Let’s just run through some of the best things of 2007, lest this potentially oppressive and wrongheaded time of year get us down. I’ve done singles and albums, but these are a few of the cultural and social equivalents of the life-affirming pied wagtail:
Books
Rumsfeld: An American Disaster by Andrew Cockburn
The Road by Cormac McCarthy – quite the most depressing novel I think I’ve ever read in my life, but compelling like no other
Fiasco by Thomas E Ricks
Al Qaeda by Jason Burke (came out in 2006 in hardback, but let’s not quibble) – I had this in my bag when I was stopped and searched last week under the Prevention of Terrorism Act. The police officer didn’t see it.
Bit Of A Blur by Alex James
On Chesil Beach by Ian McEwan – short but sweet
The Shock Doctrine by Naomi Klein – actually I’m still in the process of reading this (it’s my bedside read, which is often the slowest of my on-the-go books, as I tend to go to bed to go to sleep), but it’s proving a powerful join-the-dots exercise
Shepperton Babylon by Matthew Sweet
The Damned Utd by David Peace – another oldie, but I’m catching up with this exciting British-born, Tokyo-based writer, and enjoying GB84 at the moment
Imperial Life In The Emerald City by Rajiv Chandrasekaran – also halfway through, but considering how much other reading I’ve done on the Iraq war this year, it adds a refreshing perspective by focusing on one aspect of the fiasco
Believe In The Sign by Mark Hodkinson – he sent me a copy of it, as he’s a self-publisher, which is in itself admirable, and I get sent a lot of books on a nostalgia/memoir theme which aren’t always worth reading, but this one, about supporting Rochdale in the 70s, is
Tescopoly by Andrew Simms
The Looming Tower by Lawrence Wright
Jamie At Home by Jamie Oliver – a cook book I’ve actually used
Films (because they come out on DVD so quickly now, some of these are already available on DVD, but if I start including DVDs we’ll end up with last year’s list of best films, and there will be no demarcation between one year and the next – and then where will we be?!)
The Lives Of Others – a tie for Film Of 2007 with …
Control
Tell No One
Hot Fuzz
The Bourne Ultimatum
Letters From Iwo Jima
Zodiac
Sicko
Michael Clayton
3:10 To Yuma
Knocked Up
This Is England
Half Nelson
TV programmes
Cranford, BBC1 – thought I’d throw something homegrown in at the top, before we turn into the 51st State of Televisual America
The Mighty Boosh, BBC3 – haven’t had time to write about the third series yet, but I think it may be their best; certainly their most cohesive and together, and the episode about Howard’s birthday was almost Seinfeldian in the way the plot strands met up at the end
Ghosts Of Abu Ghraib, C4
Comics Britannia, BBC4
Heroes, Sci-Fi, then BBC2
The Sopranos, E4, C4 – the final Season was elegiac, slow, confident and magnificent; also, not in any way predictable
The Wire, FX – in my opinion, Season Four was as good as any that have gone before, right up there with Season Two
Californication, Five – I note that this is not everybody’s cup of tea and I don’t watch it for the scenes of a sexual nature, it’s Duchovny who carries it
Entourage, ITV2 – can’t believe I’m so late with this: loving Season Three, and now into Season One on DVD
Studio 60 On The Sunset Strip
The Riches, Virgin 1 – truly, an acquired taste, but one I’ve been more than prepared to acquire – unlike Dexter and 30 Rock and Ugly Betty, which failed to ring the appropriate bells and made Sky+ life a little easier to manage
Britz, C4 – not perfect, but as good as way as any to prove that C4’s still got it, drama-wise, in its 25th birthday year
Ramsey’s Kitchen Nightmares, C4 – can’t watch The F Word, but this is Gordon doing something useful
Monarchy, BBC1 – documentary series of the year
Malcolm & Barbara, ITV1 – one-off documentary of the year; its images may never leave me (what a shame it was entangled in the “fakery” rows – a piece of publicity-chasing that should have been beneath everyone involved)
Strictly Come Dancing, BBC1 – the crown prince of talent shows, it shouldn’t have worked, but it does, chiefly because it’s about ability and learning and self-improvement, and these are not bad things to find in a BBC programme at this difficult time. Unlike Big Brother, which I watched all the way through this year, witnessing some people ballroom dancing for coins and compliments does not make me feel dirty afterwards
