Monthly Archives: August 2016

Hype & hope

Posted on August 31, 2016 by

There was a standing ovation for Kamasi Washington at his late-night Prom. I wish I could have felt like joining in. From my review in today’s Times: The good news about the advent of Kamasi Washington is that here is … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Uncategorized | Tagged , , ,

Notebook

Posted on August 30, 2016 by

One of the difficulties that confronts the novelist is how to describe the appearance of his characters. The most natural way is of course the formal catalogue, the height, the complexion, the shape of the face, the size of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Literature, Notebook, Uncategorized | Tagged , , ,

Evangelicals

Posted on August 29, 2016 by

Looking for converts at the Notting Hill Carnival.

Posted in Uncategorized

Notebook

Posted on August 28, 2016 by

The Back Lot was a noisy, gaudy example of what most people seem to imagine all Hollywood is after dark. But except for an occasional celebrated face, it might have been any night spot in any American city. It was … Continue reading →

Posted in Film, Literature, Music, Notebook, Uncategorized | Tagged , ,

France & the burkini

Posted on August 27, 2016 by

“The creation of the burkini is, in fact, an advance for pious Muslim women.” Arun With A View provides a useful overview on secularism vs swimsuit.

Posted in Uncategorized

Revelry ahead

Posted on August 26, 2016 by

Getting ready for the Notting Hill Carnival. Outside a pub in Ladbroke Grove this afternoon. PS: Cycling around this afternoon, I was struck by how many businesses were being boarded up. (Is it really as many as nine out of … Continue reading →

Posted in London, Uncategorized | Tagged

Notebook

Posted on August 25, 2016 by

Even within Harlem and away from white bigotry, Leslie faced marked prejudice against West Indians among American blacks. They were seen as tireless hustlers after everyone else’s jobs; as would-be entrepreneurs up to every sort of trick. Moreover, because they … Continue reading →

Posted in Music, Race | Tagged , , ,

Final lap of the Olympics

Posted on August 21, 2016 by

He appeared at the opening ceremony in Rio, so I’m assuming he won’t be in tonight’s closing show too. But who needs an excuse to play some Gilberto Gil?  This is my favourite version of “Expresso 2222”, performed live with … Continue reading →

Posted in Brazil, Music, Sport, Uncategorized | Tagged , ,

The man who stopped remembering

Posted on August 20, 2016 by

In today’s Times, my review of “Patient H.M”,  Luke Dittrich’s book about the strange life of Henry Molaison: He remains a ghost in the end. The only photograph of the adult Henry Molaison to appear in this ambitious, impassioned but frustrating book … Continue reading →

Posted in Reviews, Science | Tagged , , , ,

Trifecta

Posted on August 20, 2016 by

Now that’s what you call a publishing triple-whammy: Hitler, golf and the Olympics, all in one book.

Posted in Literature, Sport, Uncategorized, World War 2 | Tagged ,