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IN YOUR GLASGOW SLUMS
Re: No Mean City: A Story of the Glasgow Slums I read this book when I was 15 – I’m now 62 – and I’ve read it again several times since, and don’t know a single Scot who hasn’t read it or at least heard of it.
It’s a classic account of desperate people struggling to escape from abject poverty. Don’t read it if you’re looking for happy endings, but do if you want to experience some superb writing and an insight into Glasgow’s meaner side. Crusty, Australia Comment posted at List.co.uk
THE X BENEFACTOR Re: Anthony d’Offay donates £125 million contemporary art collection to Scotland and the Tate Who’d have thought it in this day and age? Gap-founder Donald Fisher also bequeathed a huge collection to San Francisco’s SFMoMA recently. It must be contagious. Is this a global trend in generosity that we are seeing? Bravo Mr and Mrs d’Offay. Style MBE, San Francisco
LET’S HEAR IT FOR THE BOY Re: A Boy Called Dad I saw this film at the Glasgow
LETTER OF THE FORTNIGHT TOTAL MADNESS
Re: Madness Undoubtedly the main talking point of the recent 2010 Brit Awards was the absence of competition-winner/karaoke singer Susan Boyle from the nominations list, with many in uproar. How many people, I wonder, noticed that this annual event
overlooked, once again, the national treasure that is Madness in the Lifetime Contribution to British Popular Music category (this year awarded to Robbie Williams)?
During the 1980s Madness spent over five years (248 weeks to be exact) in the UK top 40, more time than any other band. Their work is continually in demand from advertisers, their videos as instantly recognisable as their songs, and they even had a musical (Our House) penned around their hits. If, years down the line, the Brits history shows previous
Lifetime Contribution award-winners including Duran Duran and the Pet Shop Boys without mention of Madness, we should hang our heads in shame.
Film Festival. The performances, particularly by the ever reliable Ian Hart and Kyle Ward, are memorable. The film is, in turns, both funny and moving. It also looks stunning. Highly recommended. Duncan P, Glasgow
WHY-FI? Re: Free Wi-Fi (650) Your Wi-Fi guide flagged up some very good places. I’d rather go for a coffee at Forest Café than Starbucks any day, particularly as Megabucks charge a few quid for the pleasure of checking emails while supping a disgusting caramel frappuccino.
Could Suggs and co’s omission simply be down to politics? I find it unbelievable that
Perhaps their aforementioned achievements, influence and contribution to British music is just insufficient to merit such an award? Either way, someone at the Brits isn’t listening. Christopher Tracey, Edinburgh Editor’s note: Yes, and also, despite 100 million albums and singles being sold woldwide, and most of today’s non-guitar acts effectively being tribute bands, there’s still no Brits acknowledgement for Depeche Mode either. Any other overlooked national treasures? Let us know.
THE LETTER OF THE ISSUE WILL RECEIVE ONE BOTTLE OF THE BLACK GROUSE WHISKY Smoky and Smooth – a marriage of fine peated Scotch malt whiskies and The Famous Grouse
people still choose to sit in a corporate dive like Starbucks or Costa when they won’t offer free Wi-Fi. Everybody else is buying into a bright future of connectivity while big chains still cling to their money-making policies. Well, customers aren’t going to hang about much longer. And while we’re at it, what about a free Guardian eh, Starbucks? You not making enough from your £3 cups of frothy milk? Johnny, Edinburgh The List phoned Starbucks, and they now offer free Wi-Fi, with the purchase of a £5 credit voucher, which you can put towards food or drinks.
Next issue out Wednesday 3 March
Kick-Ass Coatbridge's own Mark Millar has his graphic novel Kick-Ass transferred to the big screen. Starring Aaron Johnson, Nic Cage and McLovin' from Superbad, it's got comedy hit written all over it, and it's getting its Scottish premiere at the Glasgow Comedy Festival. Peter Brook Long-term Tramway collaborator Peter Brook is bringing his latest production, 11 and 12 to the Glasgow venue this March. We interview Brook and celebrate one of the most fruitful associations in Scottish theatre.
YOU’VE GOT 15 DAYS TO LIVE 96 THE LIST 4–18 Mar 2010
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor Robin Hodge Director Simon Dessain EDITORIAL Editor Jonny Ensall Assistant Editor Henry Northmore, Allan Radcliffe, Claire Sawers Subeditor Hamish Brown Research Manager Suzanne Black Research Siân Bevan, Tasmin Campbell, Rosalie Doubal, Laura Ennor, Henry Northmore, David Pollock, Fiona Shepherd Editorial Assistant Niki Boyle Editorial Intern Kirstyn Smith, Phyllis Stephen SALES & MARKETING Advertising Sales Manager Brigid Kennedy Senior Media Sales Executive Juliet Tweedie Media Sales Executive Aimi Gold, Claire Innes Business Development Executive Adam Coulson Business Development Manager Brendan Miles Sponsorship & Promotions Manager Sheri Friers Promotions Executive Amy Russell Circulation Executive Murray Robertson
PRODUCTION Senior Designer Lucy Munro Production Manager Simon Armin Production Assistant Miriam Sturdee
DIGITAL Web Editor Hamish Brown Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Bruce Combe Software Developer Iain McCusker ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Georgette Renwick Accounts Assistant Tasmin Campbell Office & HR Manager Jo Morgan Glasgow Office Manager Sharon Stephen SECTION EDITORS Around Town Anna Millar Books Brian Donaldson Clubs Henry Northmore Comedy Brian Donaldson Dance Kelly Apter Eat & Drink Donald Reid Film Paul Dale Kids Kelly Apter LGBT Allan Radcliffe Music Claire Sawers News Anna Millar Shopping Claire Sawers Theatre Allan Radcliffe Visual Art Allan Radcliffe