November 24, 2010
NY-LON Q and A with Stephanie Baptist Stephanie is a New Yorker living and studying in London When in NYC, Stephanie worked as a photography agent for the last 7 years, primarily with commercial photographers and helped to get them advertising and editorial campaigns. She moved to London to be in one of the most cultural diverse cities in the world to pursue a MA Degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths University, in New Cross, South London. 1. How long have you been living in London? For just over two months (Since September 15) 2. Where do you live? I live in Dalston/Stoke Newington. Which seems to strike up interesting conversation. I’ve been told that historically Dalston wasn’t such a desirable area. Now, due to gentrification, there are a lot of bars, clubs and restaurants. So the area is now being labeled cool and trendy, but local Londoners who still remember how the neighborhood used to be, are more inclined to say that they wouldn’t live in this location. 3. What brought you to London? I am pursuing my MA Degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths University. 4. Why did you decide to study in London, do you think the education system is better or you wanted a change of scenery? The majority of the work I am pursuing has an international/global perspective and I figured it would be best for me to move to one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Furthermore, to pursue my degree in the states would of taken 2 years full time and I was attracted to the accelerated pace of the program. An added bonus is that I can basically travel cheaper and faster to other countries. 5. What do you miss about NY? NYC is home. I was born in NJ, but have spent my entire adulthood in NYC. I miss the familiarity and energy. I used to live in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene which is a very special place. It is the little things like sitting on a stoop with a cup of coffee. Strolling through the Brooklyn flea or riding my bike to Williamsburg and of course my family and friends. 6. What do you love about London? Sunny mornings. Broadway market/London fields. Tea with biscuits. Indian food.7. If there is a dose of New York you would like to inject into London, what would it be? 24 hour transportation (via the tube). 8. What are the main cultural differences between Londoners and New Yorkers, that you have noticed? In very loose terms it is cosmopolitan (London) vs metropolitan (New York). And both operate accordingly. I find that London’s international makeup lends itself to more diverse programming/events which permeates throughout the city. And while Londoners can be called more reserved, passive or even introverted I find that there is more of a genuine interest in making lasting connections with people, especially in terms of culture and collaborations. Most of the people I have met all have very interesting jobs/personal projects but this isn’t the first or second thing that you find out about a person. The exchange of information is different. Connections that are made here appear to be a lot more organic. New Yorkers can be found to be more aggressive, outgoing and ambitious which can manifest itself into an environment of competition and exclusivity. Depending upon your circle of friends this may or may not be of importance to you, but connections/networking is relied upon heavily in NYC which plays a major part in accessibility. 9. What things do you do, say or have adopted now that you live in London? ‘All sorted.’ ‘Sort it out.’ 10. What inspires you? People. Traveling. Photography. 11. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a Londoner when…’ You’re running to catch a night bus at 4am. 12. Survival tip to living in London? Smile and engage everyone.

NY-LON Q and A with Stephanie Baptist
Stephanie is a New Yorker living and studying in London

When in NYC, Stephanie worked as a photography agent for the last 7 years, primarily with commercial photographers and helped to get them advertising and editorial campaigns. She moved to London to be in one of the most cultural diverse cities in the world to pursue a MA Degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths University, in New Cross, South London.


1. How long have you been living in London?

For just over two months (Since September 15)


2. Where do you live?

I live in Dalston/Stoke Newington. Which seems to strike up interesting conversation. I’ve been told that historically Dalston wasn’t such a desirable area. Now, due to gentrification, there are a lot of bars, clubs and restaurants. So the area is now being labeled cool and trendy, but local Londoners who still remember how the neighborhood used to be, are more inclined to say that they wouldn’t live in this location.


3. What brought you to London?

I am pursuing my MA Degree in Arts Administration and Cultural Policy at Goldsmiths University.


4. Why did you decide to study in London, do you think the education system is better or you wanted a change of scenery?

The majority of the work I am pursuing has an international/global perspective and I figured it would be best for me to move to one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world. Furthermore, to pursue my degree in the states would of taken 2 years full time and I was attracted to the accelerated pace of the program. An added bonus is that I can basically travel cheaper and faster to other countries.


