Mailbox Ask Bob
Bob Servant, window cleaning kingpin and beneficiary of Dundee’s Cheeseburger Wars, turns Agony Uncle for The List
Bob, Cutbacks, recession, riots in the streets. What’s the economic outlook in your opinion? Just how worried should we be? David R David, It’s a good question and you’ve come to the right place because if there’s one thing I know it’s the business world. The bad news David is there are undoubtedly bad times ahead, the good news is that I can give you an Early Warning System, much like with tsunamis. America is the key. I think it was Neil Kinnock who said that when America sneezes Britain shits herself and that’s been proven time and time again over the years. So keep an eye on America David and, the minute it sneezes, sell your house and run for the hills. Much like with tsunamis. Stay dry, Bob
Morning Bob, I’m having a troubling time with my husband. He’s started gardening but he’s only 26, is that too early? It’s adding a lot of tension to an already difficult relationship. Sarah Hi Sarah, Something certainly doesn’t add up. There’s no way a man of that age should be out doing the gardening. If I was you, and you really want to know what’s going on, then I think you should check his shed. If you’re lucky, he’ll have a darts board in there. If you’re not, it’ll be over a thousand jazz mags with famous people’s faces stuck on the bodies. The ball’s in your court and I can only wish you the best of luck. Bob
Send your questions to bob@bobservant.com twitter.com/bobservant
MARGIN ERROR Re: Coming Next Issue (674) ‘Next Issue – Thursday 6th December’ Did I step out of a
LETTER OF THE FORTNIGHT
DeLorean? Did the editor enjoy one too many festive drams? Did the proofreader heed police advice and stay at home? Was 2010 so good that we are resisting the urge to welcome 2011? Happy New Year. Grant, Edinburgh Editor’s note: Thanks for pointing this out Grant. Of course this wasn’t at all due to the Christmas spirit(s) at List HQ and was actually a deliberate error that marks the commencement of your journey of self-discovery similar to that of Michael Douglas in The Game, where he unknowingly participates in a live-action game that consumes his life. You will soon receive a phone call from a proof-reading agency and the next chapter shall begin.
THE LETTER OF THE ISSUE WILL RECEIVE ONE BOTTLE OF THE BLACK GROUSE WHISKY Smoky and Smooth – a marriage of fine peated Scotch malt whiskies and The Famous Grouse
NEXT ISSUE Wednesday 2 February
YOU’VE GOT 15 DAYS TO LIVE!
TRUE GRIT The Coen brothers’ True Grit will follow the book rather than the film, but we’re still wondering whether Jeff Bridges will measure up to John Wayne. We’ll be talking to The Dude about taking on The Duke. SEX There’s no point in being prudish about it, sex is a major part of city life. For our issue covering Valentine’s Day, we examine the physical side of love, from the professional viewpoint to the personal.
88 THE LIST 20 Jan–3 Feb 2011
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor
Robin Hodge Director Simon Dessain
EDITORIAL
Editor Jonny Ensall Deputy Editor Claire Sawers
Assistant Editor Henry Northmore, Allan Radcliffe
Research Manager
Laura Ennor Research Siân Bevan,
Siân Hickson, David Pollock, Fiona Shepherd, Kirstyn Smith Editorial Assistant
Niki Boyle Editorial Intern Barbara Adams
SALES & MARKETING
Media Sales Manager Juliet Tweedie
Media Sales Executive
Jude Moir
Media Project Sales Manager
Suzanne Robertson Business Development
Executive Adam Coulson Business Development
Manager Brendan Miles
Sponsorship & Promotions
Manager Sheri Friers
Promotions Executive
Amy Russell
Circulation Executive Murray Robertson
PRODUCTION Senior Designer
Lucy Munro
Production Manager Simon Armin
Production Assistant Miriam Sturdee
DIGITAL Web Editor Hamish Brown
Senior Developer Andy Carmichael Senior Designer Bruce Combe
Software Developer Iain McCusker
Online Editorial Assistant Alice White
ADMINISTRATION Accounts Manager Georgette Renwick
SECTION EDITORS Around Town Kirstin Innes
Books/Comedy Brian Donaldson Clubs/Play Henry Northmore
Dance/Kids Kelly Apter Food & Drink Donald Reid
Film Paul Dale LGBT Lauren Mayberry
Music/Shopping Claire Sawers Noticeboard Anna Millar
Theatre/Visual Art Allan Radcliffe