Author Paul Rance's website

Friday, October 06, 2017

Now Out In Paperback - 50 Great Moments And Memories Of The 1960s

From a British perspective, here's a look back at some of the greatest moments and people from the 1960s, including The Beatles, First Man on the Moon, Woodstock, Bob Dylan, Muhammad Ali, Twiggy, David Bailey, England winning the World Cup, The Rolling Stones, Martin Luther King, James Bond, Doctor Who and Star Trek.


Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/dp/1549776649

Friday, July 21, 2017

Brutus - the Rabbit That Changed the World; Chapter Six Extracts

Brutus - the Rabbit That Changed the World
Extracts from Chapter Six - Leppy, Felicity, and Brute

Felicity was often spotted walking her Flemish Giant rabbit, Brutus, on a lead. Brute had a reputation because of his size. But, he seemed a gentle soul. Completing an unusual-looking trio was Felicity's new regular boyfriend, Leopard Lykealot.

Leopard liked wearing a leopard skin print jumpsuit and green, star-framed shades, while Felicity preferred tottering around on 6 inch heels, in a pink mini skirt, green tights, and a tight blue granny cardie. Poor old Brute was lumbered with a pink, black spotted coat - which Felicity thought Brute looked particularly fetching in.

Felicity always considered Brute's feelings, which was just as well. If Leppy and Felicity were eating, and they'd forgotten to feed Brute he'd have a temper tantrum and headbutt his food bowl over. If the food he was served wasn't good enough he'd also do the same. Brutus ruled Felicity and Leppy with a rod of iron, and he wore the trousers in the house - once literally during one of Felicity's whimsical moments.

If guests arrived who Brute didn't take a liking to, then Felicity ensured that they didn't stay long. She only needed to look at Brute to see how the evening was progressing. If Brute didn't like someone he'd just sit and glare at them until they got the message - that it was time for them to leave HIS home.

More Brutus - the Rabbit That Changed the World info, extracts, main characters here:

Brutus - the Fictional Flemish Giant Rabbit
 

Tuesday, July 11, 2017

101 Poetry Tips - Now Out In Paperback

Along with 101 poetry tips, I've also included some articles, including why poets should have their own website, and how they can promote their poetry online. The book is pocket-sized, so it'll be something you'll be able to dip into wherever you are.


Promoting Your Poetry Online (article extract)

The internet means that anyone has the possibility of promoting their poetry. This is a double-edged sword. It also means that quality control is often lacking, and that there is MUCH more competition than in print media.

There is also the little matter of being a good poet in the first place. You'll need a thick skin, too, as a pat on the back from family and friends may lull you into a false sense of security when it comes to internet snipers lying in wait!

Basically, there are five good ways that you can utilize the internet to promote your poetry.


 

101 Poetry Tips paperback - Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/101-Poetry-Tips-Paul-Rance/dp/1520534264

Tuesday, June 13, 2017

50 Great Moments And Memories Of The 1960s, From A British Perspective

50 Great Moments and Memories of the 1960s, from a British perspective - Kindle Edition. 50 Great Moments and Memories of the 1960s paperback details here.

A little ebook I've recently completed. Due to come out on Friday, via Amazon.

Amazon.co.uk
https://www.amazon.co.uk/50-Great-Moments-Memories-1960s-ebook/dp/B072MXLZQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1497350991&sr=1-1&keywords=50+60s+memories

Amazon.com
https://www.amazon.com/50-Great-Moments-Memories-1960s-ebook/dp/B072MXLZQC/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1497351121&sr=1-1&keywords=50+60s+memories


50 Great Moments And Memories Of The 1960s Book Cover



Book extracts


29. Bob Dylan and the Folk Revival 


Bob Dylan not only revived folk music, but he influenced The Beatles and The Byrds, and countless others, as he brought the protest song into the mainstream. Popular songs, Dylan emphasised, didn't need to be just about love. Blowin' in the Wind, The Times They Are a-Changin' and Masters of War all struck a chord - with fears over the Cold War, and a thirst for a better future all helping to make Dylan a key voice for both youngsters and those sick of the cycle of war. Vietnam also made Dylan look like a prophet.