Saxondale, BBC2 – sitcom improves in second series: not an easy trick to pull off
Jamie At Home, C4
[I’m bound to have forgotten a few TV shows, so chuck a few more into the pot]
Live events
Carter USM reunion, Brixton Academy – specifically, singing along at the tops of our lungs to The Impossible Dream
Marcus Brigstocke & Friends, Canizaro Park, Wimbledon – part of a local festival it brought together an amazing lineup of Brigstocke, Jeff Green, Rich Hall, Adam Hills and compere Shappi Khorsandi: weird layout, constant drizzle, it being the summer, but a fine crowd and a good time had by all
Aracde Fire, Brixton Academy – do I only go to gigs at Brixton Academy? It seems so; a quasi-religious occasion
Swan Lake, English National Ballet, Royal Albert Hall – My First Ballet, and a minor revelation, not least the fantastic percussion of toes on wood, which I wasn’t expecting
Porgy & Bess, Savoy Theatre – made doubly thrilling for the unexpected chance to see Clarke Peters (he plays Lester Freamon on The Wire) live
Guys & Dolls, Piccadilly Theatre
Live Earth, BBC – only joking, it was shit beyond belief; I actually preferred Concert For Diana
Highs
Winning the RTS Breakthrough award and the Rose D’Or for the unfashionable sitcom Not Going Out (plus two untelevised British Comedy Awards)
Appearing on Richard & Judy for the first – and, it seems, last – time
Becoming Mark Kermode’s regular understudy on News 24 (next slot: January 4)
Attracting goldfinches, blue tits, great tits, coal tits, robins, greenfinches, starlings and the occasional woodpecker to my bird feeders (with the odd wren pecking around on the ground)
The lost child benefit CDs and the fact that this howling error may have torpedoed Labour’s hopes of bringing in ID cards
All those pheromones I released at the gym
The Day The Music Died
Cancelling MySpace
Ignoring Facebook
Alright, just for balance:
Lows
Constant headaches from orchestrated lobbying and cowardly abuse on this blog
BT meltdown
Losing my old laptop in flooding (although I like my new one better)
The BBC phone-in “scandals” and the glee with which certain quarters of the media met the news of resultant job losses (including that of my friend Leona)
Driving through the West End of London after 1am, following stints on 6 Music, and realising just how many businesses leave their lights on all night – it really is business as usual isn’t it?
Deciding to stop taking the Guardian on grounds of its conservative views on medicine, then having to go back as the Independent was just boring – ah well! So much for the principled stand!
Having the blog described by someone called Stella on the 6 Music message boards as “lots of poorly-written TV reviews” – actually, this made me smile!
Anticlimactic publication of That’s Me In The Corner, accompanied by almost no reviews and through-the-floor sales (but thanks to those who sought it out in darkened corners of bookshops and actually enjoyed it)
High/Lows
Leaving 6 Music in March after five years. I was sad to go, but at the same time it was liberating, not having to project unbiassed BBC views any more, and as for getting my weekends back – sweet!
Happy Christmas and may your God go with you!
Never Knowingly Underwhelmed 
Glad you’re enjoying GB84 – I loved it, a really powerful read, informative at the same time as being a gripping narrative. I loved Damned United so much I’ve bought 3 copies as presents for friends since.As for your departure from 6 Music, while I’m glad you’ve got your weekends back, the lost/misplaced talent is worrying (you’ve gone, Jupitus gone, Gideon in the graveyard slot) and I don’t see much replacing it. Hell, handbasket etc.
Glad you’re enjoying GB84 – I loved it, a really powerful read, informative at the same time as being a gripping narrative. I loved Damned United so much I’ve bought 3 copies as presents for friends since.As for your departure from 6 Music, while I’m glad you’ve got your weekends back, the lost/misplaced talent is worrying (you’ve gone, Jupitus gone, Gideon in the graveyard slot) and I don’t see much replacing it. Hell, handbasket etc.
