Mailbox Ask Bob
Bob Servant, window cleaning kingpin and beneficiary of Dundee’s Cheeseburger Wars, turns Agony Uncle for The List
Bob, A delicate one. My mum is now in the local ‘Home for the Bewildered’. How long should I stump up the cash to keep her in there? Meanda Lings Bob, Why does Superman need a secret identity? Surely he can do more good if he’s Superman all the time. Why does he need Clark Kent? Gordon
Meanda, When my neighbour Frank’s mum went into the Goodbye and All the Very Best Nursing Home in Monifieth in the late-1970s it caused all sorts of problems. There was the question of finance, and what to do with the house, but the biggest problem was that she was only 32. She said it was the only place she got respect and I could see her point. Frank’s mum was no oil painting but in there she was like fucking Julie Andrews. I saw guys get out of wheelchairs when she walked past and one boy broke the Dundee district senior sprinting record chasing her down a corridor. I think that answers your question. Bob
Gordon, Most nights I sit in Stewpot’s Bar, Broughty Ferry, with Frank, Tommy Peanuts and Chappy Williams. In terms of telling belters, me sitting with those guys is like the Queen visiting a school for the deaf. But every so often I’ll be tired and one of them will somehow edge me out over the evening in the belter stakes. I sit there and I smile and I think, ‘Enjoy it lads, enjoy a little bit of limelight.’ Because, Gordon, even Superman needs a day off. Bob Send your questions to bob@bobservant.com twitter.com/bobservant
LETTER OF THE MONTH GOING NOWHERE FAST Re: Morrissey announces dates in Dunfermline, Dunoon, Hawick, Perth and Inverness This is hardly a departure for Morrissey. I went to every gig of The Smiths seven-date Scottish tour in September/October 1985, which touched upon Irvine, Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee, Aberdeen, Lerwick and Inverness. Many others did the same and I’m not sure I’ll have a more joyous 10 days again.
Whenever he announces a tour there’s always a chorus of ‘why don’t you play (insert venue on own doorstep)?’ It’s not exclusive to Morrissey either. I love that he’ll play places like Bridlington and Dunoon. Fans will always travel to these cultural outposts. Jocknroll, Dunfermline
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 27 April
THE LIST EATING AND DRINKING GUIDE 2011/12 The List's essential annual guide to around 900 restaurants, bars, cafes and bistros in Scotland is about to be served. The 18th edition is packed with all-new independent reviews, the latest openings, hitlist tips and interviews with chefs and restaurateurs. Don't miss getting hold of your copy – it really is your indispensible eating-out companion. Available free with the special issue of The List out Wed 27 Apr.
128 THE LIST 31 Mar–28 Apr 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,
Alex Johnston, David Pollock, Fiona Shepherd, Kirstyn Smith
Editorial Assistant
Niki Boyle Editorial Intern
Barbara Adams, Kate Russell
SALES & MARKETING
Media Sales Manager Juliet Tweedie
Media Sales Executive
Jude Moir
Media Project Sales Manager
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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
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