Tuesday, October 31, 2006, 11:59 PM
I thought I'd give a little detail about where I work now. Tucked away in a side street away from the main drag in Camden is Mandela Street, a virtually traffic-free new media mews with retro buildings and plenty of forward-looking businesses. Not a lot is made of the name, and indeed the first time I caught a black cab to come here, the cabbie's 'Knowledge' seemed to be missing Mandela Street.
He seemed concerned and frustrated that he had been caught out, and I could have sworn he was thinking about giving me discount for having had to consult the A-Z. "Haven't had to touch it in years" he said in disgust, as if it was an obscene gentleman's pleasure pamphlet.
Apparently, in the eighties, when a lot of local councils wanted to rename streets and buildings in honour of the man who had become a thorn in the side of apartheid, they received nothing but protest. "We'll have none of that", was the stock response, arms folded. The most famous exception to this was the high-rise building Nelson Mandela House, headquarters of Trotters Independent Traders in that classic sitcom. But that wasn't real, and I am not entirely sure that it was a flattering association for our man Nelson.
And the other exception is here - my new place of work:
Appropriately enough, the headquarters for the opposition to apartheid was based here back in the bad old days. Now, times have changed, and you see the milkman ensuring that the likes of Frank PR have got something to stir into your Earl Grey. The converted industrial buildings on the right have their own private bar, and maintain the roomy, productive vibe of a proper factory. There is truly a buzz about this place, although I am not sure what legacy remains of the street's namesake...
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Tuesday, October 31, 2006, 12:38 AM
Let's start this one with a question. What is the main religion in each of these four countries?a) Britain
b) India
c) Pakistan
d) Japan
Apart from answering part a) with 'celebrity', I am fairly sure which one you hesitated on. Japan is not renowned for its religious outlook on life, yet a quick farewell drink with one of my former Japanese colleagues produced some thought-provoking insights about the country. For a start, it is Buddhism that is the biggest religion in a society that we more commonly associate with karaoke, frenetic city centres and TV gameshows where contestants dressed in nothing but oversized nappies and a helmet use enormous cotton buds to tip each other into huge vats of blue custard. Indeed. Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, I wanted to say that these very same people go home and commune with one of the most serene philosophies on earth. It just doesn't quite seem to fit right, but the best thing is that they don't seem to wear their religion on their sleeve. That's where trouble starts.
Also, if you are reading this at work, check how close to the window your desk is located. In traditional Japanese corporate culture, the closer you sit to the window, the more it is suggested that your status is marginalised and peripheral. The movers and shakers sit in the centre of the room. You may wish to request a small change during the next office move...
Finally, conversation moved to food. After all, on the island of Okinawa, Japan boasts the population with the greatest lonegvity on the planet. If an Okinawan dies at 83, he is considered unlucky. That diet of fish and seaweed would appear to be the key, however I am assured that it is a lack of stress that is most important. I decided to conclude by asking what the most unhealthy food you can buy in Japan is. I was taken aback when the two Japanese answered "McDonalds" in perfect unison.
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Monday, October 30, 2006, 10:27 PM
I started my new job today, beginning the day with an early rise, and a ride on the rather earthy Silverlink train over the rooftops of North London. Using the word 'earthy', I think I'm sidestepping the fact that it smells of piss. Anyway, as you approach Kentish Town, you can see the haze-laden fingertips of the city skyscrapers in the distance, poised as if to pluck money from the clouds. It's almost enchanting enough to distract you from your sense of smell.My new company, Profero, were rather bemused by the fact that the local power supply had failed over the weekend, making the beginning of the day a little more low-tech than usual. Lots of handshakes, swivelling in chairs and torches in the loo. But I ended the day as I had hoped - confident of the fact that I am working in a place where I will fit in.
Oh, and one of the employees is a rather terse looking gecko called Kalhua. Yes. I am not kidding. He sits in the corner of his glass box and mulls over the brand strategy.
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Sunday, October 29, 2006, 03:26 PM
The following letter has been hand-plucked from the pages of this month's Viz magazine:"To the woman putting on make-up whilst driving her green Fiat Punto badly in the outside lane of the M11 on Monday 1st August: If you want to use the motorway as a make up studio, I recommend the M6 rather than the M11 - it's much longer, so you should have time to get all your slap on."
Despite what they say, this magazine still manages to be quite amusing.
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Sunday, October 29, 2006, 12:23 AM
What has a badly-lit late-night street like this got to do with looking after the planet? Plenty, actually, if you think about it.
You walk up this street at night, past those yellow signs that ask for witnesses to a robbery at knifepoint, and keep your wits about you until you are inside your front door. It's pretty clear that a lot of people do their best to avoid being a pedestrian in a place that feels a little dodgy. Only last night, I saw a young man being taunted by a gang of youths in hoodies on this very stretch. So what do you do? You get yourself a car, lock the doors and breathe easy.
Once you decide to use a car or taxi, that's one less person on that deserted street. And one more vehicle ruining the atmosphere. And so it goes on. I hope I'm making it clear.
The reason that people don't let their daughters walk across deserted car parks as a short cut home from school is fear and vulnerability. That's why Chelsea tractors have caught on so well. Your little treasure is now a bit safer, and the street a little less so.
Anyone who has yet to pull on a sweater this year (pinch yourself, it's practically November) will know that we're in a serious amount of trouble. Anyone who thinks that changing their behaviour won't make any overall difference is wrong. The only thing that doesn't make any difference is doing nothing.
Start by watching this film. And do not drive to the cinema.
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