Andrew, glad you kept blogging in spite of the blog abuse. I love reading your blog, even on topics I wasn’t previously interested. You come across as an enthusiast, and that combined with writing talent makes for some great reading. I hope it leads to more journalistic work, but more than that I just hope you keep writing. We have a couple of friends in common, and I’m assured that in real life you’re equally lovely, so well done. :o) Have a great christmas and new year, Sx
Andrew, glad you kept blogging in spite of the blog abuse. I love reading your blog, even on topics I wasn’t previously interested. You come across as an enthusiast, and that combined with writing talent makes for some great reading. I hope it leads to more journalistic work, but more than that I just hope you keep writing. We have a couple of friends in common, and I’m assured that in real life you’re equally lovely, so well done. :o) Have a great christmas and new year, Sx
Andrew, how could you leave out post-nuclear war drama “Jericho” from your faves of the year? A superb show saved from cancellation by a viewers campaign! Didn’t realise Jeff green is still gigging – a very funny man. I am in the process of reading “That’s Me In The Corner” (a very funny read!), having spent months plwoing through the final Harry Potter “effort”. Your memories of Sainsbury on a Saturday remind me of my time at the Co-op and Argos! Roll on Feb and the return of “Lost”.
Andrew, how could you leave out post-nuclear war drama “Jericho” from your faves of the year? A superb show saved from cancellation by a viewers campaign! Didn’t realise Jeff green is still gigging – a very funny man. I am in the process of reading “That’s Me In The Corner” (a very funny read!), having spent months plwoing through the final Harry Potter “effort”. Your memories of Sainsbury on a Saturday remind me of my time at the Co-op and Argos! Roll on Feb and the return of “Lost”.
Andrew,Thanks for all the great writing, for alerting me to books, music, films, etc., with which I might have otherwise missed, and for generally being a good egg!Have a great Christmas and good luck with everything in 2008,Debs
Andrew,Thanks for all the great writing, for alerting me to books, music, films, etc., with which I might have otherwise missed, and for generally being a good egg!Have a great Christmas and good luck with everything in 2008,Debs
Great stuff Andrew. It’s a been a great year on here, besides the anonymous flamings that sometimes ruin things.I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and extend this to everyone who has joined in the debates on these comment pages without abuse.Sometimes they get heated (see the Kate Nash entries) and sometimes they are just plain strange (see the Mark Steel references), but I’ll be logging on next year for more of the same.All the best, folks.Chris
Great stuff Andrew. It’s a been a great year on here, besides the anonymous flamings that sometimes ruin things.I wish you a very Merry Christmas, and extend this to everyone who has joined in the debates on these comment pages without abuse.Sometimes they get heated (see the Kate Nash entries) and sometimes they are just plain strange (see the Mark Steel references), but I’ll be logging on next year for more of the same.All the best, folks.Chris
heres three films i would add, (i like all the films on your list i’ve seen particularly Half Nelson)-Rescue Dawn-Into The Wild-Eastern Promiseswell done giving props to the Clipse – a tight concise album very dope album
heres three films i would add, (i like all the films on your list i’ve seen particularly Half Nelson)-Rescue Dawn-Into The Wild-Eastern Promiseswell done giving props to the Clipse – a tight concise album very dope album
I won’t detail all my highs and lows, but wanted to say that you were directly responsible for (thank you):1. Me renting The Lives of Others. My wife thought it wasn’t the Sunday night relaxing film she had hoped for but we both enjoyed it. It was down to you that I had even heard of it (from The Word).2. Me buying Secret Machines, their 1st album, if only for the track Nowhere Again which is a world beater. You had talked about them when saying that Band of Horses were good but not as strong as SM (on Six Music).TV-wise, I have really enjoyed that Dawn French-interviewing-comics programme (the one2one’s, not the compilation show). And The Street (Jimmy McGovern not Corrie) is world class.Happy Christmas!
