http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/?service=Rss http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-much-as-it-pains-me-to-say-it-yorkshire-is-the-best-source-of-unusual-words-1814765.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-much-as-it-pains-me-to-say-it-yorkshire-is-the-best-source-of-unusual-words-1814765.html <p>My friend Ian, who has lived all his 50-odd years in a village on the Herefordshire-Shropshire border, introduced us some years ago to an expression so localised that nobody I've tried it on in Leominster, eight miles down the road, understands what I'm on about. </p> Brian Viner Thu, 05 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-at-my-beverly-hills-gym-theres-only-victoria-beckham-for-company-1814128.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-at-my-beverly-hills-gym-theres-only-victoria-beckham-for-company-1814128.html <p>Seven months after joining the Beverly Hills branch of Sports Club LA, I am no nearer to finding a group sport that I enjoy. My daily workouts are undoubtedly enhanced and encouraged by seeing the exquisite form of Victoria Beckham on a nearby treadmill, and even more so a couple of weeks ago, when Mr Beckham also turned up in the gym, a sight that induced in me so severe a case of Beckhamitis, I swear I had two birthdays in the time it took the paramedics to bring me round.</p> Columnists Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-all-the-fun-of-the-fair-ndash-the-travellers-way-1814150.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-all-the-fun-of-the-fair-ndash-the-travellers-way-1814150.html <p>Lines of cars in both directions and where the lines crossed, just outside fudgey, hoity-toity Stow-on-the-Wold was a blat of almost unimaginable ugliness, stuck on the hillside. Civilisation slapped on top of nature like a Post-It note: the travellers' horse fair, caravans and trailers horrible in the rain. It was at least as ugly as Glastonbury – a locust mess of stinks, mud, stick-men with too many teeth, blob women with none. Even as we arrived, before we'd parked the car, our hearts beat faster, a sense of danger, revellers shouting, impatience building with the traffic, the glamour of youth and glimmering thighs specked with mud. </p> Alex James Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-walsh/john-walsh-fleetwood-mac-survived-42-years-of-madness-sex-drugs-failure-and-success-1813588.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-walsh/john-walsh-fleetwood-mac-survived-42-years-of-madness-sex-drugs-failure-and-success-1813588.html <p> I went to see Fleetwood Mac at Wembley Arena and, musically speaking, it was wonderful. The strains of "If You Go Your Own Way" (which Lindsay Buckingham wrote about Stevie Nicks after their stormy relationship came to an end), the passion that Stevie Nicks put into "Sara" (the song she wrote about her best friend, for whom Mick Fleetwood left his wife after he'd ended his affair with Stevie), the tenderness of "You Make Loving Fun" (which the keyboards player Christine McVie wrote in a tribute to the lighting-rigger for whom she conceived a passion when her husband, the bassist John McVie, hit the bottle), and the final singalong of "Don't Stop" (which Christine wrote after her eight-year marriage packed up,) were inspiring indeed, although my favourite moment was Buckingham's gorgeous solo rendition of "Never Goin' Back Again" (about Stevie's breakdown, after her well-documented cocaine addiction...) </p> John Walsh Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-up-and-away-with-you-critics-1813653.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-up-and-away-with-you-critics-1813653.html <p>A few days ago I went with my wife and children to see Up, the new feature film by those brilliant animators at Pixar. As you are perhaps aware, Up has been lauded to the skies as one of the greatest achievements in animated film-making since Walt Disney doodled his first mouse. </p> Brian Viner Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-lets-be-clear-about-what-were-eating-1813656.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-lets-be-clear-about-what-were-eating-1813656.html <p>It hasn't really been a good few days for this Government, when it comes to the relationship between simple scientific facts and public health. Their commitment to giving the people the facts doesn't apparently extend to giving them facts that might contradict current political orthodoxies. But they do have a modest opportunity this week to show themselves to be on the side of useful scientific intelligence. Tomorrow, the House of Commons debates a 10-Minute Rule Bill put forward by the Labour MP Helen Southworth, in which she calls for a legal requirement for a uniform system of food labelling on the front of packaged food.</p> Thomas Sutcliffe Tue, 03 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-faster-higher-longer-total-olympics-1813244.