5. What do you miss about NY?

NYC is home. I was born in NJ, but have spent my entire adulthood in NYC. I miss the familiarity and energy. I used to live in Clinton Hill/Fort Greene which is a very special place. It is the little things like sitting on a stoop with a cup of coffee. Strolling through the Brooklyn flea or riding my bike to Williamsburg and of course my family and friends.


6. What do you love about London?

Sunny mornings. Broadway market/London fields. Tea with biscuits. Indian food.


7. If there is a dose of New York you would like to inject into London, what would it be?

24 hour transportation (via the tube).


8. What are the main cultural differences between Londoners and New Yorkers, that you have noticed?

In very loose terms it is cosmopolitan (London) vs metropolitan (New York). And both operate accordingly. I find that London’s international makeup lends itself to more diverse programming/events which permeates throughout the city. And while Londoners can be called more reserved, passive or even introverted I find that there is more of a genuine interest in making lasting connections with people, especially in terms of culture and collaborations. Most of the people I have met all have very interesting jobs/personal projects but this isn’t the first or second thing that you find out about a person. The exchange of information is different. Connections that are made here appear to be a lot more organic.

New Yorkers can be found to be more aggressive, outgoing and ambitious which can manifest itself into an environment of competition and exclusivity. Depending upon your circle of friends this may or may not be of importance to you, but connections/networking is relied upon heavily in NYC which plays a major part in accessibility.


9. What things do you do, say or have adopted now that you live in London?

‘All sorted.’ ‘Sort it out.’


10. What inspires you?

People. Traveling. Photography.

11. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a Londoner when…’

You’re running to catch a night bus at 4am.


12. Survival tip to living in London?

Smile and engage everyone.