I won’t detail all my highs and lows, but wanted to say that you were directly responsible for (thank you):1. Me renting The Lives of Others. My wife thought it wasn’t the Sunday night relaxing film she had hoped for but we both enjoyed it. It was down to you that I had even heard of it (from The Word).2. Me buying Secret Machines, their 1st album, if only for the track Nowhere Again which is a world beater. You had talked about them when saying that Band of Horses were good but not as strong as SM (on Six Music).TV-wise, I have really enjoyed that Dawn French-interviewing-comics programme (the one2one’s, not the compilation show). And The Street (Jimmy McGovern not Corrie) is world class.Happy Christmas!
Interesting list. Stick at “The Shock doctrine”, it’s an excellent read: thought provoking incive and some really strong analysis. It is by far one of my favourite books of the last few years.* * *I share your point of view about the BBC phone in “scandal”. How exactly is changing the name of a pet a scandal in anyones books? How could this result in job losses? My view is that large sections of the media have it in for the BBC. The government seems to want to reduce the size of the BBC too, hence the relocation of half the jobs to the north.Anyway, overall your list seems pretty good.
Interesting list. Stick at “The Shock doctrine”, it’s an excellent read: thought provoking incive and some really strong analysis. It is by far one of my favourite books of the last few years.* * *I share your point of view about the BBC phone in “scandal”. How exactly is changing the name of a pet a scandal in anyones books? How could this result in job losses? My view is that large sections of the media have it in for the BBC. The government seems to want to reduce the size of the BBC too, hence the relocation of half the jobs to the north.Anyway, overall your list seems pretty good.
Nah the Boosh has definitely been a bit ‘off’ this series. Can’t put my finger on why. It’s rarely been a laugh out loud comedy anyway and the words over the opening credits (“come with us now on a journey through time and space etc etc”) are entirely apt; you have to go with them because it’s more a cerebral thing. I realise I’m straying into pretentiousness now.Series 2 was magnificent but this one has strayed far too close to the problems that their harshest critics accuse them of at times. Best episode by far was the (can’t remember the official title, The Crimp I think) the Doppelgangers one.
Nah the Boosh has definitely been a bit ‘off’ this series. Can’t put my finger on why. It’s rarely been a laugh out loud comedy anyway and the words over the opening credits (“come with us now on a journey through time and space etc etc”) are entirely apt; you have to go with them because it’s more a cerebral thing. I realise I’m straying into pretentiousness now.Series 2 was magnificent but this one has strayed far too close to the problems that their harshest critics accuse them of at times. Best episode by far was the (can’t remember the official title, The Crimp I think) the Doppelgangers one.
I’m surprised that you rate Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. I’ve found the previous series really quite interesting but this current run appears to be more of the same: an incompetent boss, whose failures appear to be resolved by changing the menu to Modern British food or, indeed, a carvery.It has been a fine programme and should be essential viewing for the many people working in British restaurants who feel that it’s appropriate to reply to a customer’s complaints with words like “I don’t like vegetables”.”The Lives of Others” was truly one of the finest films I have seen in a long while. I still cannot understand why so few people will watch foreign language films in this country when such great works are waiting to be seen.
I’m surprised that you rate Ramsay’s Kitchen Nightmares. I’ve found the previous series really quite interesting but this current run appears to be more of the same: an incompetent boss, whose failures appear to be resolved by changing the menu to Modern British food or, indeed, a carvery.It has been a fine programme and should be essential viewing for the many people working in British restaurants who feel that it’s appropriate to reply to a customer’s complaints with words like “I don’t like vegetables”.”The Lives of Others” was truly one of the finest films I have seen in a long while. I still cannot understand why so few people will watch foreign language films in this country when such great works are waiting to be seen.
I thought one of your hightlights was daring to profess that The Lives Of Others was better than Pans Labyrinth when you were standing in for Kermode on the Five Live movie reviews. Happy Christmas
I thought one of your hightlights was daring to profess that The Lives Of Others was better than Pans Labyrinth when you were standing in for Kermode on the Five Live movie reviews. Happy Christmas
I’ve loved Strictly Come Dancing too, against my will, I feel I ought not to like all those pretty dresses and girl stuff, but it’s great.I’m not sure I like series 3 of the Mighty Boosh as much as series 2 yet, but the Party episode was possibly the best so far ever.
