Delicious recipe for Potato and Feta Cake

Joseph x | Recipes from a mutant kitchen | July 29, 2011

This month our regular mutantspace kitchen writer scores again with a delicious recipe for potato and feta cakes

I have been neglecting you. The garden is currently consuming my life, as I desperately try and make up for the time lost while my back was acting up. It is great to be toiling out there again and the recent run of good weather has enabled me to lift the pall of neglect, which hung over my wind-swept patch. My focus has been on emptying a large bin of mature compost to make room for the mound of clippings, which will be generated as soon as I around to cutting the overgrown hedges. The decanting of the compost could only be done, when I had found suitable spots in the garden to scatter it, which in turn necessitated mass weeding of flower beds and under trees. Although it has taken its toll on my aging body, this exercise is now drawing to a close and I am slowly giving my attention to you and others, who may have wondered about my recent absence from these pages.

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Fear of Clowns

Bridalvice | Short fiction and poetry | July 28, 2011

I’m delighted to be publishing another brand new Irish short story. It’s always fantastic getting in new Irish fiction. Hope you enjoy it

I had what the experts call coulrophobia that meant that I had a fear of clowns. I couldn’t stand being around them, they gave me the heebie-jeebies. With their floppy, immense shoes and pink curly hair, those guys are freaks. I avoided those freaks as much as possible, if my parents even mentioned the circus I’d freak out. I’d shout and scream, sometimes I’d cry and then become nauseated at the thought of being around those hideous, white faced, snarling, guffawing weirdos. I mean, what‘s the point in having clowns around.

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I love loud music, video games, Cork city, blogging and wrestling

zenarcadian | All about mutantspace | July 26, 2011

a mutantspace skills exchange member, Mike McGrath lists his top 5 loves in the whole wide world. If you’re a member of our cooperative and want to post up a list of your top 5 things then please send it in we’d be delighted to hear from you…

Very Loud Music
Blame it on a small-town/country upbringing, but I hated the music on the radio and in my dad’s collection growing up. There’s something about Country Irish so unrelatable, so reminiscent of an old Ireland, one of comely maidens and dancing at the crossroads, and I doubt there’s been an original tune written in that genre for generations. Same thing with school. Your peers don’t know any better than you do, yet kids have this way of following each other around that makes no sense in hindsight, and well, the less said about happy hardcore and trance, the better. Never dug it, it never made sense. I found Nirvana’s Nevermind as a teen at a family barbecue and just got it… and it ripped my life wide open. At first, it was grunge, from there its influences and those who carried the influences on. Just astounding looking at the histories of punk, metal, math, noise, etc. and seeing the subtle changes, branches, crossovers, etc. It’s the most technically demanding (at times) music in the world, yet never gets up its own recesses about the fact. Intelligence without snobbery, aggression without po-facedness (when done correctly). I have great time for a wide spectrum of music, from dub to soundtracks, but my heart is here musically.

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is the mutantspace skills exchange a good idea?

moray mair | All about mutantspace | July 25, 2011

Where do good ideas come from?
I’m fascinated with this question especially since I founded mutantspace skills exchange. Over the last two years, as I’ve been developing the cooperative, I’ve had to learn, from scratch, about the technology behind it, hone in on the ideas that drive it as well as researching into how other people have addressed similar issues by using alternative economic systems. This search has led, in turn, to new ideas, better solutions and I hope, one day, a great idea that will make a significant difference to people. However like Steven Johnson I believe it requires a certain number of factors for this to happen, not least a space in which ideas are free to comingle.

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Irish musicians, The Grandmothers From Outerspace

moray mair | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 20, 2011

And so with great fanfare I introduce to you a few members of our mutantspace skills exchange…a bunch of Irish musicians all the way from Cork City called The Grandmothers From Outerspace

Hi. My name is Colin B. Goode and I play grunge rock with power trio The Grandmothers from Outerspace. Our music is inspired by a devotion and captivation of the sound of 50’s rock n‘ roll, 60’s psychedelic rock, 70’s punk, 80’s cheese pop, 90’s grunge, noughties punk rock revival acts The Strokes and The White Stripes.