Encouraged by Pete Seeger, Dylan's fame spread very quickly, though another young folkie, Joan Baez, was already a bigger name by the time Bob and Joan became a couple. Joan Baez saw Dylan's genius at first hand, and recorded some of his songs, while The Byrds produced a whole album of Dylan covers.

Dylan's decision to go electric in 1966 provoked cries of "Judas!" on a fraught tour of the UK, but Like a Rolling Stone gave him his first US number one. The song was acclaimed by many as a work of genius, and it is widely considered to be one of the greatest songs of the 20th Century. Going electric, then, didn't seem to harm Dylan's career at all. A motorcycle accident did, however, halt Dylan's remorseless rise, but, by 1967, only The Beatles really rivalled him as the most important young music act in the English-speaking world.

A raft of gifted singer-songwriters followed in Dylan's wake, including Britain's answer to Dylan - Donovan. Tim Hardin, Phil Ochs and Joni Mitchell also became big names, as some folkies became as feted as pop stars. Something that would have seemed unthinkable a decade earlier.


30. The Prisoner 


Unwavering obedience to authority was really challenged in the 1960s, and, as far as TV shows were concerned, none more so than in The Prisoner. Patrick McGoohan was superb in the lead role of Number 6, and he is a character who is taken to a mysterious place called The Village. The place seems idyllic - but only if you try not to leave, and risk being stopped by a Rover...

Number 6 is also unhappy being a number, and is determined not to toe the line. Number 6 has a nemesis as well - Number 2. But, because Number 6 is so strong-willed, a new Number 2 is called in regularly to try and make The Village's most difficult resident an unquestioning robot. Number 6 worked for the security services, but resigned, and the reason he did so is a question he's not keen to answer.

In the beautiful, unusual setting of Portmeirion, The Prisoner was one of the more stylish TV shows of the 1960s. With impressive guest stars, and with its not always being easy to fathom, The Prisoner gained a cult following, and the Six of One official Prisoner appreciation society exists to this day.

More '60s memories from Paul Rance's book: Ready Steady Go!/Top of the Pops/Juke Box Jury; Twiggy https://www.paulrance.com/1960sMomentsMemories.html

Saturday, May 06, 2017

Andrew Bruce - Hartlepool Musician, Poet, Writer And Photographer Dies At 54

My great friend, Andrew Bruce, co-founder of The Peace & Freedom Band and Peace & Freedom Press, has passed away. He was the most gentle friend I've ever had.

Andrew was born on July 26th, 1962, the only son of John and Sheila Bruce, and brother of Wendy and Julie. Very proud of his Hartlepool roots, Andrew co-founded Peace & Freedom Press and co-formed The Peace & Freedom Band in the mid-1980s. A humanitarian, free thinker, animal and nature lover, Andrew was a gifted guitarist, keyboard player, poet, writer, and photographer. He was also adding art to his range of skills before he was suddenly taken from this Earth and his family and friends at the age of just 54 in April, 2017. On the page below you will find a selection of Andrew's work, and feel free to share.

https://www.facebook.com/Andrew-Bruce-Late-Hartlepool-Musician-Poet-Writer-and-Great-Soul-888318404657279/


Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Introduction to Luton Town FC in the 1970s

My latest Luton Town FC-related book is now out on Amazon in paperback and Kindle format. Here's the introduction.


Introduction to Luton Town FC in the 1970s

Luton Town FC in the 1970s was, for the most part, like any other decade for a Town supporter - great highs, great lows, financial difficulties, and waiting for the inevitable sale of the club's best players.

There were, however, two things that made the 1970s slightly different. Firstly, with Eric Morecambe as a Luton Town director, the Hatters could expect a mention on the Morecambe & Wise Show every Christmas! Bearing in mind that half the country's population would be tuning in, any mention was welcome publicity and made Luton seem like a cool club to support. Secondly, in Harry Haslam and David Pleat, Luton appointed two managers who knew how to spot and nurture young talent (Haslam even tried to sign a 17-year-old Diego Maradona, when manager of Sheffield United). While, under Pleat, the likes of Ricky Hill, Brian Stein and Mal Donaghy blossomed, and they would become the base of Luton's greatest side in the 1980s. Consequently, when appointed in 1978, David Pleat became the most significant managerial appointment in Luton's history.

