3 weeks left, 3 weeks late

Taking a little break here from my paper to talk about my week. Pictures are on the backburner, camera is not behaving very nicely.

I went to the library and Tate Britain art museum research center to study up on JMW Turner and Jack London for this project. I found it a little strange that I was reading about the Great American bum-turned-writer in the midst of about a dozen bums. I wonder what they aspire to? I'm too scared to ask. Though, in front of the Tesco a homeless man asked if I "had to quid so I can go pick up some fish and chips." I repeated what he said, "Fish and chips eh? I'm hungry, let's go." Then he gave some bullshit answer about meeting some friends and I gave him 11 pence. Boy was he pissed. I'm sorry, you were being a complete bastard.

So, let's see, I bookwormed through the week and can't remember much of it. That is my curse, for ever and ever. Makes it hard to talk to the smart British girls, I found that out. I have the attention span of a sperm and the memory of a gold fish, but I suppose some girls like it. Huh? What? Oh yes, blog.

I got a package from Zach, and I've been listening to Sufjan Stevens' Michigan album, imagining snow, and fantasizing about pirates. Thanks Zach!

The rest of my flatmates, except Ben and his friend Matt, have gone to Ireland this weekend. It made for a quiet two days and I thoroughly enjoyed it. On Thursday we looked for a jazz club and were turned off by how small and crowded it was. So, we headed over to the Borderline and saw a small, nervous Japanese kid and his motley crew of ragged college students question why they were headlining. Yo Zushi was his name, "short and sweet" was his game.

Last night Ben and Matt and I headed to the London Astoria to check out Gogol Bordello. I had no idea it would even be a problem to get tickets at the door. When we got there even the scalpers were desperate for tickets! So, we went to the side door and tried to decide what to do. There was a British girl there and we talked to her about scalpers and haggling. I had been planning to go to this show since early February, so I was a little miffed. Then, like some enigma, this guy came up to the 4 of us and asked if anyone was looking for a ticket. Catherine already had one and I just raised my hand and said "Yo." Then he gave it to me and told me and this bitchy tout to fight over it! A tout is one of those people that stand on the street and hand out flyers in the cold. I was going to give it to her, but Ben and Matt insisted I go because I had been planning so heavily on it, and they went home. What nice guys. Sod on the tout. Catherine and I hung out before and after the show, but during the show we were all displaced like sediment in the friendly mosh pit. It was quite respectful; a very perfect mix of modestness and insanity. I felt fully that if I went down, someone would help me up, and if someone else went down I'd be right there for them as well. Gogol Bordello can put on one hell of a show. Pete was correct to the nth degree, holy shit.

Tomorrow is my Ukulele Masterclass with selected members of the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain. Here's a transcription of the emails between me and Hester Goodman:

Hey there,
My name is Ben Phillips and I play ukulele. I've played for about 3 years, but a bit more seriously in the past 1.5. I'll tell ya, apparently I play the uke just like guitar. I'd like to learn a more traditional uke sound and more technical things. I love ornamenting chords. Saw you guys play in February and loved it. Are there any openings on the Sat. 11th or Sun. 12th? My mobile number is 7944693946
Saving $$,
Ben

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Hi Ben
there are 1 or two places left on Sunday 12th at 10am. If you'd like to book a place, please let me know asap.
Hester Goodman
UOGB

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I would love to participate at 10 am on Sunday. Do I pay when I get there?
Ben

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Thanks for your email. We're delighted that you have booked onto the Ukulele Masterclass. I have booked you in, as requested, on Sunday 12th March at 10am. This is a provisional booking, and I will confirm as soon as we receive payment. Cheques should be made payable to The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain, and sent to me (Hester Goodman) at (private address).
Thanks again, and see you next weekend
Hester

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I can write you an American check for $52.50, by current exchange rates, or concealed cash. Would you rather I pay in cash at the class and just send an IOU? You can surely count on my being there!
Let me know,
-Ben

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Thre problem is that places are scarce, and there are waiting lists forclasses, so I need cheques for confirmation. If you can really really guarentee that you'll be there, I'm willing to make an exception (sorry to be difficult).
Hester.

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I can really really promise I'll be at the Cecil Sharp venue on the safe side of 10 with my ukulele. I'm an Eagle Scout! Scouts Honor! Pinky Swear even!
-Ben

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As a former Lapsed-Brownie I swore I'd never trust a scout again, but you've convinced me. See you on 12th March.
Hester

END TRANSCRIPTION

Next week? Stonehenge and Bath! Umphreys McGee! $pend more money!

"Who would hayve thouwt England could be so nyce to a simple main from tha Ukrayne?"
-Ben