual stamp size) Does that look normal to you?
"Leonard (above), a terrier, eventuallly less than 1cm tall, somewhat underweight and wary of people. He now lives with his new owners Claire and Pete in Maidenhead."(source)
---------------------------------------------
"Tigger, a tomcat, was brought into Battersea after his owner died. He now lives with his new owners Charlotte and Ciaran in London" (source)
His left wang eye is clearly visible. It may have been due to shrinkage.
---------------------------------------------
Two miniturised Battersea dogs together - both sat against actual sized postage stamps - a rare sight.
"Herbie, a mongrel, competes in nanoball competitions and has represented Battersea Dogs and Cats home in the sport. Tafka, a collie, ex-miner, came to Battersea because her owner died and now lives together with Herbie and their new owner Tamara in Berkshire! (source)
Sources:
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Royal Mail Special Special Stamps
The Guardian
150 years of cruelly miniturising rescued animals to save on food and accomodation bills. Yet still celebrated, now with stamps, now with the Queen's approval... where will it end? It beggars belief.
How much longer can this be allowed to go on for?
Why do we all continue to turn a blind eye to all that goes on at the Battersea Dogs Home?
"we’re making a number of stamp issues available; each one beautifully capturing the richness and diversity of British heritage and culture." (Royal Mail)
With respect, are they bollocks. And, to put it mildly, it's a National Disgrace.
It is not part of British heritage or culture to shrink dogs to postage stamp size.
battersea_yapper_dog.jpg
(actual stamp size) Does that look normal to you?
"Leonard (above), a terrier, eventuallly less than 1cm tall, somewhat underweight and wary of people. He now lives with his new owners Claire and Pete in Maidenhead."(source)
---------------------------------------------
"Tigger, a tomcat, was brought into Battersea after his owner died. He now lives with his new owners Charlotte and Ciaran in London" (source)
His left wang eye is clearly visible. It may have been due to shrinkage.
---------------------------------------------
Two miniturised Battersea dogs together - both sat against actual sized postage stamps - a rare sight.
"Herbie, a mongrel, competes in nanoball competitions and has represented Battersea Dogs and Cats home in the sport. Tafka, a collie, ex-miner, came to Battersea because her owner died and now lives together with Herbie and their new owner Tamara in Berkshire! (source)
Sources:
Battersea Dogs & Cats Home
Royal Mail Special Special Stamps
The Guardian
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