Waiting for Hugh

It looks as if the new cinema in Islington High Street is about to open... I know I should deplore the idea of a giant corporate Warner Village multiplex suddenly appearing right next to the lovely old Screen on the Green, but I secretly rather like the idea of having ten screens to choose from rather than one. I definitely like the idea of not having to go down to the West End and fight through the crowds of tourists and pickpockets.

Ten screens! Some of them must be minuscule; it's not that big a building. Barriers have been put up, security staff are in position, and there's a crowd of people all waiting for somebody famous. I've no idea who, though some people were talking about Hugh Grant as I walked past. I don't understand the appeal of standing around in hope of seeing a minor celebrity, but I also suddenly realise that I don't even know how you would find out about these events. I live not five minutes' walk from this cinema, and as far as I knew it was going to open on Friday --- so was the crowd just made from random passers-by, was news spread by word of mouth (but who would turn up on a rumour just to stand outside?), or is there's some kind of stalker's gazette that you can subscribe to? Or is the whole thing completely manufactured?

Ever feel as if you're completely out of touch?

A new album!

It's not often you get a new Laurie Anderson album, so a brief yippee! for "Laurie Anderson Live At Town Hall, New York City, September 19-20, 2001"

The time and place are significant, especially since one of the tracks is "O Superman", which dates back to 1980 but suddenly means something entirely different. ("Hello? Are you there? Are you coming home? [...] Here come the planes.They're American planes. Made in America.")

Eeek.