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-faster-higher-longer-total-olympics-1813244.html ]]> <p>It just goes to show that you should never judge a book by the cover. There was I thinking that Andre Agassi was an uberdull, born-again Christian tennis player and that his book would be the very same. Then I find out that he's of Iranian/Assyrian (whatever that might be) descent, gives large donations to the Democratic Party and that his middle name is Kirk... this changed everything. </p> Dom Joly Mon, 02 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-gardening-and-yoga-ndash-the-grave-is-surely-looming-1812763.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-gardening-and-yoga-ndash-the-grave-is-surely-looming-1812763.html <p>Why is it that when you get older you have to start doing all the stupid things that you used to laugh at when you were younger? I've lost count of the things that I swore I'd never do that now form part of my daily routine. I now make weird disapproving noises to myself whenever I spot a chavvy-looking youth wandering past me on the pavement. When said youth turns back towards me and sticks a horrid little knife up to my face I find myself meekly handing over whatever gadget I've just bought. Buzzing from the adrenalin of this experience I drive home at over 30 miles an hour and decide to do some gardening to clear my head. </p> Dom Joly Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-i-love-the-fright-masks-the-scary-sweets-the-useless-plastic-halloween-gifts-in-all-the-supermarkets-1810975.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-i-love-the-fright-masks-the-scary-sweets-the-useless-plastic-halloween-gifts-in-all-the-supermarkets-1810975.html <p>Halloween has always been big in our house. Not as big as Christmas, obviously – and I probably buy into the whole commercialism of the festive season more than anyone else I know, including my children – but big enough. In fact I've always loved it, in spite of being unceremoniously ignored by our neighbours when my brother and I attempted trick-or-treating in the wilds of Suffolk when we were young, something we had picked up from the nearby US </p> Dylan Jones Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-team-spirits-from-beyond-the-grave-1812167.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-team-spirits-from-beyond-the-grave-1812167.html ]]> <p> It's not often that The Last Word falls on Halloween – roughly every seven years, in fact – so I've been racking my brains for some suitably ghoulish material. </p> Brian Viner Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/richard-ingrams/richard-ingramsrsquos-week-we-could-learn-a-thing-or-two-from-the-french-1812301.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/richard-ingrams/richard-ingramsrsquos-week-we-could-learn-a-thing-or-two-from-the-french-1812301.html <p>A schoolboy who recently joined an anti-Scientology demonstration in London had his name taken by the police when he refused to lower a placard which called Scientology a cult. Luckily the case against him was dropped after the human rights organisation Liberty intervened on his behalf.</p> Richard Ingrams Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-you-need-a-phd-for-a-night-at-the-opera-1812304.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-you-need-a-phd-for-a-night-at-the-opera-1812304.html <p>They're expensive and often of little use, yet they are the one part of the cultural experience that rarely provokes comment. Why can't the programmes on sale at concerts, theatres and operas be better?</p> David Lister Sat, 31 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-ive-opened-fetes-named-beers-judged-gardens-fairy-cakes-and-perry-1811080.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-ive-opened-fetes-named-beers-judged-gardens-fairy-cakes-and-perry-1811080.html <p>The voice on the telephone was frightfully well spoken. "Mr Viner?" </p> Brian Viner Thu, 29 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-strimmers-are-one-of-the-downsides-to-the-outdoor-lifestyle-here-1810362.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-strimmers-are-one-of-the-downsides-to-the-outdoor-lifestyle-here-1810362.html <p>Apparently, they call it Mow, Blow and Go; but to me, the US Strimming Championships taking place outside my front door can be the only explanation for why the sound of revving machinery woke me before 8am Monday morning. And Sunday. And Saturday.</p> Columnists Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-the-perils-of-being-friends-with-the-boss-1809964.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-the-perils-of-being-friends-with-the-boss-1809964.html <p>The editor on my first newspaper had a habit of standing behind you as you were writing. Eventually, unnerved by his presence, you would stop writing. "What are you doing?" he would ask, amazed. "I'm thinking," the hapless reporter would answer. "Don't think! Write!" he would bark, emphasising the point with a jab of his finger between the shoulder blades.