Writing repsonses to Thought for the Day gets awfully boring sometimes. Today I thought I’d start a caption competition instead. Here’s mine:
Sacks: Being Chief Rabbi is a lot like making love to a beautiful woman…
Williams: Being Archbishop of Canterbury is a lot like… zzzzzzzz…
A drunken night with Herring posted for no other reason than to make crowth jealous!
I hate you.
Shame, shame. I can’t wait to hear Collings and Herrin’s response.Oh, hoorah for another Collings and Herrin fan!
Hell yes. I spent last New Year’s Eve at a mate’s house watching Richard Herring DVDs… and on a slightly less loserish note I have tickets to see him in March. For the second time. I’ve listened to podcast 38 twice already. I am indeed a fan. Hoorah for us!
Shame, shame. I can’t wait to hear Collings and Herrin’s response.
Dear Mr Johnson,
I write to you respectfully and as a loyal customer, and indeed former employee, of Waterstone’s. I have been following the story of Patrick Jones’ event cancellation with interest. I have got my information from the New Humanist and Christian Voice websites.
I was embarrassed and disappointed to read that Waterstone’s had cancelled an author event after pressure from Christian Voice. Christian Voice have already ruined the success of Jerry Springer the Opera, financially at least, and it saddens me to think this could have a similar effect on Mr Jones. To be honest, I was not familiar with Patrick Jones’ work until this story, so some may argue that there is no such thing as bad publicity, but Waterstone’s siding with what is essentially a fundamentalist Christian group suggests they too find the work unacceptable despite keeping the book in stock. Not that it is relevant, but I have since looked at the offending poetry and agree that it is indeed blasphemous. So? Didn’t we get rid of the blasphemy law this year? So what right do Waterstone’s have to seemingly enforce a view that even Parliament see as outdated?
I understand that Waterstone’s staff wanted to avoid violent protest, but quick research would reveal that Christian Voice picket with nothing more than hymn-singing and leaflets, as is their right. They certainly have the right to protest, but that protest should not take away the right of Patrick Jones to perform his poetry.
In your email to New Humanist, you pointed out that Waterstone’s do not act as censor and would still stock the book, which I thank you for. But I would offer that cancelling the event after prompts by Christian Voice (who get a lot of press) would speak out loudly that Waterstones does not approve of it. That is certainly how it appears to me.
I would like to see an apology from Waterstone’s to Mr Jones, and an attempt to reschedule the event.
Yours faithfully,
Sophie Johnson.
Good idea. Well said. Here’s mine:
Dear Mr Johnson,
I’m writing to add my sentiments to those who have already offered their opinions on the decision to cancel the Patrick Jones event at the Waterstone’s branch in Cardiff on 12th November.
I’m greatly disappointed by how easily Waterstone’s succumbed to threats and fear mongering, how readily intimidated your company was into acquiescing to the suppression of free speech and artistic expression.
The only time a vociferous minority ever succeeds in curtailing free speech and artistic expression is when those in the business of free speech and artistic expression allow them to.
Perhaps your company might look to the books you stock for inspiration, and grow a spine.
Richard Crowther.
I’m not so neurotic about boyfriends as whatever she-witch write this list. Still, I went through this list and got rid of all the stupid ones, obvious ones (eg, Would not rape my Mother) and things which where really petty. He should wind you up for watching crap TV! Wind him up back, have some backbone girl. After all, you did ask it from him. Jeez, I fucking hate women. Anyway, here’s my list… My Next Boyfriend… 1. …will not cheat on me. 3. …won’t put others down to make himself feel better. 13. …will be tall. 14. …will be emotionally mature, available, and evolved. 20. …will compliment me every now and then, especially when I’ve made an effort to look nice for a night out. 22. …will have goals, dreams, and the drive to achieve them. 24. …will know how to do his own laundry. 25. …will text or call just to say ‘Hi.’ 28. …will be interested in culture, music, art, and travel. 29. …will have read a book since high school. 31. …will tell the truth. 32. …will be open-minded and non-judgmental of others. 35. …will actually enjoying spending time with me. 38. …will appreciate the art of foreplay. 46. …will continually surprise me. 47. …will lovingly accept my neurosis. 50. …will have a backbone in the relationship and not be afraid to tell me ‘no.’ 51. …will be a great kisser. 52. …will have a great sense of humor, but know when to be serious. 53. …will be more passionate in random moments. 54. …will know who he is as a person and be honest about that. 57. …will be able to laugh at himself. 60. …will give me space. 64. …will not go to bed at 9:30 pm. 75. …will be confident in himself, but not egotistical. 77. …will trust me. 79. …will love wine. 81. …will not take himself so seriously. 87. …will not push anal sex on me every time I’m on my period. 96. …will like to go down on me. Most important are 13, 29 and 57.
There’s 30 good reasons for me to remain single…
I really hope people respond to this or we, and when I say we, I mean I, are in the doggery doodle.Done. What do I win?
Unfortunately, just a massive cyber-high-five and an invite to Words Aloud next Tuesday. Though intangible, both are excellent prizes!
Good enough for me. I’ll think of something. Don’t worry, I’ll keep it clean.
Don’t put it in your mouth…
Silent She is Justine’s (ex-colleague, top pal and co-founder of Words Aloud) new venture. It’s a wonderful idea that deserves the support and funding it needs.
This is Silent She’s first promo video. Nice.
Check out the until-a-proper-site-is-ready MySpace page.
