Tuesday 11 May 2010

Hollingsville TX4/12: Backend Database



Early on May 6 Alfie Dennen calls to say he is too sick to be a guest on Hollingsville that evening. Informed of the development, my other invited guest Becky Hogge suggests that the two of us talk really slowly to fill up the time. I have been on a panel with her before and I know that this is never going to happen. Confusion ensues, however, when I accidentally type ‘bubonic plaque’ instead of ‘bubonic plague’ in my initial email message to her: Becky wonders whether Alfie might not be better off seeing a good dental hygienist instead of a doctor. Communication is a rare and precious thing; and like all rare and precious things, it is also doomed to extinction. Meanwhile the nation goes to the polls.

Later that day Becky and I turn up at the Resonance studios to find the place deserted: the entire team are taking a breather before the station’s all-night electoral coverage, and Hannah Brown, our producer for tonight’s show, is already in the studio with Frank Key, putting out the latest episode of ‘Hooting Yard’. Becky and I are in front of the microphones by 7.00 pm, and the ensuing hour is an absolute pleasure. Those of you interested in following up on our conversation can find Becky’s review of Stewart Brand’s Whole Earth Discipline: an Ecopragmatist Manifesto by clicking here and ‘Pages from History’, her account of the 9/11 pager messages as they appeared on Wikileaks, by clicking here. ‘Hollingsville’ sends its best wishes to Alfie Dennen and hopes he is feeling better now. You can find out more about his latest project by clicking here.

Pictured above from top to bottom: Becky Hogge attempts to contain her enthusiasm over being on ‘Hollingsville’; Alfie Dennen (not shown)

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