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The Free World by David Bezmozgis; a book review

moray mair | Book reviews and writers | July 19, 2011

I picked up ‘The Free World’ because I needed a book. However, I never buy tragic – comic novels, had never heard of the author, David Bezmozgis, and had very little money in my pocket. All good reasons not to buy this book but I am so glad I did. It was a great read.

In “The Free World,” David Bezmozgis takes us back to the late 1970s when a wave of Soviet Jewish emigration sent tens of thousands of families to Europe, Israel and North America. Much like his own experience – Bezmozgis emigrated, with his family from Riga in 1973 – this book is a tender, funny and fascinating insight into the plight of the emigrant; not belonging anywhere, in stasis, inbetween, limbo, not belonging to one place or another.
The author never pretends that his confused, self-interested characters are admirable, virtuous or even likable, but he respects them nonetheless and his book pays tribute to their tenacity and to their sometimes accidental courage.

At the centre of, “The Free World” are three generations of the Krasnansky family, a Jewish family who have made a

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How to fix the Cork City music recession

moray mair | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 15, 2011

We have to start working cooperatively, exchanging skills, resources, information if we are to get out of the Cork City music recession.

Things have to get better on the gig scene this summer. It’s got so bad, so bad.
Cork City seems to be dead; no money, no people, no buzz, no nothing. Apparently this is the way it is. Every time I ask someone what the story is, why it’s so dead, they mutter back, matter of factly,
“Sure it’s always been this way”
“Cork dies in the Summer, once the students come back sure it’ll all be grand then”
“What’s a couple of months, no bother, don’t worry, it always rights itself”
No it doesn’t. What it does is put an incredible amount of pressure on bars, venues, clubs, theatres, bands, etc. And it’s not just a couple of months it’s from the end of May until the middle of September – over a quarter of the year. And yet everyone stumbles blindly on, convinced that it is an unquestionable truth and thus cannot be fixed.

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Diary of an Irish performance artist: Just Be

hilary williams | Art and design | July 14, 2011

Just Be.
Just be Yourself.
Just be Truly yourself.
Just be truly yourself now
Just be truly yourself now in the Moment.

Still filtering the ooze of unrecognised body/mind/spirit knowledge, feelings, still hunting the words to explain to myself, still troubled in how to explain to the “other me” or even the world out there.
Sometimes one goes through a sort of monumental sea change in ones owns attitude, ways of thinking, even moving…
Like Shakespeare in Julius Caesar talking about Brutus “some elements moved, something changed to bring about this man…” Haven’t got the lines right but in this last Workshop there was a shift, a seismic change in my way of working, thinking even moving as a performance artist.

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top 10 tips to create a great festival

moray mair | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 13, 2011

Thought I’d post up a top 10 list of how to create a great festival. These tips are based on my experience as both an audience member, organiser and performer at many different types of festivals over the last twenty years.

1. Have a cooperative approach to the development, production and management of the festival
To have a bunch of people working together for a common purpose is critical to all great festivals. It takes the pressure off the individual and builds trust, friendship and an element of fun and excitement between the group. A cooperative approach does have its problems – especially when things go wrong – but if the group are dedicated to the idea then this should see them through the inevitable problems that arise in organising a large event

2. Be sure to have a good reason for creating a festival other than trying to make money
To create a festival for the sole reason of turning a buck is a waste of time. Festivals are and always have been a celebration of something that has meaning to people. By concentrating on trying to make money you’ll only destroy the essence of what a festival is all about. It’s hard to make a festival pay. There are much easier ways to make a few quid.