A best of Luton XI from the 1970s would probably have won the League, too! But Malcolm MacDonald, Don Givens and Paul Futcher were never likely to have career-long stays at Kenilworth Road. But, here is a tasty XI made up of players who played for the Town in the '70s: Jake Findlay; Kirk Stephens, Mal Donaghy, Chris Nicholl, Paul Futcher; Ricky Hill, Andy King, Peter Anderson; Malcolm MacDonald, Brian Stein, Don Givens.

In this book, you'll find my personal recollections of the 1970s from a fan who watched in awe games at Kenilworth Road as a 10-year-old, but had become cynical at promotion near misses by the end of the decade. Luckily, I also wasn't really a victim of the rampant hooliganism of the 1970s, apart from getting clobbered with a bicycle chain when a teenager, by another teenager, in a random act of violence when coming out of a testimonial game!

Anyway, if you want to support a team where everything is nice and safe then don't support Luton! Enjoy.

- Paul Rance, April, 2017.

Luton Town FC in the 1970s Kindle Cover

Paperback edition

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1520981457/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_x_7QZ6ybP1M4M8W

Kindle edition
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Luton-Town-1970s-Paul-Rance-ebook/dp/B06Y433FJX/ref=tmm_kin_title_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr=

Friday, March 31, 2017

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Sunday, March 26, 2017

Paul Rance with the Shaky Hand


Having a laugh with my new Smartphone. People love crap on YouTube, more than thought-provoking stuff, so call it a satirical two fingers...

Friday, February 24, 2017

Paul Rance's New Website: paulrance.com

Yes, a new website launched this week. So, more stuff of mine to entertain ya, bore ya - whatever...

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Being St. Francis - In Crowland, Lincolnshire

These are pretty distressing times if you hate prejudice, and since Brexit and Donald Trump's election, flight or fight comes to mind. I'm in the heart of Brexitland, and people I care about voted for Brexit. So, things have been difficult, as they have strong opinions and so do I. Anyway, I've been busy working on a variety of projects, including a book I've given the provisional title of Being St. Francis.

I've always done my best to respect all living things, and that's what St. Francis was all about. I don't believe in organised religion, but there are good religious figures that we can aspire to. All humans are descended from a tribe in Africa. We're all family, so where does this hatred of foreigners and people of different faiths come from? Fear of something different?

So, would St. Francis feel at home in Crowland? Perhaps, but I feel increasingly isolated, and if you can't beat 'em there's the choice of fighting your corner, or retreating into one's shell.

Love and Peace.


Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Fighter Jets Noise Pollution Over Whaplode Drove

For two months now the noise from fighter jets has been horrendous over Whaplode Drove. As I type, I'm trying to listen to David Bowie via headphones, and he's drowned out by the hideous din up in the sky.

Almost every weekday there's hours of noise from these planes, and it just seems like the MOD are taking the piss because rural communities don't matter. No doubt there'll be those living in towns and cities who say that it can't be that bad. Trust me, it is. It's like hearing a loud rave of crap music for a few hours every day, with a break at the weekend.

Yesterday the noise was more of a non-stop droning for a few hours, before it stopped well into the evening. The North Sea's a big area, so go and practice over there, RAF! It doesn't feel like you're protecting me - more like making my life a misery!

Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Peace & Freedom Band Co-Founder Paul Rance Hits Out At Tories, Beyonce, Jay Z And Katie Hopkins

Before the Internet arrived, booksmusicfilmstv.com's founder had been involved in the world of underground music and fanzine publishing since the early 1980's. His longest running magazine, Peace & Freedom, was first published in 1984, and began life as an environmental, animal/human rights, music and arts fanzine. The next year he formed the alternative, anarcho underground band, The Peace & Freedom Band.

When I interviewed him in the middle of May, 2015, he was still as rebellious as ever and passionate about animal/human rights and the environment. I took the opportunity to ask him about his musical influences, values, the underground music scene and his views on modern music and the recent general election. He also went on to discuss his dislike of the State and why we need a revolution.

- Andy Bruce.

