Jun
25
The Power of the Mob
June 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
To Hyde Park to see Aerosmith in action. I’ve not been to a large outdoor concert in years and had forgotten the little customs and habits that can make or break the day. One new development seems to be people holding up camera-phones now instead of lighters. A technological advance I suppose and in terms […]
Jun
16
Gangrene in Gaza
June 16, 2007 | Leave a Comment
As with all international crises I like to put myself in the position of those suffering through them. Of course, living a comfy live in the UK means I’ll never get closer than a rough, approximation of what things are like on the ground but it’s the least you can do. So what would you […]
Jun
7
Well Well Well My Novell
June 7, 2007 | 2 Comments
The first I knew about the deal was when a former colleague told me a bunch of engineers in Germany had resigned in disgust. ‘Not another shady deal with Microsoft?’ ‘Yup.’
Jun
7
Concrete Dullards
June 7, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Luminaire takes its music seriously. Signs inform punters that speaking during songs will elicit a swift ‘shut up’. It’s the only venue I know where people rush for a chat as well as the toilet during breaks. So just the sort of place to see soft and sensitive souls The Concretes showcase new abum “Hey […]
May
30
Beyond Satire
May 30, 2007 | Leave a Comment
One Both of these TV shows is are fake: Grief Digestion Theatre Live plays performed by a cast consisting entirely of people who’ve been informed of the death of a close relative a mere eighteen seconds before stepping onstage. This week: Michael Frayn’s Copenhagen. The Big Donor Show A terminally ill woman selects one of […]
May
25
Fanta Vier in London
May 25, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Uncle Pauly’s Kraut Pop guide. Caught the Vier last night in Kentish town’s Forum. Despite the change of date and venue the lads were greeted by a very appreciative, largely German audience who went wild when four blokes ambled on stage with Teutonic timekeeping at 9pm on the dot . . . cue sheepish grins […]
May
20
The business of presenting . . .
May 20, 2007 | Leave a Comment
Are you one of those folks who listens to the radio in complete ignorance of what’s required of the person speaking to you? Do you listen to Nicky Campbell’s polished Scots in the morning and think I could do that nae bother? Do you marvel at Kirsty Young’s (even more) polished Scots on Radio 4 […]
May
20
Chance Encounters . . .
May 20, 2007 | 1 Comment
Yesterday I bumped into an old colleague on the streets of Islington in north London. This is the third time in about 15 years that I’ve randomly met someone I used know in what must rank as one of the world’s most populous cities. In a place with a population of 7.5 million the question, […]