I’ve loved Strictly Come Dancing too, against my will, I feel I ought not to like all those pretty dresses and girl stuff, but it’s great.I’m not sure I like series 3 of the Mighty Boosh as much as series 2 yet, but the Party episode was possibly the best so far ever.
Have a peaceful and happy Christmas time, and a safe and rewarding 2008. And if you haven’t seen it yet, dig out a copy of the Doctor WHo episode “Blink”. It was rather good television.
Have a peaceful and happy Christmas time, and a safe and rewarding 2008. And if you haven’t seen it yet, dig out a copy of the Doctor WHo episode “Blink”. It was rather good television.
I’ve been watching Entourage since Episode1. My Sky Plus series link thingy is now chasing it around the schedules. What the hell is wrong with the British viewing public?? How can they lap up all the garbage and miss this genius programme?? I don’t know ANYONE that watches it (apart from my husband.)Wrong,wrong,wrong. It’s fab. Kevin Dillon was robbed of last year’s Emmy.
I’ve been watching Entourage since Episode1. My Sky Plus series link thingy is now chasing it around the schedules. What the hell is wrong with the British viewing public?? How can they lap up all the garbage and miss this genius programme?? I don’t know ANYONE that watches it (apart from my husband.)Wrong,wrong,wrong. It’s fab. Kevin Dillon was robbed of last year’s Emmy.
Happy Christmas Andrew and thanks for the blog2007 was a learning year for me. I might even blog about it. PeterDublintugofwar.spaces.live.com
Happy Christmas Andrew and thanks for the blog2007 was a learning year for me. I might even blog about it. PeterDublintugofwar.spaces.live.com
Great lists – I love a list now and then. I thought That’s Me In The Corner was a great book; I read it in Italy in May, accompanied by sunshine, wine, and cooked meats – marvellous!I also thoroughly enjoyed The Damned Utd. I felt like I was there in Cloughie’s office with him.Anyway – thanks for the blog, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes for 2008.Phil
Great lists – I love a list now and then. I thought That’s Me In The Corner was a great book; I read it in Italy in May, accompanied by sunshine, wine, and cooked meats – marvellous!I also thoroughly enjoyed The Damned Utd. I felt like I was there in Cloughie’s office with him.Anyway – thanks for the blog, and hope you have a wonderful Christmas. Best wishes for 2008.Phil
A very merry Christmas to you.Wot no Not Going Out as one of your fave shows of the year?
A very merry Christmas to you.Wot no Not Going Out as one of your fave shows of the year?
Came to your blog late on this year, but have really enjoyed it and am glad you’ve continued, in spite of the unseemly abuse you’ve received.As for highlights: Dr Who has to be up there and I’m glad you’ve given a nod to Californication, which we’re loving in our house. Thought Dexter was brilliant and also enjoyed The Black Donnellys.Lowpoint, TV-wise has to be the recent Nigella Express series – she has become a parody of herself and her self-penned script is bordering on the ridiculous!
Came to your blog late on this year, but have really enjoyed it and am glad you’ve continued, in spite of the unseemly abuse you’ve received.As for highlights: Dr Who has to be up there and I’m glad you’ve given a nod to Californication, which we’re loving in our house. Thought Dexter was brilliant and also enjoyed The Black Donnellys.Lowpoint, TV-wise has to be the recent Nigella Express series – she has become a parody of herself and her self-penned script is bordering on the ridiculous!
Andrew, thanks for keeping your fine blog going, in spite of the idiot minority. Your weekend radio show is still missed, but the blog is a good substitute.Wishing you peace and excitement, in roughly equal measures, for 2008.ISBW
Andrew, thanks for keeping your fine blog going, in spite of the idiot minority. Your weekend radio show is still missed, but the blog is a good substitute.Wishing you peace and excitement, in roughly equal measures, for 2008.ISBW
Merry Christmas, have a lovely and peaceful one, thanks for an always interesting blog and generally being nice.All the best,Ian TBxhttp://www.iamnotthebeatles.com
Merry Christmas, have a lovely and peaceful one, thanks for an always interesting blog and generally being nice.All the best,Ian TBxhttp://www.iamnotthebeatles.com
Hello Andrew, I don’t know if you got my last comment – maybe I pressed the wrong button or it got lost in the moderation list (or you just took offence!) but I did want to reiterate that I really do enjoy your blog. Not only does it help get me through the working day, but it inspired me to finally start one of my own after just thinking it about it for years. Merry Christmas.
