Mailbox Ask Bob
Bob Servant, window cleaning kingpin and beneficiary of Dundee’s Cheeseburger Wars, turns Agony Uncle for The List
Hello Bob, Having recently returned from a trip to South America, I wonder: do you think the Scottish person is made for your foreign, relaxed daytime drinking, or do we just make an arse of ourselves and spoil it for everybody else? All the best, Colin Hello Colin, Thanks for your letter – you’re spot on. Daytime boozing and everything that goes with it just doesn’t work for the common Scot. The main reason is that we work during the day. In Europe they work in cafés at night, and go for a special sleep during the day. I’m afraid that I can’t see anything changing Colin. I know that Kilroy went over to Brussels to stamp out this kind of thing but, from memory, he was murdered by the Portuguese fisheries minister. Your Servant, Bob Servant
Dear Bob, I enjoy your contributions, but why are we being limited to seeing only a cartoon representation of your good self? Why so coy Bob? Would it be possible to see a photo, even if it’s just between us two? Steve D, Leith Steve, Let me make something very clear indeed. I protect my identity because for nearly thirty years I have been plagued by a woman from Lochee who believes that I have stolen her walk. The idea that I would steal a walk from anyone is absurd. The idea that I would steal it from a woman in Lochee is the stuff of nightmares. It’s a no to the photo Steve. And, anyway, what do you think this is? Jim’ll Fix It? Get a real job. Bob
Send your questions to bob@bobservant.com twitter.com/bobservant
LETTER OF THE MONTH STORMY WEATHER Re: Simpsons star, and director, Harry Shearer on Hurricane Katrina documentary The Big Uneasy Excellent article on Harry and the movie. I had the privilege of seeing this film in New Orleans on the 5th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina with Harry Shearer present for a Q&A. The audience was totally enthralled.
As a California tourist who was stuck in the Superdome during the levee failures I strongly urge as many people as possible to see this documentary. It isn't just about New Orleans but rather about many potential engineering disasters throughout the US and elsewhere. Paul Harris
Author, Diary From the Dome, Reflections on Fear and Privilege During Katrina
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 30 March
YOU’VE GOT 15 DAYS TO LIVE!
INDEPENDENT SHOPPING GUIDE Support local! The List renews its commitment to the indie shops doing great things in Glasgow and Edinburgh with our comprehensive guide to the best places to buy your furniture, fashion, food etc. MICHEL FABER The author's Victorian-era story of prostitution and class struggle, The Crimson Petal and the White, is set for a glossy BBC TV adaptation. Faber grants a rare interview to The List.
128 THE LIST 3–31 Mar 2011
CONTRIBUTORS Publisher & General Editor
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