Mailbox Ask Bob
Bob, What with the newspaper extracts and this column I’ve never felt the need to buy any of your books. I suppose it’s like film stars that get over-exposed in celebrity magazines and then no-one goes to see their films. Should I break my Bob duck for Christmas? Kevin Thompson Hello there, Kevin, if I was to tell you and everyone else that, for every book of mine (bobservant.com) you buy this Christmas I will go out and personally rescue an orphan, how would that make you feel? An orphan Kevin, a Christmas orphan (bobservant.com). That’s all I’m asking, how would that make you feel? Think about his little face, Bob
PS: the orphan stuff is all metaphors (bobservant.com).
BOB SERVANT, window cleaning kingpin and beneficiary of Dundee’s Cheeseburger Wars, turns Agony Uncle for The List
Bob, I need your help and I need it bad. I’m still to get the wife’s present. She’s a nightmare and never more so than during the festive season. In short, what do you get for the woman who has nothing? Alex Van Klaveren Alex, I’m from Dundee. The top five times ever recorded in Dundee for the men’s hundred metres have occurred between the Body Shop and Bargain Books on Christmas Eve. In three of those cases the runners were holding a basket of bath salts and in the other two they were holding Memories of Dundee from Between the Wars. Join the race. Bob
Send your questions to bob@bobservant.com twitter.com/bobservant
HAVE YOUR SAY LOCAL HEROES Re: Abandoned Scotland: How derelict historic buildings are
being documented (690) A trip with Veranique is a journey through Scotland’s history. She has opened my eyes
to the secrets on my own doorstep. Imagine driving along a quiet country road in the middle of nowhere, nothing but fields and sheep, turning a corner – and suddenly it’s there: a magnificent stately home of an age gone by sitting proudly on the hill. Although weathered and beaten, it is still an awe-inspiring sight. Comment posted on list.co.uk by Alphacentauri, Prestonpans.
ME NO LIKEY Re: Lykke Li review (690, ●●●●●)
I found this gig to be a bit self-indulgent and over the top. I love her music, and wasn’t surprised when she came on so dramatically, but had hoped for it to be toned down eventually. I took a friend who had never heard of her, and he left half way through. One song for the encore is a bit cheap as well – I had just bought another beer. Comment posted on list.co.uk by tunengine, Edinburgh.
THE Question
We ask the question, you provide the answer. Follow us on Twitter @thelistmagazine to contribute.
WHERE’S THE BEST SLEDGING IN GLASGOW OR EDINBURGH?
@glasgowvant Kelvingrove Park of course! As long as you're sociable. @ayetunes Just behind the batsman #cricketjoke
@thelistmagazine Pencraig Brae, near East Linton, East Lothian. [yes we did answer our own question].
@flokemon Queens Park, Edinburgh, has some good slopes, some guy even tried (unsuccessfully) to snowboard there last year.
@Mikey Prentice Corstorphine Hill EH12. @tweedale Defo Corstophine Hill. Icy and fast.
@lynn_g Got to be the Braid Hills Golf Course – steep slopes, long runs, and hot chocolate in Morningside afterwards.
THE ANSWER:
Corstorphine Hill, Edinburgh. We’ll see you there.
2 THE LIST 15 Dec 2011–5 Jan 2012
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor
Robin Hodge Director Simon Dessain
EDITORIAL
Editor Jonny Ensall Deputy Editor Claire Sawers
Assistant Editor Henry Northmore, Allan Radcliffe
Editorial Assistant
Niki Boyle Editorial Intern
David Lobzhanidze, Ellis Beattie Research Manager
Laura Ennor Research
Alex Johnston, David Pollock, Fiona Shepherd, Kirstyn Smith, Henry Northmore
SALES & MARKETING
Media Sales Manager Juliet Tweedie
Senior Media Sales Executive
Jude Moir
Media Sales Executive Nicky Carter, Lindsay Paul Digital Sales Executive
Freya Cowan Digital Commercial
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
Joss Bibby
DIGITAL Web Editor Hamish Brown
Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Bruce Combe
Software Developer Iain McCusker
Digital Design Assistant
Daniella Zelli
ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Georgette Renwick
SECTION EDITORS
Around Town/LGBT Lauren Mayberry
Books/Comedy Brian Donaldson Clubs/Play Henry Northmore
Dance/Kids Kelly Apter Food & Drink Donald Reid Film Jonny Ensall (cover) Music/Shopping Claire Sawers
Noticeboard Anna Millar Theatre/Visual Art
Allan Radcliffe