At last, my quest to find unpastuerised milk in the UK is over! It tastes lovely but isn’t it still illegal though? Answers on a coastguard please.
Alas, the first of our Wine Society “for Christmas” wines have been drunk. For the best part of £20, it was a rather average Saint Joseph. Waitrose are currently doing a very nice one for £9.99 which beats the pants off it. Saint-Joseph les Royes, Domaine Courbis, 2004. at £19.00, you are a disappointment to me. Saint-Joseph, Cave de Saint Desirat, Cuvee Prestige, you are welcome to drop in anytime. You meatiness and minerality are much valued.
Was it just me or did anyone else think that the Spice Girls were miming on Children In Need? Maybe they’re saving their voices for paying customers only. Maybe they require more rehearsal time.
Geri Halliwell seemed to be looking a bit ropey. There may be some legal issues if she re-brands herself as ‘Old Spice’ though. On reflection, it strikes me that I’m only thinking this because her speaking voice sounded so much like a bad Margaret Thatcher impersonation.
Why are programmes like Children In Need and Comic Relief immune from criticism simply because they are for a great cause? The Wogan-fronted monstrosity is like (or basically is) some kind of toe-curling, incestuous BBC variety show. Similarly, we can usually rely on Comic Relief to be a laughter free zone. Institutionalised entertainment seems to be just one paradox too far if you ask me.
Do I give money to our incredibly worthy but, ultimately, tedious telethons? Yes, every time. The problem is that handing over my cash circa 2007 does not make me think of improving the lives of other people at all.
Both programmes have my support one hundred percent in their work, of course. The problem is that these days, the first thought that runs through my mind is, “Thank God, now I have a clear conscience and won’t have to watch the programme.” Time was when I could reflect on the good causes and (on a good day) feel better about myself.
Post telethonic stress syndrome has a lot to answer for.
hey - we're going to Chambar tonight - where we had dinner while you were over here. This is on their cocktail list:
The Blue Fig martini...
Oven roasted figs steeped in vodka & frozen. Served martini style with a side of Danish blue cheese.