</p> David Lister Tue, 27 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-to-be-precise-this-is-legalised-joyriding-1809478.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-to-be-precise-this-is-legalised-joyriding-1809478.html ]]> <p>I was in Cardiff for the weekend to do some filming around the World Rally Championship. Now, if I'm honest, before I went I knew very little about the world of rally. But now... well... I'm a veritable font of information. </p> Dom Joly Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0000 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-the-guns-have-fallen-silent-on-the-golf-course-1808967.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-the-guns-have-fallen-silent-on-the-golf-course-1808967.html <p>To Beirut golf course (le "Royal Beirut" as it's known to locals wags) for a leisurely round. I haven't played here since I was about 12 years old. This is where I swung my very first golf club. There was an Egyptian pro who gave me lessons. </p> Dom Joly Sun, 25 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-provincetown-was-home-to-norman-mailer-now-its-the-most-fashionable-resort-in-north-america-1807349.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-provincetown-was-home-to-norman-mailer-now-its-the-most-fashionable-resort-in-north-america-1807349.html <p>Right now Provincetown might just be the most fashionable resort in the world. The former fishing village is certainly the most fashionable resort in North America. Well, at least on the East Coast. Sitting on the very tip of Cape Cod, this is where the Pilgrims first set foot on American soil (not at Plymouth, but here!) before moving inland and making a fuss elsewhere. And in many ways it probably doesn't look so different now from how it did then.</p> Dylan Jones Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-blackpool-prom-and-holloways-illuminations-1808255.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-blackpool-prom-and-holloways-illuminations-1808255.html <p>Until May this year there was, in the public consciousness, only one man named Holloway associated with the Lancashire town of Blackpool. That was the comic actor Stanley Holloway, who in 1932 recorded Marriott Edgar's daft, delightful ode "The Lion and Albert", about "a grand little lad" called Albert Ramsbottom who was swallowed whole by Wallace, the scarred old lion at Blackpool zoo. "There's a famous seaside place called Blackpool," it begins, "that's noted for fresh air and fun."</p> Brian Viner Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/richard-ingrams/richard-ingramsrsquos-week-we-forget-our-soldiers-legal-fears-over-iraq-1808433.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/richard-ingrams/richard-ingramsrsquos-week-we-forget-our-soldiers-legal-fears-over-iraq-1808433.html <p>Having, as I do, what some may consider a perverse inclination to sympathise with anyone subjected to unanimous abuse, I have been struggling to think of something nice to say about Mr Nick Griffin.</p> Richard Ingrams Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-annie-get-your-politically-correct-gun-1808436.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-annie-get-your-politically-correct-gun-1808436.html <p> Those who like musicals will know that Irving Berlin's Annie Get Your Gun has one of the great scores. Watching the new production of the show at the Young Vic in London with Jane Horrocks, it was good to be reminded of showstoppers such as "Anything You Can Do" and "There's No Business Like Show Business". </p> David Lister Sat, 24 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-its-time-for-tough-love-at-the-tate-1807185.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-its-time-for-tough-love-at-the-tate-1807185.html <p>I tend to think of Bullets Over Broadway when I hear about collaborative artworks, Woody Allen's 1994 comedy being a near-perfect parable of the ruthlessness necessary for high artistic achievement. In the film, a mob enforcer with only rudimentary education (he burned his school down) is given the job of looking after a gangster's moll who has been given a starring part in a Broadway play in return for a hefty investment. </p> Thomas Sutcliffe Fri, 23 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-if-i-was-going-to-jump-out-of-a-plane-id-avoid-friday-13-and-halloween-1806801.