In English newspapers sport stories, results, are normally reported on the back pages of paper newspapers. When I graduated from a Leicestershire University (1992) an hounoury masters degree was awarded to Gary Lineker for being a Master of his sport and
“putting sport where it belongs, on the back pages”
In the early 90s footballing celebrities like Gazza were getting newspaper coverage on the front pages for behaviour that is surely not worthy of emulating.
Recently I had the pleasure of attending a fun Christmas, office, party held in Madame Tussauds waxworks where I met Gary again and he looks just the same…
Early on a chilly Friday evening afore Christmas Mr. Hegley and longtime associate Mr. Bailey jumped on a train from London Paddington to Reading Central. 
Once in Reading they sought out the South Street arts centre 
and there joined the poets cafe. 
The cafe was hosted by AFH who skillfully introduced us to the intricacies of the concept of first half, second half and interval. He cunningly avoided reference to the powerful football analogy that subsequently snuck its way into several of Mr. Hegley’s poems including his opener which described the emotional ebb and flow of Luton town beating Reading town. Both almost cities missed gaining city status in the Millenium celebrations when the Queen granted 3 towns city status. John’s delivery was perfectly complimented by his companion, Andrew’s, acting skills. Neither black bird, woman, nor alien were beyond Andrews talented delivery.
At the poets cafe audience are also invited to be performers, slips of paper, published and unpublished books proped newcomers and professionals alike while sharing their work about ghosts, parties, typewriters, family, and TV shows. I slouched at the back with a pint of John Smith’s rapidly disappearing from my plastic glass wondering if I should bring a piece of paper and a little pluck to the second half… …after the interval… …of the next meeting.
Joanna Lumley was an early ‘Bond Girl’ in ‘On her Majesty’s Secret Service’. She became a big star in the UK as a secret agent in the 1976 revival of British TV cult classic drama ‘The (New) Avengers’. This drama was unusual for having a female lead that was intellegent, pro-active, assertive, witty and sexy. Her character called ‘Purdey‘ (after the gun) had a distinctive haristyle that became very popular in 70’s Britain.
Since that series Joanna Lumley has remained an icon of British female sexiness. She is probably more well known internationally for her role as “Patsy” in “Absolutely Fabulous“. Less well know for her long term support of the Free Tibet Campaign.
Last night Paul Weller deservedly won the Brit Award for outstanding contribution to the British Music Industry. From ‘The Jam’ through ‘The Style Council’ to his solo work Paul has always been involved in producing musically interesting, lyrically astute, songs. The award was presented by another gorgeous, talented, Londoner; Ray Winston. Double GUSH!
(gush warning)
only the very young and the very beautiful can be so aloof
this opening lyric of Tom Robinson’s song ‘War Baby’ (1983) spoken softly over saxophone with the keyboards creating a gentle relaxing atmosphere hints at sadness. His alternating soft then demandingly passionate voice dominates and drives the song in stark contrast to the gentle pace and tone of the music. He paints the fun and tensions of living in the gay scene “hanging out with the boys, all swagger and poise…” ”…I’m scared, so scared” then deftly shifts focus to bigger themes as he raises the pace “corresponding disasters every night on the TV, sickening reality keeps gripping me in its disgust“ The song just has so much in it. It sounds good too :-) 23 years later it’s still one of my favourite songs. Tom’s been one of my personal hero’s since the late 1970’s. The directness and poigniency of Tom’s beliefs and writing in so many forms (songs, web-pages, DJ-ing) is extremely impressive. To me he is awe inspiring.
Despite the original BBC ban on “Sing if you’re glad to be gay” it was heard in streets, homes, clubs and during political protests. It was a wonderfully positive rallying song in a time when homophobia was much more overtly prevalent than today. Followed by a notable turnaround when the BBC employed Tom as a World Service presentes then DJ and gave him awards for his documentary on the history of ‘gay music’.
I was lucky enough to attend two of Tom’s birthday parties in the mid 1990’s. Able to luxuriate in listening to his conversations and singing in the intimacy of a small room….
(gush over)