12:22pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z1kRVy1ZbBBW
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: NY-LON Q and A Stephanie Baptist London Studying Abroad NYC 
November 19, 2010
NY-LON Q and A with Hamila Adams a New Yorker living and studying in London. Hamila is currently studying a Masters in Forced Migration and Refugee Studies at the University of East London, and lives in my old stomping ground Brixton. She is a certified anglophile, a tea drinker and has adopted English Grammar and spelling such as, writing Programmes vs Programs and Internalises v Internalize. 1. How long have you been living in London? Approximately two months; I arrived 30 September. 2. Where do you live? Camberwell/North Brixton/Oval. The realtor referred to the neighborhood as Oval, my lease indicates Brixton, my post code, Camberwell, and locals say North Brixton? Aside from the neighborhood identity crisis, its stellar. I’m enjoying the residential tranquility, Gregorian houses and essentially being sandwiched between three parks. 3. What brought you to London? School and a fresh scene. Every 2-3 years I become antsy. I box up my things and head overseas to explore, learn, teach or work. I was yearning for a professional shift, wanted to return to school and move overseas. And since I didn’t have extensive Euro experience or travels, I deemed it intriguing to live and study here. London offered a nice mash up of my academia, culture and personal research interests. 4. Why did you decide to study in London, do you think the education system is better or did you just want a change of scenery? While researching universities, I noticed that many UK institutions offered rigorous, one-year postgraduate programs with self-guided research opportunities. Several experts, whose work I followed and revere, were based in or taught in the UK. After an informal chat with the program director last fall, I was encouraged to apply to the University of East London’s Forced Migration and Refugee Studies Program and was offered a slot in space. London is home to a diverse forced migration population and offers education, social services, research and visual arts-related institutions which work to support and advocate for the migrant community. Becoming a part of and learning from the community is an integral part in my learning process and virtually non-existent in the States. Additionally, UK—and Europe in general—has a peculiar disposition and relationship via its history regarding migrants and refugees which guides its policies and attitudes towards migration. For better or worse, it differs greatly from U.S. policies and attitudes; this context provides another layer when examining forced migration from an academic and practice-based perspective. From my limited understanding, the British education system is not better per se, its just different. The U.S. graduate school application and admissions process is a costly and time-consuming affair; tuition at some prestigious programs is the equivalent of an average yearly household income. Understanding that higher education is an investment, I find these fees egregious and unjust. 5. What do you miss about NY? - my community, my NYC family and friends and those spread throughout the States. Dearly. More than when living overseas in the past. - 24-hour fresh produce at “You Don’t Know Nothing” in the Upper East Side - 6:30 a.m. Central Park runs - MTA subway and the omnipresent yellow cabs and car services. Always open. Always available. - experiencing people verbally appreciate the beauty others and things - BROOKLYN - the concrete jungle heat and Sun…how the heat rises and essentially mocks your existence - listening to blaring bachata and reggaeton jamz wafting from cars and Uptown apartment windows - Spaworld (the DC area spot is lovely) - And although I appreciate and respect the British formality (manners), I often miss that hard-wrought New York honesty and directness. Sometimes. 6. What do you love about London? In the same nostalgic breath, I admire how British culture internalises “proper”. I attribute this to the old-world factor which seemingly permeates everyday nuances and is essentially intrinsic in the culture and sentiment. Formalities reign here. I respect how its exhibited in the verbal, written and psychical aesthetic. Its clean. Maybe I am tickled since New Yorkers—and Americans in general—often abhor excessive formalities or relegate it to fashion, politics, service or when cultivating a sense of irony or paradox? In New York, I observed this particularly in fashion and music, but its simply worn on the sleeve or around the neck, its not skin deep how I fancy formality among the British. Tea culture. Thanks to colonialism, the English are avid tea drinkers. Music. I am always pleased to hear acid jazz, dubstep, folk, Motown and some random indie experimental shit within a single playlist when hanging out. Music and artists seem less relegated to a particular scene or formula—various genres are played and they are appreciated and supported by the public. And British humor. Its so awkward, uncomfortable and often not really humorous. My humor is often deemed inappropriate or crass in States—I haven’t encountered that here just yet. 7. If there is a dose of New York you would like to inject into London, what would it be? 24 - hour subway. Night buses are fine and often entertaining but not as environmentally conscious and convenient as the train. Extended evening or early morning commutes are literally sobering. 8. What are the main cultural differences between Londoners and New Yorkers? Generally speaking, I’ve found that most metropolises wear a city swag regardless of locale, and London is no different. Thus far, I’ve noticed again, the English please-and-thank-yous. I have coined London, “the City of Secrets.” Although its seemingly designed so that all directions, instructions and transportation requires minimal thought—extremely informative, other aspects are treated as secrets. Securing logistics and conducting business requires you to solicit information and ask questions. Information is not given freely, you have to ask. Customer service and information in New York is a bit more straightforward than in London. 9. What things do you do, say or have adopted now that you live in London? “Go for a curry” “Proper (insert adjective here)” “Getting involved” (I don’t use this, but I find it extremely funny..) “Flat” (Apartment) “Where can I pick-up the…” as opposed to “where is the (insert Tube station name)?” 10. What inspires you? The everyday normalcy’s and absurdities of living really, how there always colliding and colluding to incite something fragile and beautiful. Characters in my favorite books, music and essentially observing the youth—all the creativity, energy and anger they carry and how that will translate is inspiring. Lately, Ive been humming Fiona Apple’s “Extraordinary Machine.” Seemingly applicable for now. 11. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a Londoner when…’ you’re sorted.” 11. Survival tip to living in London? I am only two months deep and seemingly still in the cultural honeymoon phase? But thus far its nice to: No doubt, JAMZ. Maintain a wicked sense of humor and exercise patience. Ask questions. Have long underwear and a carry a tea thermos—or flask—to promote healthy joints and heart or course. Have outerwear that you don’t mind sporting-indoors and out. Appreciate the process and accompanying growing pains. Remembering that everyone’s just trying to get it right too. Cheers Halima

NY-LON Q and A with Hamila Adams a New Yorker living and studying in London. Hamila is currently studying a Masters in Forced Migration and Refugee Studies at the University of East London, and lives in my old stomping ground Brixton. She is a certified anglophile, a tea drinker and has adopted English Grammar and spelling such as, writing Programmes vs Programs and Internalises v Internalize.