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-if-i-was-going-to-jump-out-of-a-plane-id-avoid-friday-13-and-halloween-1806801.html <p>Our 16-year-old daughter Eleanor announced to us a couple of weeks ago that she intended to do a sky-dive in aid of a Hereford-based charity called Concern Universal. We blithely assumed that this was a vague ambition for sometime in the middle-distant future, but then she casually added that it was all fixed for 31 October. Now, if I was going to jump out of a plane then there are probably two dates I'd avoid: Friday 13, and Halloween. Yet she is resolute. In fact she'll probably ask if she can carry a broomstick, just to make the pictures better for her Facebook page. </p> Brian Viner Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-its-not-time-to-junk-the-breeches-and-bonnets-1806883.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-its-not-time-to-junk-the-breeches-and-bonnets-1806883.html <p>The death of the costume drama on the BBC has been declared before. By the BBC. In the Eighties the Corporation decided that the public no longer had an appetite for it, and barely made any, denying a generation adaptations of the classics. Then in the Nineties it made the excellent Colin Firth/ Jennifer Ehle version of <i>Pride and Prejudice</i> to critical and public acclaim, and the senior BBC executive Michael Jackson went on the <I>Today</I> programme to apologise for keeping costume dramas off the air.</p> David Lister Thu, 22 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-lsquoin-la-in-autumn-a-pumpkin-carving-kit-is-one-of-lifersquos-essentialsrsquo-1806155.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-lsquoin-la-in-autumn-a-pumpkin-carving-kit-is-one-of-lifersquos-essentialsrsquo-1806155.html Columnists Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-pear-tree-provides-summers-last-show-1806198.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-pear-tree-provides-summers-last-show-1806198.html <p>The leaves on the fruit trees are starting to droop, yellow and drop. While dawdling in the garden I spotted, picked and ate a solitary apple, a real beauty that everyone else had missed, high up, hidden by leaves until just then.</p> Alex James Wed, 21 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-walsh/john-walsh-i-was-defending-the-most-testosteronefuelled-bloke-in-20thcentury-literature-1805597.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-walsh/john-walsh-i-was-defending-the-most-testosteronefuelled-bloke-in-20thcentury-literature-1805597.html <p>Some works of literature are familiar to readers for only one detail, or line: Many know Shakespeare's The Winter's Tale, not for the climactic redemption scene, but for the stage direction, "Exit pursued by a bear." War veterans may know nothing of Milton's works, but they'll know his sonnet "On His Blindness" for its final line, "They also serve who only stand and wait." The Victorian "novel of sensation", East Lynne by Ellen Wood, is known only for the line, "Dead! Dead! And never called me mother!" which didn't appear in the original book, only in a stage adaptation. </p> John Walsh Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-its-time-to-admit-flying-is-a-luxury-1805649.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-its-time-to-admit-flying-is-a-luxury-1805649.html <p>Forgive me Gaia for I have sinned – or rather I'm about to. This weekend I'm flying to Washington with a son – an 18th-birthday present inspired by his passion for the West Wing – and at a stroke every climate-friendly choice I've made in the last few years has been blown. No point feeling smug about driving a Toyota Pious (as my children mockingly call it). No real point either in wondering whether the solar water panels on the roof are ever likely to justify their existence or patting myself on the back for a quasi-religious devotion to recycling. I have, of course, paid the surcharge for a carbon offset, but if I'm honest I don't want to look too closely at the mechanisms of that scheme for fear of discovering that its only effectiveness is in persuading people to overcome their doubts about taking a flight in the first place. And there's absolutely no good pretending that this trip is an unavoidable necessity because it isn't. It's for fun and – beneath shifting and variable levels of guilt – I'm looking forward to it. Even the flying bit. </p> Thomas Sutcliffe Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/tim-walker/the-couch-surfer-john-mayerrsquos-life-is-one-long-party-to-which-he-provides-the-soulful-midtempo-soundtrack-1805087.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/tim-walker/the-couch-surfer-john-mayerrsquos-life-is-one-long-party-to-which-he-provides-the-soulful-midtempo-soundtrack-1805087.html <p> As the Persuaders once said, it’s a thin line between love and hate. And that’s the line I have to tread every time I listen to a John Mayer record, watch a John Mayer YouTube clip, read a John Mayer interview, chuckle at a John Mayer tweet, or leaf past a paparazzo snap of John Mayer with some new, incredibly beautiful woman on his arm. The guy is basically my hero. But must he really thrust his totally awesome life in my face at any given opportunity? </p> Tim Walker Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:20 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-olympic-spirit-is-alive-andfrench-1805132.