Category Archives for Culture
Bowl ‘em over, Mr Rowan
Derek Guggi Rowan’s exhibition at the Osborne Samuel gallery in London officially opens tonight and on Friday to the general public. Break a leg, Gugs. If you want to see his work, the Osborne Samuel gallery is at 23a Bruton … Continue reading
Language is the key
Michael Koubi was the chief interrogator of Shin Bet, Israel’s security service. This interview with him in New Scientist (more on his ‘methods’) gives me the creeps, but his thoughts on language are relevant to understanding people in general and … Continue reading
It’s the culture war, stupid
This is for those Dutch politicians claiming four more years of the Bush administration is a victory for its policy on the ‘war on terrorism’. BBC: Most important issues. ‘moral issues more important than Iraq’ BBC: 11 states reject gay … Continue reading
Who is she and how did she get that gig?
The lady reading announcements at Duivendrecht station has rerecorded the message that drives me up the wall while I’m waiting for my train. It’s worse now: ‘zer maay-bee peakpokkutch and luggitsj (small pause and deep breath) thfleefs’. Seriously, what she … Continue reading
Our leader is indeed the greatest leader of the working class
“Of course you may not have a membership.You can browse many information without membership. But it is recommended that you gain a membership in order to enjoy advantage in using our website.” North Korea has opened ‘Naenara’, its first web … Continue reading
Dance me to the end…
On my way to the theatre on Friday, I saw an old friend on the street. She looked the same as ever. Same hair, same clothes, same walk. We used to move as one, talk as one. An inseparable, pre-sexual … Continue reading
When they were tantric
Messenger convo: Caroline says: they’re into swinging Caroline says: or something similarly creepy The Long-Distance Punner says: yeah Caroline says: was it popbitch… The Long-Distance Punner says: so terribly suburban Caroline says: heh The Long-Distance Punner says: i think i … Continue reading
The passion of the clerks
In trendy ‘urban’ shop two Surinamese men in conversation: Clerk #1: “So tell me, which part of the film was the most moving to you?” Clerk #2: “Oh man, that bit where they flogged him? And the bits of flesh? … Continue reading
On the elevator
Veteran journalist of reputable radio show talking to newbie recruit: “Just remember, when I first got here and sat through my first editorial meeting, I thought: ‘Oh my god, everybody just knows so much. They’re so… knowledgable.’ It was intimidating. … Continue reading
Pocket money
Gawker gasps when confronted with a story on Sofia Coppola’s Allowance. From my 12th to my 18th or so, I was given pocket money by my parents. Fifty guilders for clothing, fifty guilders for other stuff, per month. I thought … Continue reading
"I didn’t know I was this geeky until I discovered the online world through my office’s 2400 baud modem back in ’93."