Hello Andrew, I don’t know if you got my last comment – maybe I pressed the wrong button or it got lost in the moderation list (or you just took offence!) but I did want to reiterate that I really do enjoy your blog. Not only does it help get me through the working day, but it inspired me to finally start one of my own after just thinking it about it for years. Merry Christmas.
It’s always a delight to read your ramblings, as one of the foremost journalist/writers/commentators working in the UK today – and one of the three reasons why I became a journalist. Thanks!Have the merriest of Christmases, and the happiest of New Years.Kirstie McCrum
It’s always a delight to read your ramblings, as one of the foremost journalist/writers/commentators working in the UK today – and one of the three reasons why I became a journalist. Thanks!Have the merriest of Christmases, and the happiest of New Years.Kirstie McCrum
Review of this blog: The top blog posts of the year:1 Defence of Kate Nash(August)She really is an excellent singer. Foundations is one of the best songs of the year and she is a great live act. This blog post defended her when she was getting a hammering in the national press.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/08/kate-hate.html2 The Discussion on the McCann case(May)Collins manages to take a good look at the media coverage of this case and show how mawkish and sentimental our media can sometimes be. Is it really necessary to have round the clock coverage of the police stations doorway? Are we really gaining anything by highlighting this case at the expense of all other missing children cases? There were a number of posts on this subject, all of them excellent.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/05/latest.html3 The Discussion on Morrissey (November)Refreshing, underplayed and clear description and analysis of the NME Morrissey controversy. This post doesn’t scream ‘Morrissey is a racist’, as that’s not exactly what he said, but nonetheless expresses unease about what and how Morrissey said. Clear confident and well argued.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/11/firting-with-disaster.html4 Discussion of C4’s “Mark of Cain” and Iraq warHeartfelt, coherent, well thought through and personal.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/04/abused.htmlLow point of the year: Andrew getting upset when people politely disagree with him. Anyway, overall I’d have to put this blog in my top 4 blogs of the year, alongside:www.thismodernworld.comwww.richardherring.com/warmingup
Review of this blog: The top blog posts of the year:1 Defence of Kate Nash(August)She really is an excellent singer. Foundations is one of the best songs of the year and she is a great live act. This blog post defended her when she was getting a hammering in the national press.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/08/kate-hate.html2 The Discussion on the McCann case(May)Collins manages to take a good look at the media coverage of this case and show how mawkish and sentimental our media can sometimes be. Is it really necessary to have round the clock coverage of the police stations doorway? Are we really gaining anything by highlighting this case at the expense of all other missing children cases? There were a number of posts on this subject, all of them excellent.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/05/latest.html3 The Discussion on Morrissey (November)Refreshing, underplayed and clear description and analysis of the NME Morrissey controversy. This post doesn’t scream ‘Morrissey is a racist’, as that’s not exactly what he said, but nonetheless expresses unease about what and how Morrissey said. Clear confident and well argued.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/11/firting-with-disaster.html4 Discussion of C4’s “Mark of Cain” and Iraq warHeartfelt, coherent, well thought through and personal.http://www.wherediditallgoright.com/BLOG/2007/04/abused.htmlLow point of the year: Andrew getting upset when people politely disagree with him. Anyway, overall I’d have to put this blog in my top 4 blogs of the year, alongside:www.thismodernworld.comwww.richardherring.com/warmingup
Count me in as someone who enjoyed That’s Me In The Corner Andrew. Interesting list – I liked Heroes but have heard from US based friends that the second season isn’t that good. Season’s greetings and have a Happy New Year!
Count me in as someone who enjoyed That’s Me In The Corner Andrew. Interesting list – I liked Heroes but have heard from US based friends that the second season isn’t that good. Season’s greetings and have a Happy New Year!