1. How long have you been living in London?

Approximately two months; I arrived 30 September.


2. Where do you live?

Camberwell/North Brixton/Oval. The realtor referred to the neighborhood as Oval, my lease indicates Brixton, my post code, Camberwell, and locals say North Brixton? Aside from the neighborhood identity crisis, its stellar. I’m enjoying the residential tranquility, Gregorian houses and essentially being sandwiched between three parks.


3. What brought you to London?

School and a fresh scene. Every 2-3 years I become antsy. I box up my things and head overseas to explore, learn, teach or work. I was yearning for a professional shift, wanted to return to school and move overseas. And since I didn’t have extensive Euro experience or travels, I deemed it intriguing to live and study here. London offered a nice mash up of my academia, culture and personal research interests.


4. Why did you decide to study in London, do you think the education system is better or did you just want a change of scenery?

While researching universities, I noticed that many UK institutions offered rigorous, one-year postgraduate programs with self-guided research opportunities. Several experts, whose work I followed and revere, were based in or taught in the UK. After an informal chat with the program director last fall, I was encouraged to apply to the University of East London’s Forced Migration and Refugee Studies Program and was offered a slot in space.

London is home to a diverse forced migration population and offers education, social services, research and visual arts-related institutions which work to support and advocate for the migrant community. Becoming a part of and learning from the community is an integral part in my learning process and virtually non-existent in the States. Additionally, UK—and Europe in general—has a peculiar disposition and relationship via its history regarding migrants and refugees which guides its policies and attitudes towards migration. For better or worse, it differs greatly from U.S. policies and attitudes; this context provides another layer when examining forced migration from an academic and practice-based perspective.

From my limited understanding, the British education system is not better per se, its just different. The U.S. graduate school application and admissions process is a costly and time-consuming affair; tuition at some prestigious programs is the equivalent of an average yearly household income. Understanding that higher education is an investment, I find these fees egregious and unjust.


5. What do you miss about NY?

- my community, my NYC family and friends and those spread throughout the States. Dearly. More than when living overseas in the past.
- 24-hour fresh produce at “You Don’t Know Nothing” in the Upper East Side
- 6:30 a.m. Central Park runs
- MTA subway and the omnipresent yellow cabs and car services. Always open. Always available.
- experiencing people verbally appreciate the beauty others and things
- BROOKLYN
- the concrete jungle heat and Sun…how the heat rises and essentially mocks your existence
- listening to blaring bachata and reggaeton jamz wafting from cars and Uptown apartment windows
- Spaworld (the DC area spot is lovely)
- And although I appreciate and respect the British formality (manners), I often miss that hard-wrought New York honesty and directness. Sometimes.


6. What do you love about London?

In the same nostalgic breath, I admire how British culture internalises “proper”. I attribute this to the old-world factor which seemingly permeates everyday nuances and is essentially intrinsic in the culture and sentiment. Formalities reign here. I respect how its exhibited in the verbal, written and psychical aesthetic. Its clean. Maybe I am tickled since New Yorkers—and Americans in general—often abhor excessive formalities or relegate it to fashion, politics, service or when cultivating a sense of irony or paradox? In New York, I observed this particularly in fashion and music, but its simply worn on the sleeve or around the neck, its not skin deep how I fancy formality among the British.

Tea culture. Thanks to colonialism, the English are avid tea drinkers.

Music. I am always pleased to hear acid jazz, dubstep, folk, Motown and some random indie experimental shit within a single playlist when hanging out. Music and artists seem less relegated to a particular scene or formula—various genres are played and they are appreciated and supported by the public.

And British humor. Its so awkward, uncomfortable and often not really humorous. My humor is often deemed inappropriate or crass in States—I haven’t encountered that here just yet.


7. If there is a dose of New York you would like to inject into London, what would it be?

24 - hour subway. Night buses are fine and often entertaining but not as environmentally conscious and convenient as the train. Extended evening or early morning commutes are literally sobering.