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-olympic-spirit-is-alive-andfrench-1805132.html ]]> <p>Sadly, I arrived in Lebanon just too late to attend the "2009 Jeux de la Francophonie"– the sporting highlight of the French-Speaking World, and this year taking place in Beirut. The posters and signs were still all over the Lebanese capital. I have to admit to being a little ignorant of this French-speaking Olympics and so, aware that you would be keen to know more as well, I've done some research – don't thank me, it's my pleasure. </p> Dom Joly Mon, 19 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-lebanon-is-the-only-place-where-a-hummer-makes-sense-1804771.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-lebanon-is-the-only-place-where-a-hummer-makes-sense-1804771.html <p>Last week I wrote about how I was looking forward to driving in Lebanon again. I even mentioned that there were a couple of places in the world that might be more dangerous to drive in. I was wrong, dear reader - so very, very wrong. I'd forgotten just how "out there" driving in Lebanon can be. It's in a league of its own. </p> Dom Joly Sun, 18 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-the-room-lit-up-when-the-hoff-walked-in-it-was-like-some-sort-of-visitation-and-verily-we-were-blessed-1803195.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-the-room-lit-up-when-the-hoff-walked-in-it-was-like-some-sort-of-visitation-and-verily-we-were-blessed-1803195.html <p>It's not every day you get to meet David Hasselhoff, but then it's not every day you get to eat at a restaurant run by The Independent Magazine's very own Mark Hix. </p> Dylan Jones Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-motty-still-puts-heart-into-art-of-commentary-1804252.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-motty-still-puts-heart-into-art-of-commentary-1804252.html ]]> <p> A few months ago I enjoyed a long and bibulous lunch with John Motson, who told me over the second bottle of white that there had been a divergence of opinion between him and Virgin Books, the publishers of his forthcoming memoirs. </p> Brian Viner Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/philip-normanrsquos-week-the-kindest-carers-cannot-ease-the-melancholy-1804384.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/philip-normanrsquos-week-the-kindest-carers-cannot-ease-the-melancholy-1804384.html <p>My 96-year-old mother is in a care home in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire. As you read this, I'll probably be on my weekly train journey from London to visit her, as usual torn between dread and guilt. Why don't I make time to see her more often? How can I be walking around and enjoying myself while she's stuck away there?</p> Columnists Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-hirsts-163250k-gift-1804386.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-hirsts-163250k-gift-1804386.html <p>There's no need for me to comment on the quality of Damien Hirst's new paintings at London's Wallace Collection. The art critics have delivered their verdict (see Performance Notes below) and it's a damning one. Anyway, I'm rather more interested in – and worried by – what went on behind the scenes to get this particular show on the road. What worries me is the £250,000 that Hirst gave from his own large pockets to the Wallace Collection.</p> David Lister Sat, 17 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-when-a-film-is-not-a-film-1803287.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-when-a-film-is-not-a-film-1803287.html ]]> <p>When the Cannes organisers invited Disney/ Pixar to present Up as the opening film of the 2009 festival they made history. It was, as was widely reported at the time, the first animated feature to open Cannes and the invitation was broadly treated as an acknowledgement – by the most Brahmin band of cineastes – that animated film really has acquired the status of "filme" , not just a children's entertainment. I'm sure the organisers didn't regret it. Up, as most reviewers agreed last week, is hugely enjoyable and a masterclass in a certain kind of storytelling – particularly in the wonderful opening section, which compresses an entire marriage into a few poignant minutes. But, as I peered through my 3D glasses at the adventures of Carl and Russell, I found myself thinking that what I was looking at wasn't really a film at all – but a kind of literature.</p> Thomas Sutcliffe Fri, 16 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-im-a-big-fan-of-haggis-even-dished-up-using--an-old-icecream-scoop-1802726.