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Selective justice
The occupants of the car did not look like habitual troublemakers: in our thirties, conservatively dressed, professional – a stockbroker and two schoolteachers. But I’m pretty sure being white also helped.
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Three Sex Pistols with Frank Carter – O2 Forum Kentish Town, 26 September 2024
I bought “Never Mind the Bollocks” on the day it came out and played it again and again. Damn, they cut it loud. It spoke to my desires and frustrations, to my energy and my ambition. It was the record I needed in that part of my life.
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In search of “Wandering hands”
Much has changed in the last forty years, but the jocular tone of a story concerning sexual abuse – one of Margaret Thatcher’s cabinet ministers making sudden lunges at women in his office – is jarring.
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Vote early, vote twice
Whereas A, I sensed, wanted to expand, to run a large department. To build an empire, to be The Man.
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A helping hand
Then Richard shared a piece of his family history that he had never mentioned at school.
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Broken toilets and the ton of pennies
Understandably Trog was furious. A school assembly was called in the middle of the day – possibly even replacing a lesson – and we assembled in an atmosphere of freaky holiday.
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“Can’t win here!”: a foot soldier for the Liberal Democrats
Before the first leaflet went through the door a questionable assertion leapt out at me.
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Logging micro-mistakes
I’m talking about the dozens – perhaps hundreds – of tiny mistakes I make every day.
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George Orwell on Edward Lear
When I discovered that George Orwell – one of my 20th century heroes – had written an essay on Edward Lear, my biggest 19th century hero – I was fascinated to see what he had written.
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Get to know: Lonnie Donegan
There’s much more to Lonnie Donegan than My Old Man’s a Dustman. Without him the course of British pop and rock music – and so, world pop and rock music – would have been much the poorer.
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Last of the pre-9ers
I didn’t want to do it, but the money they offered was good, really good. I had to think of my 34 great-great grandchildren.
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The worst holiday
Mike Smith and Sarah Green were asked what they had said in the seconds when they thought they might be about to die. Mike Smith replied that he had said “I love you,” I’m afraid I doubt that. I’ve tested it under laboratory conditions.
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Kathleen’s letters to Aelwyn 1950-51
It is fascinating and lovely – if disorientating – to observe your parents’ courtship, and I have had that opportunity.
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The Image Comes In
Debbie removed her glasses, and I had a clearer view of her face. Kind, open, humorous, gentle, soft. Beautiful.
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Ripley’s “Believe it or Not!” – fact check
Reunited with this strange and sensational book, I have the opportunity to satisfy the curiosity of my twelve year old self.
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Going deaf slowly
How much of the rest of my life would I spend allowing my vanity to ruin conversations with loved ones, when help might be at hand?
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