Colin Douglas Usher's Blog

Bluemungus™

2009-09-04T14:31:00.002+01:00

Willie Stark & Keith Paton, two very good friends of mine, have embarked on a new creative solutions firm recently launched in Edinburgh.

http://www.bluemungus.com/

The work speaks for itself... check out the PDF on their site.

Recession! Yes, everyone is still crying RECESSION! They are wrong.

The chaff has gone, even a few of the larger agencies have crumbled due to their foolish personal expense budgets, a blatant disregard for employees and short sighted approach to the sector.

Companies need to market... everyone still needs to set up their stall and sell their product.

Smaller in size but a boutique turnkey solution, Bluemungus are shining through the mist of the so called recession by working hard, playing nicely and treating clients not just as associates, but as friends.

Creative solutions are not all about the tank tops & the cars... personalities, level heads, professional attitudes, adaptability and a wee bit of a laugh are strengths that I see in this new media team to surface in Scotland.

Hats off to Bluemungus and trousers on to them for going for it.

Thyme for Lunch

2009-09-04T14:17:00.002+01:00

Bluemungus have developed, designed and just launched Thyme

It's Lunchthyme

Freshly made food with a pinch of perfection

www.lunchthyme.co.uk

This is a fantastic site and awesome Edinburgh based business.
Check it out...

Hitched!!!!

2009-09-02T12:20:00.007+01:00

Introducing Julia Douglas Usher & Colin Douglas Usher

Saturday 29th August saw my lovely Julia and I getting married.

Tyninghame village hall was the venue. Tim Maguire was the Humanist Celebrant and a cast of over 100 beautiful family and wonderful friends.

My best man George (my brother), Willie Stark and myself drummed Julia into the hall while the aforementioned cast shook 'egg shakers' to welcome the most beautiful thing in my life down the aisle.

Tim Maguire held a fantastic humanist ceremony which had everyone is giggles and tears throughout.

My best bud Steve Scott read for us as well as the gorgeous Caroline Lambie.

Julia said yes and I agreed :)

Our good friend Avril Somerville hand made our rings which were also perfect. Thanks Avril xxxxxxx

Now, the cake! Jess & Martin Wilson had made us a wedding cake from cheeses with little oatcake Julia & Colin on top.... Stunning!!!!!

Perfect speaches from Peter Snow (my new step dad) and George Usher were followed by 2 beautiful and heart warming readings from my Mum Ruth Gibson. Thank you so much.

I'll stop gushing for now.

Just a special thanks to everyone who was there for us and to all who helped.

P L Snow : A Rosslyn Treasury

2009-09-02T10:19:00.005+01:00

My brand new step father Peter Snow, is about to be published for the first time.

Very proud and excited by this... read about his first book below

P. L. Snow
A Rosslyn Treasury: Stories and Legends from Rosslyn Chapel
(Paperback) Floris Books

Rosslyn Chapel, eight miles south of Edinburgh, has captured the imagination of many in recent years. This extraordinary building, dating from the fifteenth century, has long been a place of pilgrimage for people with widely differing interests, whether historical, architectural or spiritual. P.L. Snow has for many years been gathering the stories that are represented by the numerous carvings inside and outside the chapel building. Many of the carvings, eroded by the years or damaged by vandalism during the Reformation, have been lovingly restored over time. They are eloquent illustrations of the Biblical, historical and legendary tales that they represent. This book traces themes of transformation and metamorphosis through inward endeavour, and will be fascinating for anyone interested in stories from the beginnings of the world, Ancient Egypt, the Holy Land, Celtic myth and Scottish history.

About the Author
P.L. Snow was born in 1950. He has been a barman, an office clerk, a warehouseman, a social worker, a goat-herd in Corsica and a psychiatric nurse, before becoming a teacher of English and Drama in the Rudolf Steiner School of Edinburgh. He is married with two grown-up children.

Visit his site to Pre-order from Amazon now: click here

3D Life and Modo 401

2009-08-25T10:47:00.002+01:00

So, I am a few weeks into self training in MODO 401. The affordable way to create in 3d...