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-im-a-big-fan-of-haggis-even-dished-up-using--an-old-icecream-scoop-1802726.html <p>My son Joe shocked us all at breakfast the other morning by asking us what kilts, bagpipes, porridge, whisky, tartan and haggis have in common, and then announcing that none of them originated in Scotland. Apparently, kilts came from Ireland, bagpipes from central Asia, porridge from Scandinavia, whisky from China, tartan from England and haggis from ancient Greece – indeed Aristophanes wrote about an exploding haggis in The Clouds, 420 years BC. At least Joe didn't totally wreck our illusions by adding Irn Bru and Kirsty Wark to the list. That would have been too much to take.</p> Brian Viner Thu, 15 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-my-friends-are-mystified-as-to-why-id-give-up-my-airline-seat-to-a-celebrity-1802079.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephen-my-friends-are-mystified-as-to-why-id-give-up-my-airline-seat-to-a-celebrity-1802079.html <p>For ten minutes this week, I had more in common with La Toya Jackson than any other human being on the planet. </p> Columnists Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-an-october-of-sunny-kisses-and-cute-chicks-1802174.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-an-october-of-sunny-kisses-and-cute-chicks-1802174.html <p>So much, so many things happening under the golden sun, the best, most comforting sunshine of the year, the stuff of October. Best on the face in the late afternoon when it's dipping low in the sky. Every time it comes it's like a passionate farewell kiss – blazing, amazing between heavy showers and melodramas of wind and heavy grey. Out of the freshly washed sky it comes, brilliant and horizontal through the low windows and casting crisp shadows on inside walls.</p> Alex James Wed, 14 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-walsh/john-walsh-suddenly-it-happened-an-actual-british-chap-was-proposing-in-public-1801748.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/john-walsh/john-walsh-suddenly-it-happened-an-actual-british-chap-was-proposing-in-public-1801748.html <p>Last weekend, I went to a jolly party at the moneyed end of Dulwich, where the houses are all double-fronted, the rooms double-glazed, the gentlemen double-breasted and the children double-barrelled. There was champagne, a tagine buffet, much talk of schools, adultery, MasterChef and Obama's Nobel peace prize. It couldn't have been more haut-bourgeois if Coldplay had been there. Our host made a charming speech, his comely wife said some gracious thank-yous, their daughter's boyfriend called for silence – and then it happened. </p> John Walsh Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-no-fair-trials-in-the-court-of-public-opinion-1801809.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-no-fair-trials-in-the-court-of-public-opinion-1801809.html <p>I heard the phrase "the Court of Public Opinion" quite a few times yesterday morning – prompted by interviews and discussions anticipating the fact that MPs were all going to get a letter from Sir Thomas Legg and a lot of them weren't going to like it.</p> Thomas Sutcliffe Tue, 13 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-olympic-golf-thats-not-crazy-enough-1801395.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-olympic-golf-thats-not-crazy-enough-1801395.html ]]> <p>I cannot believe that after all my suggestions last week regarding topless beach samba and international paintball with Sir Ross Kemp being the obvious new events for the Rio Olympics of 2016, I have been completely ignored. </p> Dom Joly Mon, 12 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-my-idea-of-driving-is-handbrake-turns-in-the-desert-1800903.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dom-joly/dom-joly-my-idea-of-driving-is-handbrake-turns-in-the-desert-1800903.html <p>I'm off to Lebanon today. I'm going to be there for about a week and I've hired a car to get me around. I'm pretty excited about this, as I have to admit to finding driving in England very dull. It's only when you're in a car fighting your way through a city like Beirut that you can fully experience the visceral automotive thrills we have forgotten about in the UK. </p> Dom Joly Sun, 11 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-while-many-have-endured-plastic-surgery-in-order-to-look-like-elvis-no-one-has-ever-been-able-to-match-his-hair-1799795.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/dylan-jones/dylan-jones-while-many-have-endured-plastic-surgery-in-order-to-look-like-elvis-no-one-has-ever-been-able-to-match-his-hair-1799795.html <p>Teenage is all about hair. Although Elvis Presley's haircut is considered to be one of the most influential pop icons of the 20th century, it was actually copied from Tony Curtis. Presley wore Royal Crown hair products during high school to make his blondish locks appear darker, but it wasn't until he saw Curtis in the 1949 film City Across the River that the singer adopted the greased duck-tail. Dyed blue-black, covered in grease, with truck-driver sideburns trailing his cheeks, Elvis finally had his five inches of buttered yak wool.