8. What are the main cultural differences between Londoners and New Yorkers?

Generally speaking, I’ve found that most metropolises wear a city swag regardless of locale, and London is no different. Thus far, I’ve noticed again, the English please-and-thank-yous.

I have coined London, “the City of Secrets.” Although its seemingly designed so that all directions, instructions and transportation requires minimal thought—extremely informative, other aspects are treated as secrets. Securing logistics and conducting business requires you to solicit information and ask questions. Information is not given freely, you have to ask. Customer service and information in New York is a bit more straightforward than in London.


9. What things do you do, say or have adopted now that you live in London?

“Go for a curry”

“Proper (insert adjective here)”

“Getting involved” (I don’t use this, but I find it extremely funny..)

“Flat” (Apartment)

“Where can I pick-up the…” as opposed to “where is the (insert Tube station name)?”


10. What inspires you?

The everyday normalcy’s and absurdities of living really, how there always colliding and colluding to incite something fragile and beautiful. Characters in my favorite books, music and essentially observing the youth—all the creativity, energy and anger they carry and how that will translate is inspiring.

Lately, Ive been humming Fiona Apple’s “Extraordinary Machine.” Seemingly applicable for now.


11. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a Londoner when…’

you’re sorted.”


11. Survival tip to living in London?

I am only two months deep and seemingly still in the cultural honeymoon phase? But thus far its nice to:

No doubt, JAMZ.

Maintain a wicked sense of humor and exercise patience. Ask questions. Have long underwear and a carry a tea thermos—or flask—to promote healthy joints and heart or course. Have outerwear that you don’t mind sporting-indoors and out.

Appreciate the process and accompanying growing pains. Remembering that everyone’s just trying to get it right too.

Cheers Halima

10:10am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z1kRVy1WWGBX
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: NYLON QandA Halima adams London stuyding abroad culture 
November 13, 2010

London Futures Climate Change

Pictures from a new exhibition shows London landmarks in an environment transformed by climate change. From rice fields in Parliament Square to ice-skating on the Thames. Views of the capital have been digitally transformed by illustrators Robert Graves and Didier Madoc-Jones. The exhibition runs from October until March 2011 at the Museum of London

11:38am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z1kRVy1T9X9g
(Notes: 4)
  
Filed under: museum of London London climate change 
November 8, 2010
NY - LONdoner Q and A with Vanessa Warren, a fellow South Londoner and music lover. Vanessa is a superwoman, shes a mother, she runs an online music blog Muphoric Sounds full-time, builds and designs websites through her company Tallowah Media and still has time to have cocktails in the evening. She also likes to share some great and hilarious words of wisdom, passed down from her mother. Cheers Ness! 1. How long have you been in NYC? January, it will be 15 years! 2. Where do you live? Currently, Crown Heights, Brooklyn. 3. What keeps you busy in NYC? First, I’m the mother to an amazing 11-year-old boy, who my family call the loud American. He has that New York state of mind already. I’m a freelance online marketing consultant and web designer for my company, Tallowah Media. My clientele tend to be artists, authors, and small businesses looking to build an online presence to expand their business. I am also a writer, the creator and editorial director of the underground music site, Muphoric Sounds, which has been running for the past year and a half. It has grown from simply being a review site to an online publication, featuring live footage from shows, Q&A’s and video interviews with artists, and promoting certain events. Its goal is to support indie artists by bringing their work to people who are tired of commercial radio and want to learn about artists who are pushing the envelop creatively. If Muphoric Sounds endorses something, it should not be ignored nor forgotten. 4. What brought you to NYC? Simply stated, love. 5. What do you miss about London? Mostly my family, friends, and UK chocolate. UK chocolate is milky, smooth, and delicious while US chocolate is just too sugary. 6. What do you love about New York? The pace and energy—the anything is attainable attitude that comes with New York City’s arrogance. There’s nothing quite like it! 7. If there is a dose of Britishness you would like to inject into NYC, what would it be? MANNERS! The embedded arrogance, in some way makes people forget basic etiquette. Eating like a beast, not saying please or thank you, seem to be forgotten here. An order or request would start with a “Let me a get a burger.” As you look at the person, waiting for that “Please,” will get you an agitated, “Now!” from New Yorkers. 8.If you were still living in London, do you think you would be doing the same things you are doing in NYC? I think I would have stayed on one track, pursuing a full on career as a writer. Living in New York, with its competitive edge, forced me into other territories such as online marketing and web design. 9. What inspires you? Music essentially is something that drives me. It’s like breathing—it is always there with me. Performance art from dance to live bands, to visual arts always inspire me to write. I am also like talking to youth to explore ways to empower and motivate them through what I do. Provide them with that, “something else.” But the most inspiring thing is life itself, through my own experiences and those around me. 10. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a New Yorker when…’ The coffee cart man near your job knows your order, and misses you when they don’t see you everyday. 11. Survival tip to living in New York. K.I.M. Keep it moving and keep up! You’ll get run over otherwise. Keep up with Vanessa online with her Music Blog Muphoric Sounds and her latest web design projects at Tallowah Media