Paul Rance with his beloved Sparkle
Paul Rance with his beloved Sparkle in May, 2015


Paul Rance interview extracts

"It seems like it's cool to be hard these days. The Tory elite like showing how tough they can be with poor migrants, the unemployed and the disabled. I find their attitude repulsive, and they remind me of the posh bully, Flashman, from Tom Brown's Schooldays."

"I like The Black Eyed Peas, because they've supported issues concerning animal rights, the environment and human rights, and their music's inventive. But, Jay Z, what's the point? No real talent from what I can see, and he, and the equally odious Beyonce, like wearing parts of dead animals. Unfortunately, the media fawn all over 'em and keep telling us how great they are. No, they're not."

"I fear there's more people in this country who agree with the sick views of Katie Hopkins than we'd all like to believe. Though they tend to be cowards who keep their mouths shut, and then strike when it's voting time. That'd kinda explain why the polls indicated that the election would be close - and it ended up not being close at all. People were too ashamed to admit that they'd be voting Tory. Don't get me wrong, if it was a choice between voting Tory or The Kitten Killers Party I'd vote Tory. But that wasn't the choice, and many people have basically given the thumbs up to austerity, and are saying to the weaker members of society: "F**k you.""

"Politics hasn't really worked in the UK since the 1970s. We've had the poll tax fiasco, now it's the austerity cuts. Too much corruption from people in power, too much injustice - Hillsborough, the Jimmy Savile cover-ups, crooked bankers and politicians, the expenses scandal. The list is endless. People who set standards, i.e. those who make the laws for the rest of us, should be beyond reproach. But they're often as immoral as it gets."

"The problem is that most of the individuals who carry out the state/system's dirty work aren't evil people. Most of them are scared of losing their jobs if they question specific decisions. It's all very clever and sly really, because it's always hard to get at the real bastards - the ones at the top. But, like any machine, it will not last forever and then it'll get really interesting. I want to see it all fall to bits, and then let's start again. It probably won't happen in my lifetime, but it will happen."

Read the full, explosive interview here:  

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

BBC's News Coverage Of Anti-Austerity Demo In London Further Proof It's In Bed With The Establishment

It's a pity the BBC‬ concentrated on the nastier elements at the anti-austerity demo in London, rather than what people were actually demonstrating about. But then I don't really watch the BBC news much now, as it's too in bed with the Establishment.
End Austerity Now Demo, London, June 20th, 2015

Charlotte Church Wants To Settle Her Dispute With The Sun's Rentagob Katie Hopkins In Boxing Ring

I hope any match takes places in front of a few thousand migrants, Northerners, the Geldof family, and everyone else Katie's offended. But you can't fit the world's population in one boxing arena I guess. Go Charlotte! ‪#‎CharlotteChurchKatieHopkins‬ ‪#‎CharlotteChurch‬ ‪#‎KatieHopkins‬ ‪#‎Rentagob‬

 : Charlotte Church: Hell's Angel

The Mirror on how Charlotte and Katie may look in boxing gear, if they do eventually square up to each other: http://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/katie-hopkins-v-charlotte-church-5678010

Thursday, September 25, 2014

The Short Kindle Novel For The Occupy Generation

Brutus - the Rabbit That Changed the World

My fairytale, which I hope comes true. Kindle - available for pre-order. Hopefully in paperback fairly soon, too.

If you're sick and tired of the system this book's for you. If you're a person who cares about all life and the Earth this book's for you. If you like a mix of the dark, humorous, erotic, philosophical, futuristic and a world-changing rabbit this book's for you! 'Brutus - the Rabbit That Changed the World' looks into a future that's not too far away, and one which offers hope to those who feel there is none.

Amazon.co.uk

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Brutus-Rabbit-That-Changed-World-ebook/dp/B00NTBDRRA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1411466312&sr=8-1&keywords=brutus+the+rabbit+that+changed+the+world

Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Brutus-Rabbit-That-Changed-World-ebook/dp/B00NTBDRRA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1411466567&sr=8-2&keywords=brutus+the+rabbit

Amazon Canada
http://www.amazon.ca/Brutus-Rabbit-That-Changed-World-ebook/dp/B00NTBDRRA/ref=sr_1_1/187-2659332-7319018?ie=UTF8&qid=1411466699&sr=8-1&keywords=brutus+the+rabbit