Monthly Archives: October 2011
‘The most photographed anonymous man in the world’
I got a really lovely thank you from the #quakebook team, despite only doing something very simple to help with the publication of an interview with Our Man in Abiko in the Embassy of Japan in the UK’s newsletter. Take … Continue reading
Filed under Japan
Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust
Phony Beatlemania has bitten the dust. – The Clash The Clash? Just a band. – Scroobius Pip Last week’s announcement of new dates by what is usually described as (take a deep breath) ‘seminalManchesterindiedancecrossoverband’ The Stone Roses caused a predictable … Continue reading
Filed under Minitrue
The truth
It is difficult to imagine the emotions that the families of the 96 victims of the Hillsborough Disaster must be feeling today, at the news that all government papers – including uncensored cabinet meeting minutes – are to be made … Continue reading
Filed under Minitrue
Characterised by repetitive beats
One of the less fun things about clocking up another birthday is the dawning realisation that each visit to a club could be the last. As people slow down, the sofa or bar becomes more appealing, especially when weighed against … Continue reading
Filed under The Golden Country
‘A journey of decades’ – Matt Ford and Love Mode present The Art Show
One of the hardest things about being so far away is missing out on events like the current exhibition of art work by talented photographer Matt Ford. So I am indebted to Samantha Elmes, student at Liverpool John Moores University, for … Continue reading
Filed under The Golden Country
A year in Yoyogi Park
One year ago today I saw Yoyogi Park for the first time. Here is how it looked this afternoon, as we celebrated this anniversary together: On that first visit last year, it was a case of instant attraction. I hadn’t … Continue reading
Filed under Japan
Weekend reading
Taking advantage of the extra day off in Japan this week to work on something a little longer, so here are a couple of my short stories from writers’ site ABC Tales, What passes for romance and Let’s Start Again. … Continue reading
Filed under The Golden Country
‘No pasaran’: Cable Street 1936-2011
Anniversaries always offer good opportunities for the reinterpretation of past events according to modern sensibilities. With each passing year the memories get polished, the myths build and the truth becomes that little less easy to establish. 75 years have gone … Continue reading
Filed under Minipax
ten minutes love
Haven’t got the heart for a rant this weekend. Looking forward to fun times with good people, the sun is shining and – in spite of the usual piss-artists and their attempts to spread misery around – life is good. … Continue reading
Filed under The Golden Country
