The Scottish referendum. The SNP. And the politics of the unborn…
Only a politician could stoop this low. Using an as yet unborn foetus to campaign for a ‘Yes’ vote in the upcoming Scottish independence referendum? Tis just poor.
Whilst some of their (uncosted and potentially undeliverable) policies appeal, in an ever globalising world, it’s hard to imagine why 5 million people would want to decouple themselves from a historically successful union.
Still. Salmond and his cronies would no doubt disagree….
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the third sector. And would not be voting yes (if he still lived north of the border).
Mamma mia. Here I go again…
I was fortunate enough to spend time with a good friend last night who was over for just a few days from Singapore. She’d wangled some free tickets to see Mamma Mia, so after a pre-theatre nibble at Dishoom (which is a must visit if you haven’t been), we trot off to the Prince of Wales theatre.
One to avoid.
Now, I’ve seen Mamma Mia at the theatre before. And the film. There is very little plot to speak of, this we all know. Most people go because they are
a) fans of ABBA
b) tourists, or
c) both.
This production however, was hideous, for a variety of reasons…
- Most of the cast struggled vocally. Not only were their singing voices poor, they barely enunciated
- The dancers (term used in the loosest sense), were poor. High kicks barely made it past waist level for most of them
- Muffin tops were an odd wardrobe choice for many of the usually lithe cast; usually inexcusable for a dancer
- The fat / skinny sidekick combo mustered a few laughs, but the chemistry between them (and indeed the cast), was non-existent
- The set, like the costumes and majority of the cast, were tired
After arriving 5 minutes late, we had to wait to be seated. Thankfully only ten minutes. There was a screen in the bar, but the very loud bar staff had to be asked to turn it up. Twice. Even then, the sound quality was much the same as it was in the auditorium. Poor. And we were in row H of the stalls!
The house looked full. Which we both found astonishing. Had we not been late and brought to our seats, we’d probably have left after 15 minutes. However, we hung on till the interval. And then snuck off to find some gin.
One to avoid. Even if you are getting a free ticket…
Iain G. Morrison can now understand why at Waterloo, Napoleon did surrender…
I’ll have my Madonna with Duck Sauce…
I know it’s not Friday, but as I’m off work this week, every day has that Friday feeling (sorry). Most people know that Madonna’s older stuff is her best.
With a new album in the pipeline, I’m reminded of one of the few stand-out funny moments in her infamous documentary ‘In bed with Madonna’, where they joke about her still grabbing her crotch and writhing around on stage to ‘Like a Virgin’ when she’s 50.
Ponder…
Anyhoo, to my favourite mash-up of some time. The storming 90’s Madonna classic ‘Vogue’ meets Barbra Streisand?
I’d definitely order my next portion of Madonna with Duck Sauce on the side…
Iain G. Morrison is still recuperating. And looking forward to watching George Osbourne claim he has a genuine growth strategy in the 2011 budget…
Goodbye Britannia…
Rain? What rain...
After three years, including wonderful secondments in Singapore & Australia (not to mention some incredibly happy times in India), I’m hanging up my Union Flag today and moving on to pastures new. London’s most successful social enterprise no less.
A lovely Head of Marketing & Communications role with some exceptional challenges just around the corner. But more on that later…
Despite a massive budget cut from the ConDem coalition, there’ll be some barnstorming work coming out of the VisitBritain marketing team as the Royal Wedding, Olympics and Golden Jubilee looms.
Keep your eyes open for it. And here’s my own personal homage (well, t-shirt), to said Royal wedding…
Iain G. Morrison is hanging up his Britain Marketing Boots and looking forward to pastures new from April 1st…
Angry boys…
No, it’s not the next single from <insert former X-Factor winners name here>.
It’s the follow up to the genius mockumentary series Summer Heights High from the comedic genius, Chris Lilley. BBC 3 will be broadcasting the show this summer.
For those of you that can’t wait, here’s a little slice of Mr. G, the musical…
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the British Tourism Industry. And can’t wait to see Ja’mie King return to our screens…
Happy Christmahannukwanzadan…
The Baby Jesus (tm)
Yes dear readers.