NY - LONdoner Q and A with Vanessa Warren, a fellow South Londoner and music lover. Vanessa is a superwoman, shes a mother, she runs an online music blog Muphoric Sounds full-time, builds and designs websites through her company Tallowah Media and still has time to have cocktails in the evening. She also likes to share some great and hilarious words of wisdom, passed down from her mother. Cheers Ness!


1. How long have you been in NYC?

January, it will be 15 years!


2. Where do you live?

Currently, Crown Heights, Brooklyn.


3. What keeps you busy in NYC?

First, I’m the mother to an amazing 11-year-old boy, who my family call the loud American. He has that New York state of mind already. I’m a freelance online marketing consultant and web designer for my company, Tallowah Media. My clientele tend to be artists, authors, and small businesses looking to build an online presence to expand their business. I am also a writer, the creator and editorial director of the underground music site, Muphoric Sounds, which has been running for the past year and a half. It has grown from simply being a review site to an online publication, featuring live footage from shows, Q&A’s and video interviews with artists, and promoting certain events. Its goal is to support indie artists by bringing their work to people who are tired of commercial radio and want to learn about artists who are pushing the envelop creatively. If Muphoric Sounds endorses something, it should not be ignored nor forgotten.


4. What brought you to NYC?

Simply stated, love.


5. What do you miss about London?

Mostly my family, friends, and UK chocolate. UK chocolate is milky, smooth, and delicious while US chocolate is just too sugary.


6. What do you love about New York?

The pace and energy—the anything is attainable attitude that comes with New York City’s arrogance. There’s nothing quite like it!


7. If there is a dose of Britishness you would like to inject into NYC, what would it be?

MANNERS! The embedded arrogance, in some way makes people forget basic etiquette. Eating like a beast, not saying please or thank you, seem to be forgotten here. An order or request would start with a “Let me a get a burger.” As you look at the person, waiting for that “Please,” will get you an agitated, “Now!” from New Yorkers.


8.If you were still living in London, do you think you would be doing the same things you are doing in NYC?

I think I would have stayed on one track, pursuing a full on career as a writer. Living in New York, with its competitive edge, forced me into other territories such as online marketing and web design.


9. What inspires you?

Music essentially is something that drives me. It’s like breathing—it is always there with me. Performance art from dance to live bands, to visual arts always inspire me to write. I am also like talking to youth to explore ways to empower and motivate them through what I do. Provide them with that, “something else.” But the most inspiring thing is life itself, through my own experiences and those around me.


10. Complete this sentence, ‘You know you’re a New Yorker when…’

The coffee cart man near your job knows your order, and misses you when they don’t see you everyday.


11. Survival tip to living in New York.

K.I.M. Keep it moving and keep up! You’ll get run over otherwise.


Keep up with Vanessa online with her Music Blog Muphoric Sounds
and her latest web design projects at Tallowah Media

10:27am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z1kRVy1QOYTK
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: Vanessa Warren NY-LON Q and A London Culture NYC Muphoric Sounds Tallowah media 
October 13, 2010
Only in London!

