TV programme of the month: Isn't it fun watching would-be entrepreneurs being eaten alive in the Dragon's Den? They stand there all aquiver trying to pitch their go-nowhere products, and we sit there waiting for them to walk away with their egos deflated. And somehow it all feels slightly more worthy than your usual reality TV nonsense.
Single of the month: How many more great tunes does Damon Albarn have lurking in his brain? Dirty Harry is just one more original masterpiece whose fusion of rhythmic strings and choral rap so shouldn't work, but so does. I just wonder whether it's worth shelling out for the full Gorillaz album?
Gig of the month: The annual 'Best Of In The City Unsigned' event took place at the Islington Academy a few weeks ago. I went along to revel in the performance of one of my favourite not-yet-successful bands, Buffseeds, now reborn anew as the very wonderful IKO. Singer Kieran Scragg charmed the crowd with a set of haunting heartfelt melodies, exquisitely backed by keyboard, bass and strident cello. And he said hello afterwards too. Quite enchanting, and they could be giants.
Disturbing blog trend of the month: Either there are suddenly more blogs about how tomake moneyout ofblogging, or I'm just noticing them more. I have a nagging doubt it's the former. "Once you have chosen and qualified your niche, planned your chosen blog monetization strategy and invented a great blog name, next job is to find your blog a home!" But dig carefully and there are some really very interesting posts about what makes an interesting blogpost hidden amongst the blatant avarice.
Disturbing global warming trend of the month: The 2005 Atlantichurricane season ends today with the 26th named cyclone, Epsilon, blowing its way round the middle of nowhere. There have never been more than 19 named cyclones in one year before, so this record-breakingseason is really quite extraordinary. Still, I'm sure it's nothing to worry about, so long as you don't mind your grandchildren living underwater.
Disturbing chocolate trend of the month (5pm update): While I was buying my newspaper this morning I noticed a fresh box of new season Creme Eggs lying on the counter, its tasty fondant contents silently begging to be purchased. I've seen Creme Eggs on sale on Boxing Day before, and I've heard of them being available earlier in December, but to see them in November feels somewhat abhorrent. I mean, I've not finished all of my 2005 stash yet. Still, Easter is only 20 weeks away, so best not waste valuable eating time.
Gig of the month: The annual 'Best Of In The City Unsigned' event took place at the Islington Academy a few weeks ago. I went along to revel in the performance of one of my favourite not-yet-successful bands, Buffseeds, now reborn anew as the very wonderful IKO. Singer Kieran Scragg charmed the crowd with a set of haunting heartfelt melodies, exquisitely backed by keyboard, bass and strident cello. And he said hello afterwards too. Quite enchanting, and they could be giants.
Disturbing chocolate trend of the month (5pm update): While I was buying my newspaper this morning I noticed a fresh box of new season Creme Eggs lying on the counter, its tasty fondant contents silently begging to be purchased. I've seen Creme Eggs on sale on Boxing Day before, and I've heard of them being available earlier in December, but to see them in November feels somewhat abhorrent. I mean, I've not finished all of my 2005 stash yet. Still, Easter is only 20 weeks away, so best not waste valuable eating time.