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The Irish arts and the so called cultural agenda

moray mair | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 12, 2011

Saturdays Irish Times is the only Irish paper I buy all week. I buy it because it has a good TV guide. The rest of it is essentially banal, cultural lifestyle bunkum. See the thing is The Times likes to see itself as THE IRISH ARTS PAPER – the must read broadsheet for the middle brow, educated, arts appreciation types. And you know what they’re right. It is. I fit their profile perfectly. It’s the paper we all want to get into, be reviewed in, featured in, this despite the fact that it’s not even the largest selling paper in the country. By a long shot. It’s pathetic how much we’re enthralled to the media. I feel pathetic just writing about it.
However, before I go on to tear a recent editorial apart I just want to make clear where I stand on the issue of the Irish media in the arts. Press and television grossly misrepresent and under serve the arts in this country; completely, utterly, totally. They are a disgrace. Our only saving grace is the radio but their reach is limited as the arts programmes are not deemed important enough to be promoted by the mandarins running the stations.

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Bon Iver and Ben Glover Album reviews

anon.y.mous | Everything about music | July 11, 2011

This week we have two new album reviews; The self titled album ‘Bon Iver’ by Bon Iver and ‘Before The Birds’ by Ben Glover. If you have any thoughts on either of the albums let us know

Ben Glover: Before The Birds

Ben Glover has been compelled to write songs since his mid-teens growing up in County Antrim, Northern Ireland when he was awoken and unsettled by Bob Dylan. Armed with a law degree from Queens University Belfast he put his legal ambitions on hold to pursue a career in music. That career got its start with Glover’s debut outing, The Week The Clocks Changed, produced by J.D. Foster (Calexico, Richmond Fontaine) and featuring guest appearances by A-list roots music artists including; Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Miller and Vince Gill. Through the Noise, through the Night, followed in 2009, which was produced by Neilson Hubbard (Kim Richey, Matthew Perryman Jones, Glen Phillips) and drew rave reviews and comparisons to the likes of Ryan Adams and Bruce Springsteen.

Relocating to Nashville in ‘09 — to summon the spirits of great songwriters that came before him; Hank, Willie, Cash and Kristofferson, Glover began penning new tunes with some of Music Row’s finest including acclaimed singer-songwriter Mary Gauthier. His second record Through the Noise, Through the Night was filled with soul-moving melodies that linger and stir.

Now comes his 2011 outing, Before the Birds, again produced by Neilson Hubbard and recorded in Nashville.

Glover’s sound has since evolved. After three albums, the singer songwriter has found his musical balance and has stepped up the mark by creating a sound that is self assured and confident in its structure, composition and overall feel.

The production although masterful, has an organic presence that sits very well with the singers Springsteenesque grovel. The album contains 10 tracks that sit evenly well aside each other. Stand out tracks include lead single ‘Trick of the light’, that one would assume can accompany any film landscape. It’s just crying out for a sync. Other tracks of note include: ‘I am with you’, ‘Any Other way’ and ‘the banjo lead Lockdown’ are just great.

This is Glover’s second album working with the producer Neilson Hubbard and it’s the most personal record he has made. This is what happens when a damn fine producer creates a trusting environment that allows the artist to throw out ideas and try new things. And it has been most successful here on this record. It’s easy to see how the trusting relationship afforded Ben the space to explore and make quiet possibly the best record of his career. Well worth the listen, and after one listen it just grows on you and becomes an old friend. A stunning album.

8/10

Continue reading »

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Competitive growing of courgettes in the allotment

CUE | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 8, 2011

Our Skills Exchange gardener tells us all about growing courgettes in his allotment in Cork

Being In-Door-Barbeque season again, the unusually cold spell seems to be slowing growth particularly with my courgettes. Courgette is the French name for immature marrows also known as zucchini in Italian – I’m glad I’ve finally teased that out. Of the species Cucurbita Pepo, it is the same family as pumpkin and squashes and prone to the cucumber mosaic virus (a mildew) but resistant varieties can be bought such as the ‘Defender’ (courgette with attitude) and the ‘Supremo’ (arrogant courgette). They’re a good source of folate, potassium, the all-important fibre and vitamin C. They take up considerable space and must be planted ninety centimetres apart each way. But two or three plants are all that is required to supply the average post Celtic Tiger household in Ireland. They also come in yellow, my favourite colour.