A most extraordinary trial is going on in the High Court at the moment in which a man named Chrysler is accused of stealing more than 40,000 coat hangers from hotels round the world. He admits his guilt, but in his defense he claims that – well, perhaps it would be simpler just to bring you a brief extract from the trial. We join the case at the point where Chrysler has just taken the stand.

Counsel: What is your name?

Chrysler: Chrysler. Arnold Chrysler.

Counsel: Is that your own name?

Chrysler: Whose name do you think it is?

Counsel: I am just asking if it is your name.

Chrysler: And I have just told you it is. Why do you doubt it?

Counsel: It is not unknown for people to give a false name in court.

Chrysler: Which court?

Counsel: This court.

Chrysler: What is the name of this court?

Counsel: This is No 5 Court.

Chrysler: No, that is the number of this court. What is the name of this court?

Counsel: It is quite immaterial what the name of this court is!

Chrysler: Then perhaps it is immaterial if Chrysler is really my name.

Counsel: No, not really, you see because…

Judge: Mr Lovelace?

Counsel: Yes, m’lud?

Judge: I think Mr Chrysler is running rings round you already. I would try a new line of attack if I were you.

Counsel: Thank you, m’lud.

Chrysler: And thank you from ME, m’lud. It’s nice to be appreciated.

Judge: Shut up, witness.

Chrysler: Willingly, m’lud. It is a pleasure to be told to shut up by you. For you, I would…

Judge: Shut up, witness. Carry on, Mr Lovelace.

Counsel: Now, Mr Chrysler – for let us assume that that is your name – you are accused of purloining in excess of 40,000 hotel coat hangers.

Chrysler: I am.

Counsel: Can you explain how this came about?

Chrysler: Yes. I had 40,000 coats which I needed to hang up.

Counsel: Is that true?

Chrysler: No.

Counsel: Then why did you say it?

Chrysler: To attempt to throw you off balance.

Counsel: Off balance?

Chrysler: Certainly. As you know, all barristers seek to undermine the confidence of any hostile witness, or defendant. Therefore it must be equally open to the witness, or defendant, to try to shake the confidence of a hostile barrister.

Counsel: On the contrary, you are not here to indulge in cut and thrust with me. You are only here to answer my questions.

Chrysler: Was that a question?

Counsel: No.

Chrysler: Then I can’t answer it.

Judge: Come on, Mr Lovelace! I think you are still being given the run-around here. You can do better than that. At least, for the sake of the English bar, I hope you can.

Counsel: Yes, m’lud. Now, Mr Chrysler, perhaps you will describe what reason you had to steal 40,000 coat hangers?

Chrysler: Is that a question?

Counsel: Yes.

Chrysler: It doesn’t sound like one. It sounds like a proposition which doesn’t believe in itself. You know – “Perhaps I will describe the reason I had to steal 40,000 coat hangers… Perhaps I won’t… Perhaps I’ll sing a little song instead…”

Judge: In fairness to Mr Lovelace, Mr Chrysler, I should remind you that barristers have an innate reluctance to frame a question as a question. Where you and I would say, “Where were you on Tuesday?”, they are more likely to say, “Perhaps you could now inform the court of your precise whereabouts on the day after that Monday?”. It isn’t, strictly, a question, and it is not graceful English but you must pretend that it is a question and then answer it, otherwise we will be here for ever. Do you understand?

Chrysler: Yes, m’lud.

Judge: Carry on, Mr Lovelace.

Counsel: Mr Chrysler, why did you steal 40,000 hotel coat hangers, knowing as you must have that hotel coat hangers are designed to be useless outside hotel wardrobes?

Chrysler: Because I build and sell wardrobes which are specially designed to take nothing but hotel coat hangers.

Via: The Independent

11:36am  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z1kRVy1DtK-F
(Notes: 1)
  
Filed under: london 
September 29, 2010

New Video from fellow NY-LONdoner Mark Ronson

1:42pm  |   URL: http://tmblr.co/Z1kRVy18CNEt
(Notes: 2)
  
Filed under: London mark ronson 
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