It's a very steep learning curve and does take time so I am pretty chuffed at the progress so far.

For any visual artist, designer, videographer or budding animator, this is the application you need to get your head round. Trust me, I searched for ages.

From the Luxology site:
modo delivers the next evolution of 3D modeling, painting and rendering in a single integrated and accelerated package for the Mac and PC. And now, modo is a true end-to-end solution that includes true 3D sculpting tools, animation and network rendering! More than just features, modo is a truly elegant integration of technology, raw horsepower and refined workflow.

Edinburgh 283 Exhibition at Zoo (Fringe 2009)

2009-08-13T09:39:00.004+01:00

I have 3 of my shots in Edinburgh 283.

Edinburgh when the festival isn’t on. Granted it was only last month but in the full flight of festivities it’s almost impossible to imagine the city without this annual arts explosion. In Edinburgh 283, Eight Edinburgh-based photographers are each exhibiting three images expressing their own unique take on Scotland’s capital during the other 283 festival-free days. This is Edinburgh’s backstage pass so enjoy the views.

Edinburgh 283 “What happens in Edinburgh when the festival isn’t on?” 10am – 10pm, 7 – 31 August Zoo Southside, 117 Nicolson St. This is a free event. http://www.zoofestival.co.uk/shows/09/edinburgh%20283

Special thanks to Rebecca Peppiette for all the organsing.

Here's my shots...

Nuptials

2009-08-12T12:07:00.001+01:00

Woohoo, getting married to the lovely Julia in just over 2 weeks... both nervous & very excited.

Helmsdale, Sutherland

2009-08-12T11:42:00.003+01:00

This weekend, I drove up to Helmsdale in Sutherland to visit Julia while she was on her artist residency with TimeSpan.

First impression were of a backward 'past-it' village (especially when I saw a sign on the harbour that said, NO NET WORKING) until I was ingratiated into the local food, sights and people's company.

Timespan is a very interesting attraction. It's a museum, Gallery, Cafe and experiential visitor attraction.

Whilst there, I was lucky enough to be invited to the opening of a photographic exhibition by Fin Macrae.

ThreeSixFive|TriSiaCoig

A Year in the Highlands & Islands

Amazing set of portraits by the man and the concept for the exhibition is remarkable.

So, onto the chippy! La Mirage

Extract from their site :

Come and enjoy the: traditional Scottish soups, fresh seafood, salads, t-bone steaks, vegetarian meals, snacks and range of delicous cakes and desserts. All of which can now be enjoyed with wine, beer or if you prefer tea, coffee or a soft drink

A favourite with visitors and locals alike, the walls are adorned with the pictures of celebrities who have visited the restaurant over the years.

Barbara Cartland has long been admired by Nancy and there are a number of pictures of the two of them on the walls. But many others from Victoria Wood, who did one of the numerous programmes that have been done on Nancy and La Mirage, to Paul Young, T.V's Mr Fisherman and Sally Whittaker of Coronation Street, can be spotted in the collection.

On Sunday, Julia & I stayed in the pub a little too long chatting to locals so we missed any opportunity to eat! We snuck into La Mirage while the staff were all eating and pleaded... We were most happy to walk away with 2 pie suppers and smiles on our faces...

Rosanne Erskine Launches Site

2009-08-12T11:33:00.002+01:00

Our good pal Rosanne Erskine has launched her website this morning.

As a fine artist, she specialises in sculpture and interiors as well as acting as an agent to other Artists.

Her site is here: http://www.rosanne-erskine.co.uk

Please take a minute to visit her site and peruse her galleries.

Lucky 23 - Aldo Cruickshank

2009-08-12T11:27:00.002+01:00

I was surprised this week to learn that a mate in Glasgow, Aldo Cruickshank who is one of the tour team for The Proclaimers, has an album coming out very soon.

Garry John Kane (Proclaimers bass player and owner/manager of Button Up Records) asked me to help out with the album cover and release stuff...

The 7 track album is nice wee slice of singer / songwriter alt country/indie rock.