</p> Dylan Jones Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-admission-from-yorke-leaves-his-pa-in-a-flap-1800488.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-admission-from-yorke-leaves-his-pa-in-a-flap-1800488.html <p>Dwight Yorke's autobiography, its title Born to Score a cheeky double entendre, has received more attention than an ex-footballer's memoirs ordinarily might on account of the Tobagonian's prodigious sexual appetite, and in particular his association with the model Katie Price, better known as Jordan. </p> Brian Viner Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-i-seek-to-understand-david-hare-1800603.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/david-lister/david-lister-i-seek-to-understand-david-hare-1800603.html <p> There's something that disturbs me about the subtitle David Hare has given to his new play The Power of Yes. It is "A dramatist seeks to understand the financial crisis." </p> David Lister Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/philip-normanrsquos-week-at-the-end-of-the-day-you-just-have-to-grit-your-teeth-1800601.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/philip-normanrsquos-week-at-the-end-of-the-day-you-just-have-to-grit-your-teeth-1800601.html <p>A US college named Marist (founded by the hypochondriac wife of Niles Crane in Frasier, perhaps?) has come up with yet another list of the most annoying expressions in English. In first place is "whatever" – as employed by teenagers when adults are attempting to impart wisdom – followed by "you know", "it is what it is" and "at the end of the day".</p> Columnists Sat, 10 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-art-with-the-midas-touch-1799700.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/thomas-sutcliffe/tom-sutcliffe-art-with-the-midas-touch-1799700.html ]]> <p>Did you know?" boasts ENO in a bulletin about Turandot, "English National Opera bought all the gold silk of its type available in the UK... for use on the set". It's a slightly odd Come Dancing approach to the marketing of an opera, but it isn't hard to see what they're trying to suggest. Rupert Goold's production is going to glitter, they're saying. No expense has been spared, and the storerooms of the realm ransacked for every last bolt. </p> Thomas Sutcliffe Fri, 09 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-hereford-is-a-hotbed-of-sas-types-ndash-although-they-wouldnt-tell-us-that-1799174.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/brian-viner/brian-viner-hereford-is-a-hotbed-of-sas-types-ndash-although-they-wouldnt-tell-us-that-1799174.html <p>Of all the anecdotes to treasure in Tuesday's marvellous article by my colleague Simon Usborne about 100 years of Britain's intelligence services, my favourite was probably the one about MI6 moving offices, sometime during the Cold War. Before the move, the MI6 offices were shown to prospective new tenants, among whom was a party from the Russian Trade Delegation. When the security officer found out who was coming to view the property, he rushed round telling everyone to act sharpish and take the maps down from the walls. All of which is gloriously reminiscent of a sitcom little-remembered these days, but of which I was very fond 35 years ago, called The Top Secret Life of Edgar Briggs and starring the young David Jason as an inept spy.</p> Brian Viner Thu, 08 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephens-im-still-rather-suspicious-of-the-whole-upbeat-niceness-thing-in-la-1798602.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/jaci-stephens-im-still-rather-suspicious-of-the-whole-upbeat-niceness-thing-in-la-1798602.html <p>Give or take the odd earthquake or two (or, three, to be precise), and the sonic boom (with the unexpected arrival of the Endeavour space shuttle), my life here is quite undramatic. </p> Columnists Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100 http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-a-biodynamic-lesson-from-lincolnshire-1798638.html http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/columnists/alex-james/alex-james-a-biodynamic-lesson-from-lincolnshire-1798638.html <p>I wasn't desperate to go to Lincolnshire, I must admit. I'm not sure I've been back there since an appearance at a Radio 1 Roadshow in Skegness 20 years ago. Still, how often it is that things I am really looking forward to tend to end up being disappointing and others that I'm fairly nonplussed about end up inspiring me to take whole new paths in life. Maybe this is why the rich and successful are so bored half the time. They never get to do anything they don't want to do, the poor souls.</p> Alex James Wed, 07 Oct 2009 00:00:01 +0100