Reading Roars!

WOMAD returned to Reading for another once-a-year blitz of extraordinary song, dance and art from far-flung places. I was there, for one day only, to witness its magic. And what magic. The most spectacular drummer in the world, the most incredible voice in the world, throat singers from Siberia and a booty-shaking temptress from Cape Verde were just some of the gems on display. Add to that some tasty Bath Ales, well, ale, gorgeous lasses and the occasional ray of sunshine and the result was a real treat. Read my review of this awesome Festival in full, look at the images and watch some video. Here. Now. Continue Reading »

An O2 shareholder was carried out by security guards, reports The Guardian, after mounting a podium in The Hexagon at the network operator’s annual meeting on Wednesday. The investor had insisted on the tabling of a motion calling for the resignation of O2 CEO Peter Erskine. Another shareholder accused board members of “prostituting” the workers, while shouts of “fat cats” were made by others.

Click here to read the Guardian Unlimited article.

Google Maps. Have you tried it yet? If not, you must. It’s superb. Enter a location in the search box on the Google Maps page and a map of the location specified will be displayed. Hit the Satellite button and, guess what, you get the same view but as a satellite image. Better still, you can zoom in and out as if you are hovering above the location. Furthermore, click on Hybrid and you get map and satellite views combined in one. London is pictured beautifully, as you might expect. Building details are very sharp. Search for a satellite pic of Reading, however, and you get an emerald green splodge. Zoom in and it looks horrible. Zoom in a few notches higher and you get a

We’re sorry but we don’t have imagery at this zoom level for this region. Try zooming out for a broader look.

Sorry to you, Google, but this ain’t good enough. Let’s see Reading in high-res!

And now news of another cultural extravaganza to hit Reading…the Reading Fringe Festival! This exciting event will run over 5 days, beginning on Saturday 20 August and ending with the Carling-sponsored Reading Festival. As the organisers put it:

The aim of the Fringe is to showcase local talent to the local community and to let people know that Reading has talent 365 days a year

I applaud them for this initiative. To find out more about the Fringe Festival, including the line-up, venues and how to get involved, click here. I shall be writing more about this Festival at a later date.

Reading’s Fez Club is hosting the Miss Reading Final on 22 September 2005. Girls aged 17-24 can compete by clicking here or by ringing 01273 764730. Up to 50 will be chosen to take part in the Final and will be judged on areas such as charisma and intelligence (no, really). The lucky Miss Reading winner will be asked to compete at the Miss England 2006 finals.

Click here for more information.

Wagamama. Waga-what? Wagamama is, apparently, the Japanese word for “naughty child”. It’s also an international noodle bar chain. The first Wagamama was opened by super-restaurateur Alan Yau in London in 1992. Wagamama in Reading, the 38th restaurant to launch, opened in November 2004 at The Oracle’s Riverside. Like a naughty child, I hopskotched, tummy a-rumbling to The Oracle for some serious slurping of noodle nosh. I wasn’t disappointed. Find out in this restaurant review what food set my tail waga-ing. Continue Reading »