Gave it a listen through last night a few times and am well impressed.

Nice to see an un-discovered gem being promoted by a cool indie label in Glasgow. There's hope for us all yet.

All the best Aldo, hopefully see you on the upcoming tour soon.

Here's the MySpace page

http://www.myspace.com/aldocruickshank

Miles Hunt of Wonderstuff & Erica Nockalls gig

2009-06-24T09:43:00.002+01:00

Ten Storeys High are proud to announce that they will be supporting Miles Hunt & Erica Nockalls at the GRV in Edinburgh on July 29th.

I am, of course, well chuffed by this as I was a huge fan of the Wonderstuff and recently met Erica when she played Edinburgh Castle in 2008 with The Proclaimers.

Looking forward to hearing their set and playing a wee 30 min acoustic set on the night.

Wasted Youth

2009-06-23T16:24:00.003+01:00

Back in 1995, I was helping paint the set in an old school in Pilton, Edinburgh. On the 2nd day, the producer approached me and asked if I could act. I said no of course but would be happy to audition for a wee something in the film...

That night, there was a knock on my door in Thistle street around 10pm. It was said producer clutching the full script for Bruce Naughton's new feature Wasted Youth.

So, thinking that I may have won a wee extra part I welcomed her in and she immediately told me that I was to play the lead roll and shooting started the next morning!

Now, not being trained in any way on technique, learning lines, delivery, posture or any of the other 1000 elements around acting, I set to work on the script to find out that I had to learn 3 pages for an argument scene then next morning.

Anyhoo.... 5 weeks of this passed and the film eventually got it's 1st screening at the Edinburgh International Film Festival.

Here we are 19 years later... Bruce gave me the Beta tape of the film and we've agreed to launch it online in full to give it a wee bit of life.

Here's the link: http://www.coffeewithalid.co.uk/wastedyouth/

Film Info:

Jamie and Ben are two students faced with the age old trauma of getting out of bed in time for lectures and into bed with the girl of their choice, until they come across a bag filled with several pounds of hash that's been hastily discarded by a slimy local crook. Here is the gateway to a fantasy term of dulled brains and newfound popularity: "the answer to all our troubles" reckons Ben, floating inches from the ceiling, "financial, social and spiritual"

Running Time: 83 mins
Director: Bruce Naughton
Producer: Bruce Naughton
Executive Producers: Kaitie Corimer, Lockhart Murdoch, Jack Shea
Editor: Deccan McGrath
Screenwriter: Bruce Naughton
Director of Photography: Martin Parry
Sound: Robert Anderson
Music: Mick McGarr
Principal Cast: Colin Usher, Brett Macadam, Angie Keenan, Lulu Preston

Welcome : Alfie Johnstone

2009-06-16T19:40:00.005+01:00

We were honored to be invited by Ellie & old school friend of mine, Scott... to the christening of wee Alfie. Their gorgeous wee boy.

Not only was it an awesome day but I got to spend some time back at Queen Victoria School, where I was a boarder from 1981 to 1987. Seeing the pipe band march past put a serious lump in my throat and reminded me of the intense sense of pride we have regarding the school and especially the pipe band.

Scott and I played in the band from 1st year through 5th year and we played every (5 Nations) Scottish Rugby Union game at Murrayfield as well as many other engagements over the years.

The only person there from our days was Graham Carroll (Skip Carroll). What an amazing chap... not only remembering me after all these years but sending his best to my brother too. I remember the 1st icy rugby training session on the playing fields and the general feeling of fear was calmed by Graham's excellent way with the lads.

Anyhoo, thanks again for the invite to Scott & Ellie Johnstone. Glad we've finally caught up :)

Full Circle Wedding Band

2009-05-25T09:34:00.003+01:00

Some pals have a new wedding & events band.

Full Circle hail from the Edinburgh area and are 'a top class wedding, party and function band able to cater for any occasion.'

Check out their site, I helped colour it in for them

http://www.fullcircle-eventsband.com/

From the site:

We are reliable, punctual and smartly dressed.