2007 for me:Highs:Kaiser Chiefs at The National Indoor Arena.Control (film of the year for me)Mark Kermode’s Film Reviews and witty banter with Simon Mayo.BBC Four (Get’s better every time for me!)Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe2nd series of Not Going OutFighting Talk on Radio 5 LiveFamily GuyLows:Death of Tony Wilson (RIP)Simon CowellTV Phone-in scandalAmy Winehouse’s downfall (Get well soon Amy hope you have a better 2008!)Have a Merry Christmas Andrew!
2007 for me:Highs:Kaiser Chiefs at The National Indoor Arena.Control (film of the year for me)Mark Kermode’s Film Reviews and witty banter with Simon Mayo.BBC Four (Get’s better every time for me!)Charlie Brooker’s Screenwipe2nd series of Not Going OutFighting Talk on Radio 5 LiveFamily GuyLows:Death of Tony Wilson (RIP)Simon CowellTV Phone-in scandalAmy Winehouse’s downfall (Get well soon Amy hope you have a better 2008!)Have a Merry Christmas Andrew!
Almost Forgot Another low actually happened earlier this week saw the film Hitman-A film where the S is silent in the title.
Almost Forgot Another low actually happened earlier this week saw the film Hitman-A film where the S is silent in the title.
You still have one of the best blogs around and what great lists. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2008.
You still have one of the best blogs around and what great lists. Merry Christmas and Best Wishes for 2008.
Nice one, Mike!Happy Christmas, Andrew, and here’s hoping you get a nice slot on something like Late Review in January. I’ve just caught it, and it really needs a coating of wit…
Nice one, Mike!Happy Christmas, Andrew, and here’s hoping you get a nice slot on something like Late Review in January. I’ve just caught it, and it really needs a coating of wit…
Good comments Mike, but disagree with your point about Andrew getting upset when people politely disagree with him. People politely disagreeing with him is surely what this blog is about? To debate and discuss in an intelligent manner. You’ve probably missed some of the more abusive responses because they’ve been removed, or have been about him on other forums. And we’re talking about quite nasty stuff. I think this is what Andrew’s referring to.On the point of the shops leaving their lights on all night, I quite often read the howies blog (they’re a clothing company). They’ve just opened a shop in Carnaby Street and discovered that they actually have to keep their lights on 24 hours a day as part of their lease agreement. They tried to get round this but the landlord insisted on them keeping to this part of their contract. They installed LED bulbs in response to this, but it strikes me that some regulatory force needs to be put in place to address this (as much I hate the idea of more regulation, but some things need it).Anyway, have a good one AC. Glad you didn’t let the idiot posters get to you.
Good comments Mike, but disagree with your point about Andrew getting upset when people politely disagree with him. People politely disagreeing with him is surely what this blog is about? To debate and discuss in an intelligent manner. You’ve probably missed some of the more abusive responses because they’ve been removed, or have been about him on other forums. And we’re talking about quite nasty stuff. I think this is what Andrew’s referring to.On the point of the shops leaving their lights on all night, I quite often read the howies blog (they’re a clothing company). They’ve just opened a shop in Carnaby Street and discovered that they actually have to keep their lights on 24 hours a day as part of their lease agreement. They tried to get round this but the landlord insisted on them keeping to this part of their contract. They installed LED bulbs in response to this, but it strikes me that some regulatory force needs to be put in place to address this (as much I hate the idea of more regulation, but some things need it).Anyway, have a good one AC. Glad you didn’t let the idiot posters get to you.
Thanks for the lists, I will seek out some of your suggestions. And I’m sorry that you had any “lows”— I did too.Maybe you can try my new 2008 mantra “Moving forward.” “Client hated all of the designs? Moving forward…” “The fetus isn’t viable? Moving forward…””The realtor wants to drop our home price? Moving forward…”See, very effective! Have a great holiday, Andrew!
Thanks for the lists, I will seek out some of your suggestions. And I’m sorry that you had any “lows”— I did too.Maybe you can try my new 2008 mantra “Moving forward.” “Client hated all of the designs? Moving forward…” “The fetus isn’t viable? Moving forward…””The realtor wants to drop our home price? Moving forward…”See, very effective! Have a great holiday, Andrew!