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The X-Factor: Hallelujah.

The X-Factor: Hallelujah.

When it comes to showbiz, I like schmaltz. I've liked schmaltz even more since I learnt it was a jewish/yiddish term for goose, chicken or pork fat. That's what you need to add a bit of fun, luxury, shine and excitement to a dish. Showbiz is the same. I like schmaltz. So, I've been enjoying the ... Read more »
Farewell Woolworths...

Farewell Woolworths…

There was little evidence of a frenzy in Woolies on Western Road in Brighton. In fact, this afternoon it wasn't any more busy than it is on a busy Saturday in the run up to Christmas anyway and there was still plenty of stuff up for grabs. I didn't buy anything but some people were bagging ... Read more »
I passed my Eleven Plus

I passed my Eleven Plus

The BBC has published a cute mini-Eleven Plus that gives a taste of the test that determined the futures of British children for three decades. An Eleven Plus pass sent you to Grammar School and fail meant the tech or secondary modern. Of course, I should pass the Eleven Plus. I have two ... Read more »
No Dogs Health & Safety Nonsense

No Dogs Health & Safety Nonsense

I have a niggling suspicion that Health and Safety legislation is being used, especially by lily-livered deskbound, risk-averse managers at large companies, as a smokescreen to ban things they just don't like. Take the above sign from Shepherd Neame's Prince of Wales in Cleaver Square, ... Read more »
Community hosts set the tone

Community hosts set the tone

The Telegraph provided a great example last weekend of how a community host, whilst never really in charge, does have a critical role in setting the tone of the discussion. It's fair to point out that The Telegraph (surprisingly to some) is doing a good job of managing 'the conversation'. In ... Read more »
The Old Euston Station

The Old Euston Station

Change isn't always progress. New isn't necessarily better than old. See Example 1 below: Euston Station. A beautiful neo-classical building was replaced with the brutalist terminus we see today. They saved St. Pancras but the Euston Arch is at the bottom of canal in East London. Planners and ... Read more »
Royal Mail Christmas Arrangements

Royal Mail Christmas Arrangements

Last December, according to the IMRG, 24 million parcels were not delivered first time round. For online buyers, especially those like me who have tiny, tiny letterboxes, this represents a major annoyance and a schlep down to the sorting office. That's why the Royal Mail is to be commended ... Read more »
The Chatroom of Commons

The Chatroom of Commons

The House of Commons has turned into the highest internet chatroom in the land. The economy is in real trouble, there are numerous national and international issues that our elected representatives should be turning their collective wisdom to and what are they obsessing about? Moderation. Look ... Read more »
BBC iPlayer Annoyance #2

BBC iPlayer Annoyance #2

A man hears about a new BBC sitcom about a clone. He fires up the iPlayer. There are three episodes available. But which one is first? There are only clues not episode numbers. ... Read more »
BBC iPlayer Annoyance

BBC iPlayer Annoyance

A man goes out for the evening. He has a few drinks. This isn't unusual. He gets home at about midnight. He doesn't have a telly, but he does have a TV Licence. He fires up the iPlayer hoping to watch Question Time from Newry in Northern Ireland. It finished 40 minutes before. This Week is ... Read more »
Vampire Weekend play Fleetwood Mac

Vampire Weekend play Fleetwood Mac

I love this Vampire Weekend cover of Fleetwood Mac's classic, 'Everywhere'. I heard them play it in London last week and it was a bit of a highlight of the gig. I was reminded of it by The Independent. (Yes, not a video as such but def the best audio quality I can find.) ... Read more »
eBay: Can 'diamonds' be forever?

eBay: Can ‘diamonds’ be forever?

eBay's level-playing field was one of the features that marked it aside from the competition and set it on course for phenomenal success. The level-playing field promised equality of opportunity rather than equality of outcome and the same fees and rules for all. If there were benefits or ... Read more »
Noah and the Whale: I was Wrong.

Noah and the Whale: I was Wrong.

So. First of all. I'm sorry. Dear Noah and the Whale. I slagged yous and I was wrong. Sorry. Best, dw. For everyone else: Noah and the Whale are a pleasing young and new band from Britain's Surrey. Back in May, I saw them at the Great Escape Festival. I was probably just annoyed about ... Read more »
Brighton Scenes #4*

Brighton Scenes #4*

Two men overheard on the London Bridge train as it waited to depart: - How was xx and xy's wedding? - Not bad. But we had to buy our own booze. - Thought it was no expense spared? - Got fed. And a glass of champagne for the toast. - The way xy was talking, you'd expect the full works and ... Read more »