Saturday 31 October 2015

Voices and Faces of London

I have written on this blog at length about the impact of technology on our lives. I have always tried to be practical about the use of modern, electronic devices and how they affect our lives for better or worse. Tonight I am introducing a new section that was produced entirely on my mobile phone. As I cycled around London during the summer I had the idea of interviewing people who live or who were born in the city. The encounters were totally unplanned. All I had with me was my mobile phone's built-in mic and camera. The results were an eye-opener. There was a wide variety of opinions and comments. The interviews were not time-limited. Some lasted almost ten minutes like the first one tonight. Others did not go over the five-minute mark. Altogether, they will provide a fascinating portrait of 21st century London, with its various peoples and cultures.

Commentary on this section from me will be minimal. A short introduction will usually be made but other than that, please, listen to the audio because these are our voices and faces of London.



© 2015

Next Post: "Of Literature and Other Abstract Thoughts", to be published on 4th November at 6pm (GMT)

19 comments:

  1. Fascinating. And how right you are. A city is defined by its inhabitants, not its structures...

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  2. Always good when diversity is great, shows it lets one feel comfortable there.

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  3. I totally agree with you, a city is defined by its people.

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  4. Many thanks for all your comments.

    Small disclaimer: I have known Crispin for years and consider him to be one of the finest percussionists this country has ever had. We have worked together but on this occasion I did not plan our encounter. He happened to be gigging in central London and I happened to be at the venue and I thought, well, why not? This is a man who has a lot to say about the life and culture of this city. In fact, his interview was the third or fourth one I had done (the key is in the intro...).

    And yes, that's my Cuban-accented voice on the audio. I tried to speak as little as I could. Hard task, as I am normally a chatterbox! :-)

    Enjoy the rest of your weekend.

    Greetings from London.

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  5. When I travel I remember the people more than the places.

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  6. This is a two-edged sword from my point of view. It was interesting to hear the man's viewpoints, and the concept is very innovative, very creative.

    But .... but .... but, I am more interested in your viewpoints and opinions and thoughts, CiL. I am being selfish in a sense. The parents of my step-brother's wife fled El Caballo's Cuba and the other Cuban Americans I know (or did know) are, shall we say, "slightly" to the right of you in all regards. I value your perspective on any number of issues because of your life experiences and your political/philosophical positions
    .
    Anyway .... you seem to be re-evaluating the content of your blog and drawing it inward to more of a parochial position, and I wanted to toss out my two cents worth.

    Incidentally, the World Series are up and running -- Go, Kansas City !!

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    1. I know exactly what you are saying and I feel flattered. But... I always said from the beginning when I started my blog that this space was a way of getting to know the people who live and work and were born in London. The blog title says it all. A Cuban In London is exactly what says on the tin: I want to explore London, its culture, its inhabitants and traditions, way of life and interactions.

      Re the World Series, ever since the more than mighty fall of the mighty Yankees, I have switched off. When we lost the must-win WIldcard game to the Astros, that was it for me. Until next season. Will Girardi be in place? I've no idea. I would like the Royals to win, only because rooting for the Mets would be awkward.

      Greetings from London.

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    2. Do not feel flattered, CiL. Feel used .... for your viewpoints.

      Actually, you just made my argument: "I want to explore London, its culture .... etc."

      Yes, but, you explore and YOU report, interpret, analyze. If I wanted someone else's viewpoint, I would look elsewhere. But, I am not going to argue over this because it is your blog and your decision about how you use it. You know, you could remedy the situation by doubling the number of posts you publish each week. Hmmmm !!

      By the way, Kansas City just wiped the New York Mets off the face of the earth. The Royals came from behind in the ninth inning to even the score and won the game in twelve innings and the Series four games to one.

      I did not know you were a Yankees fan. Way back when, I had a long, one-on-one, private interview with Billy Martin .... only the two of us at a bar in a country club closed to all others except for our bartender for the night. I might describe it as my favorite interview, and I was not even reporting sports at the time. The interview was published, though, but with the location and circumstances and consumption of the participants omitted.

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  7. What a talented guy!

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  8. Great interview - and interesting, too. It sounds as if the interviewee enjoyed talking to you.

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  9. Una buena iniciativa por tu parte, te saluda.

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  10. what a cool idea - and i too think that it's the people who make and define and city or company
    have a wonderful sunday

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  11. This is fabulous, brother. I've only been to London once many years ago for an all-too-brief vacation. Listening to a native Londoner speak at length about this most fabulous city was exhilarating. It reminds me that I am due for a return visit! Greetings from Brooklyn!

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  12. the world is spinning toooo fast nowadays. Even if you want to you can´t keep up. :(

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  13. Hi ACiL .. loved that - and I need to come back and listen again - such an interesting chap. Fascinating to have the two links in the world and to hear his tale of growing up in London and Jamaica for a while. His last thought is such a great one ... don't box us in .. it is so damaging to the human spirit .... so so true ... great idea this. Cheers Hilary

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