On stage we are energetic and entertaining, and like to engage with the audience during our performance whenever possible.

We are fully self contained, providing a top of the range PA system and stage lighting for audiences up to 300 people.

With Full Circle you get great value for money as we can play for up to 3 hours with a few short breaks. In addition, we can play extended sets and if requested can provide an additional background piano set during dinner or a drinks reception.

The band travel all over the UK and Overseas, and we are sure to make your event extremely special and a night to remember for you and your guests.

Will this help the google search results? Wee experiment...

Flying the Quik R & looking at our 1st plane...

2009-05-22T16:19:00.004+01:00

Last week saw the opportunity for myself & Ken to grab a second hand plane. Of course it is VERY cheap but will be a great wee vehicle to go solo in as we lead up to our GFT (General Flight Test)

The Mainair Flash 2 Alpha 503 : Only trouble, it's PINK!

We still have to test fly it as soon a possible but hopefully all will be fine.

I have now flown 15 hours in training and am looking forward to steep turns, emergency landings and more and more circuits... hopefully solo isn't too far away and if the weather holds out in East Lothian...

Avril Somerville at Joey D, Edinburgh

2009-05-01T19:56:00.004+01:00

My good pal Avril Somerville launched her new range of silver jewellery last night at the infamous Joey D on Broughton Street, Edinburgh.

Loads of the great and good showed up, t'was a top night indeed.

http://silverdesignshop.com/

You should go have a look, her stuff is awesome. My fiancee is wearing a handmade engagement ring made by Avril. Julia was well chuffed (and still is I hope!)

OK, get your mouse clicking over to her site.

Cheerie for the noo

Col

Clare Waddle now Online with new site

2009-04-24T09:04:00.003+01:00

Our good friend, the artist Clare Waddle has launched her new website.

http://www.clarewaddle.co.uk/

Click the link to see her amazing work.

Colin Lands the QuickR at East Fortune...

2009-04-23T16:37:00.005+01:00

Enough said... all the braws....

Thanks to Ken Kerr for filming this.

Cesar Millan - The Mutt's Nuts

2009-04-17T14:31:00.003+01:00

I've gotta say... I have avoided this show for ages and I've had a pup for 7 months or so... what a numpty.

Saw an episode last night which dealt with dogs jumping ... tried all the tricks that Cesar showed and it BLOODY WORKED!

Thanks Mr Millan

Off to set up a Dog Whisperer Fan Club on Facebook...

Coffee With A Lid

2009-04-07T16:01:00.001+01:00

We like 'Coffee with a lid'

Good Things

2009-03-25T16:04:00.002Z

East Lothian & Edinburgh Freelance Photographer

2009-03-20T13:19:00.004Z

I've missed it so much recently that I am going to get back into my photography work.

Since around 1991 I have worked as a freelance photographer shooting a wide array of subject matter for such publications as The Face, The Scotsman, Scotland On Sunday, The List, NME and The Herald to name but a few.

From shooting The Proclaimers, DJs, Interiors, actors, dancers, theatre production stills and lifestyle shots through to album covers and corporate portraits....

If you read/find this, spread the word or get in touch.

Pictured : Isa & The Filthy Tongues. Shot Jan 2009 by Colin Usher

Fraser Bathgate's Deptherapy Foundation

2009-03-19T16:03:00.003Z

Good friend Fraser Bathgate has just launched his new charity/initiative ...

Deptherapy is a revolutionary approach to rehabilitation devised by Fraser Bathgate who is the pioneer of an unusual but highly effective form of treatment : SCUBA DIVING

Very happy to have helped by designing his logo and setting up his blog etc for this amazing new organisation.

Have a look at what they are up to here: http://deptherapy.blogspot.com/

Wooden : An Exhibition by Colin Usher

2009-03-17T13:00:00.002Z

Coming Soon....

I am currently working on a series of portraits which I will be printing onto wood and hanging in a venue in Edinburgh for the Leith Festival 2009.

It is a study of the awkwardness expressed by most people when having their photograph taken and how we naturally pose with an uncontrollable unnatural posture and expression.

