Are e-books taking over?
The Johannes Gutenberg bible is recognised as the first book ever printed using the German’s groundbreaking mass production press in the 1450s. The publishing industry has come a long way since Mainz-born Gutenberg revolutionised the world. Now there’s barely a need for paper with 20% of people reading books on electric devices according to a … Continue reading
Interview: Barry Glendenning
The Guardian sports journalist Barry Glendenning, 38, has just bought a pint in an “old-man shithole pub”, a.k.a his “Brixton office”. He’s talking about moving to London from Ireland 12 years ago. “Sorry, have we started the interview now? Yes? Okay, I’ll just give you a quick history and you can take what you want … Continue reading
Chiddy Bang: Swelly good
The year was 1989. On February 22nd, the Philadelphia duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince won the first rap Grammy ever awarded. The DJ/Vocalist group thereby took hip-hop music to new heights; they put a city famous for a crack (in the Liberty Bell) on the rap map; and they showed that a … Continue reading
Interview: Ben Aaronovitch
Ben Aaronovitch is sitting in a coffee shop in Covent Garden. “I can give you my lesson on how to be a writer if you want?” he asks. Aaronovith is the author of the successful fantasy novel Rivers of London, and the sequel Moon Over Soho released on April 21, so he should know what … Continue reading
Posters – the other art form
Oscar Wilde on ce said: “The moment you think you understand a great work of art, it’s dead for you.” Whilst the art world bickers about what is more interesting, a painting or a sculpture, or which is the most valuable, a Rembrandt or Da Vinci, there is an art form generating the same excitement, … Continue reading
Iran threatens to boycott the Olympics – “It’s their loss”
In its pink, yellow and turquoise Lego looking figures, few logos have stirred up a fuss similar to the one of the London 2012 Olympics. While some claim that the logo, which was revealed in 2007, looks as if the designers were experimenting with magic mushrooms and swastikas, others see cartoon TV character Lisa Simpson … Continue reading
Review: Two Little Boys by Duncan Sarkies
You’re 12 years old. A couple of months ago you met a person who did something special for you. Perhaps he saved you from a mean old bully; perhaps he helped you out with a tricky maths assignment. You’ve made a special bond with this person – not love or anything stupid like that, just … Continue reading
Looking forward to London 2012
It’s been almost 14 years since the UK enjoyed their last major sports event – the Euro Cup 1996 – and today (2010-01-29) we’re two and a half years away from the next one – the 2012 Olympic Games in London. In 2005, on July 6, London’s bid was elected to host the 2012 Olympics, … Continue reading
The controversial case of the Commonwealth Institute
In the heart of busy, fashionable Kensington, West London, there’s a building that doesn’t quite fit in. Hidden behind a forest of flagpoles, a tent shaped shell separates the old Victorian houses from Holland Park. While being a bizarre contribution to the bundles of blocks, its parabolic roof shooting up in the sky sets a … Continue reading
Schh!
The sound of engines running over our heads, one louder than the other, was blasting into our eardrums. They were close now. Some passed so close to the rooftops you might even be able to touch them if you raised your hands while standing up there. It was cold outside, and it was cold inside. … Continue reading
A Rubberband Packed With Action! 