It’s no longer enough to say happy holidays if one is being PC. Urban Dictionary’s word of the day is Christmahannukwanzadan, meshing all the festive holiday wishes into one (the idea being no offence be caused to anyone of any particular persuasion).
I’d rarely class myself a traditionalist. But today of all days, I’d just like to wish you all a happy Christmas. I hope the festive season brings you peace, happiness, goodwill and if you are a shopkeeper, a very full till.
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the British Tourism industry. And is enjoying a few days with family in Scotia…
Strike? What strike…
Let's kick some striker arse Bolly...
Let me make one thing clear. I’m not anti-strike. I am however a big believer in employers & employees working together to achieve resolution to any conflict. Swiftly.
And if they can’t (a la TFL and the infamous London Underground strike that has had a somewhat detrimental effect on the capital today), I fully endorse sending in Gene Hunt to sort the problem out.
If we could, I’d wager an agreement would be reached within 30 minutes, way before he reached for the leather gloves / toiler-head-flush manoeuvre.
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the British Tourism Industry. And is working from home thanks to our good striking friends…
She gonna be BIG…
I’m not sure if many of you have heard of Janelle Monae.
If you haven’t yet, you will soon. She’s finally starting to get some decent airplay on several commercial radio stations with her kick arse barnstorming breakthrough track, Tightrope…
At the tender age of 25, she’s been around the musical block for just a few short years. But can take great pride in knowing that she’s releasing the sort of records Beyoncé should be…
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the British Tourism Industry. And needs to get the tux dry cleaned…
Hello, can someone get me Don Draper on line one?
Beyoncé has never reached the musical heights of her second single as a solo artiste (Crazy in Love).
Whilst this song is just kind of ok, the video is far slicker with its massive overtones of one Betty Draper a la Mad Men. I can sooo see the current Mrs. Don Draper in the lead role in this vid, asking everyone’s favourite 60’s creative director why don’t you love me.
That said, if this is an attempt at landing a role as Mrs. Don Draper #2 in the next series, Beyoncé, you get my vote…
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the British Tourism Industry. And would consider auditioning for the role of Don Draper’s next love interest…
Never move for money…
Many moons ago as a lowly account executive (with the world of everything seemingly unimportant resting on my weary shoulders), the holy grail of promotion was a carrot often dangled in front of my eager nose.
Like most account execs, I knew my worth.
I also knew I was being chronically underpaid for the never-ending hours I put in. Undaunted, I set about my tasks with vigour. A combination of luck and killer instinct meant I was fortunate enough to land a multiple award-winning project for my first solo suiting effort.
After a few very public thanks from the great Dr. Harrison in front of the agency, one day, he took me aside for a wee chat. A bit of doctor / patient advice if you will.
The upshot of this love in, was ‘Many outside this building will promise you the earth. But, Iain. Never move for money’.
My initial foolhardy response was along the lines of, ‘easy for you to say on a six figure package with very healthy WPP stock options!’. Knowing that a stonking pay rise should come alongside promotion (given I was a central member of the team that helped filled his awards trophy with everything from DMA’s, Campaign Directs to much coveted Cannes Lions), the advice left me somewhat confused.
Until we skip forward a few years and I made the mistake (twice), of moving primarily for money. After a very short honeymoon period where the earth had been promised and I had been swayed by the far greater £££ on offer, the wise words of one Dr. Steve Harrison once more rang deafeningly in my ears as I found myself surrounded by others that did not live by the same high standards Dr. Harrison and his cohorts prided themselves on…
Which leads me to the somewhat tenuous link of a certain BBC presenter (Adrian Chiles), who is being swept off to ITV with the promise of a truck load of cash. Quite why this made the TV news headlines and several front pages is well beyond me. Perhaps everyone is a little bored of ash?
But Adrian. Whatever they’ve promised to lure you to their commercial clutches. However big the paycheck. Did you leave Auntie for the right reasons? Or did you only move for money…
Iain G. Morrison is a senior marketer in the British Tourism Industry. And would like to thank Dr. Steve Harrison (amongst others), for sound career advice…
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