Keep an eye out.... more news soon.

Gig at the Guilty Lily

2009-03-17T12:54:00.002Z

A good friend of ours, Amanda, has 2 amazing bars in Edinburgh & Portobello.

She asked us (Ten Storeys High) to play at the Guilty Lily on Friday there.... we did a wee intimate and semi-acoustic set to a fantastic wee crowd as well as break in our new rhythm guitarist/piano player, Aly Barr.

Top night was had by all and we look forward to playing at the Esplanade (The Espy) in Portobello on Friday 27th March too.

Try and get down there (even if it's not to see us...) the food is amazing.

Here's a recent review from View Edinburgh:

When people refer to the waterfront amusements in Portobello, it is difficult to know whether they are talking about the arcades or the current state of the pubs and restaurants. That was until the recent introduction of The Esplanade, aka The Espy, the jewel of the Edinburgh Riviera.

The Venue
At the end of Bath Street with big windows overlooking the beach, The Espy has laid down the gauntlet with its prime location. Parking is not so easy so be prepared for a short walk along the beach or from the high street.

Inside, the pub is divided into two by the enormous bar. In the south end of the pub you can sink into huge, but almost garish, floral print sofas, perch on high bar stools or sit bolt upright in high backed dark leather chairs. The first rule of the north end is that you must eat. The second rule of the north end is that you must eat a lot. This family friendly pub – children are only allowed in the food area – is concentrating fiercely on food.

Leith locals with a keen eye may notice similarities to Guilty Lily on Bonnington Road. This is because they are run by the same team and have brought the same warm glow. Candles, kitsch and board games fill the pub, and it is finished with nice touches such as maritime trinkets and a display of children’s pictures of Portobello, which, if you are of a certain age, can’t help but make you feel like Tony and Margot commentating on the gallery in Hartbeat.

If board games are not your bag, Sunday is usually movie night (it depends on the demand), offering cult classics like Mallrats and Withnail and I, and a couple of times a month, Friday is live music night offering jazz, bluegrass, local bands and more. If in doubt contact the venue or check the website in advance.

The People
The staff are enormously welcoming, for those used to the conventional perfunctory British seaside service this may teeter on the brink of being overbearing, but no harm is meant.

The pub is crammed with families who have come to enjoy the wind battered promenade, build sandcastles, play on the grabber and tell tales of the fateful day in 2007 when the sewage came. The locals have also clutched The Espy to their bosom, stopping off for refreshment mid dog walk or whiling away afternoons in the best place in town.

The Food
The portions are huge and the choice is just as daunting. Starters and sharers include sociable and innovative dips with toasted flatbreads (£4.50) or a whole baked camembert (£6.95) that sticks gloriously to the teeth, tongue, face and fingers. The spicy veggie burger is one of the finest in town (£6.95). An enormous plump patty is stuffed with lentils, beans, sweet potato and the majority of the vegetable kingdom. Lashings of Thai sweet chilli and thick sour cream make a refreshing change from cheese and a weighty stack of chips are used to prevent the burger from toppling. The specials board may offer a thick gravy filled venison pie or a hearty portion of the not so trendy and slightly fiddly, but indisputably delicious braised oxtails with carrots and smooth mash (prices vary between £6-£14). Keep an eye out for the bangers and mash which verge on the obscene in their proportion and display.

The number of veggie options on the specials board is not fixed, as a result it can either excite or hugely disappoint. Those who hate to leave food may also be disappointed unless they have fasted for a number of days before visiting. Booking at the weekend is advisable.

The Drink
A short but elegant and reasonable wine list includes a lot of trustworthy names such as Concha y Toro’s Sauvignon Blanc and Cabernet Sauvignon (£3.20 per glass or £12.50 for a bottle) and Peter Lehmann’s sparkling Shiraz (£30). The usual beers are on offer as well as juices, teas, hot chocolates, coffee and pop.

The Last Word
When The Espy is the only choice, it is a good job that it is the perfect place to refuel before more frolicking by the Firth of Forth.