American Hustle – Hustle & Hype ?

Flicks / 19th January, 2014

So, is there any substance in a yarn about an FBI agent and two con-artists trying to pull off a bigger con on bigger fish who live on Capitol Hill?

Well yes.

The narrative is based very loosely on ‘a sting op’ that took place in the late 1970’s, but at the start …More»

In Search of the Black Swan

Furrow / 3rd January, 2014

The sun is out, fresh air beckons, what shall we do then? “Let’s go and find that Black Swan you keep talking about Dad” says my daughter, “OK, it’s always there… honest” I say with some hesitation.

With the edible remnants of Christmas past packed in the bag we find ourselves heading for the …More»

Henry V – Inspirational Leadership

Front Row / 2nd January, 2014

Hell this is an overworked term, ‘Leadership’, but having been fortunate enough to attend an inspirational delivery on this art form by Phyllida Hancock I was left in no doubt about the powers again of an instructor and torch bearer to illuminate pathways that are sometimes hidden or obscured.

The …More»

A Dark Mild December

Ferment / 27th December, 2013

As the last log took to the grate on Boxing Day, I fumbled in the sideboard for something to warm the soul.

Goodbye Gangster Granny, hello Elgoods Cherry Stout.

This strong little Dark Mild is like bottled Christmas, doubled up from its baby brother Black Dog, it really packs a ballsy dark chocolate driven …More»