I was discussing their slow start in an over-the-fence-chat with Jim my allotment neighbour, and if truth be told and I’m not ashamed to admit it, myself and Jim have what would be known in e-dating terms as ‘an affinity’ but as with domestic arrangements, in allotments, good fences make good neighbours. Although ours is only two strands of wire it does the job, sets the all-important boundaries that child psychologists are forever banging on about.

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New Irish poetry; Dad, Deities, Snow Tigers

Bridalvice | Short fiction and poetry | July 7, 2011

Some more new Irish poetry from one of our mutantspace members. It’s always a delight to post new poetry, it is important to our cooperative and proof of the wide range of people that are involved in our gift economy.

Dad

Gnashing, grinding, his teeth chomp down
swallowing his turkey sandwich, at least he’s wearing a gown now.
Last week the young purty nurse walked in on dad and saw his Johnson,
she screamed, I laughed to myself, Dawn she’s my sister, rushed to her aid before dad became too amorous.
It’s not his fault entirely, it’s his damn crazy pills, ya see they sorta help but act like viagra also.
Dawn promised him a playboy magazine if he kept his gown on. Dad is almost eighty, actually next week is his birthday,
I suppose we should organise a party.
He isn’t totally senile yet.

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why be an independent arts producer?

moray mair | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 6, 2011

I’m tired. Most of the time I’m tired. Forever scratching away, trying to make a crust as an independent arts producer of sorts, always looking to steal away moments to work on my project; mutantspace, a free arts and skills exchange website, a gift economy that runs on time and very little else. Money is tight. Time is precious, unaffordable and once gone can never come back. It’s hard. Tough.

But I’m not complaining, this is not a complaint, lets make that clear, now, now. Damn clear. I wouldn’t want this any other way (well a few more quid in the bank would be nice) I chose this path, I made a conscious decision, I made my choices, some wrong, some right, that’s life. What’s more I shall be forever grateful to have been in a position to make that choice in the first place unlike so many that don’t, can’t. I am privileged. I am lucky. I am tired. That is all.

Being independent, working for yourself, creating a new space in which to make a livelihood, being master of your own vanity is a rollercoaster ride; constantly hoping, praying that gigs, events, shows you put on are pulled off. It’s challenging and frustrating and hard work. It’s a fun and exciting trip but always nerve wracking and stressful and your nails are bitten to the quick.

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Upcoming Cork Cycling Festival

nickibopp | Life in a cultural petri dish | July 5, 2011

Cork Cycle Chic Needs You

Some of our members are involved in this great festival of bikes so if you’re interested get in touch – all the contact info is right here

Call Out for fashion designers, models, hair/make up, photographers, performers & stage hands
July 23rd 22:00 Boardwalk – South Mall/Grand Parade, Cork City

Cork Cycle Chic is looking for models, make up artists and fashion designers to participate in this year’s fashion show at the Boardwalk – South Mall / Grand Parade on July 23rd at 22:00. The theme is High Vis – See and Be Seen and the show will feature funky & functional outfits and accessories to keep you chic and safe while cycling

Unlike regular shows, Cycle Chic 2011 will be staged outdoors as night falls and promises to be a theatrical display of models and performers lighting up the boardwalk, on beautiful bicycles, showcasing stylish and innovative fashion and cycle accessories.

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Trash Gigs 17 – 19 May

Friday 17th May
Mutant Cabaret @ 9pm The Roundy, Cork
Hans Dens @ 8pm Gulp'd, Cork

Saturday 18th May
The Urchin Collective @ 8pm Gulp'd, Cork

Sunday 19th May
Cormac O’Caoimh and Stuart Wilde @ 7.30pm Gateway Bar, Cork

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we're always delighted to publish your work in our blog. So If you want your art seen by thousands of people then go to our submissions page to get more info