World of Chig   

2.7.05
It was 20 years ago today...

10:45

I've used that headline, or versions of it, a few times before on this here blog, and today it seems they are to be the opening words of London's Live 8 gig. I imagine Macca and Bono will be singing something like, "It was 20 years ago today, Sir Bob told the bands to play". Of course it was 20 years ago on 13th July, but who's quibbling?

What a day lies in store! Today is a special day anyway - it's the exact middle point of the year; day 183, with 182 days of 2005 gone and 182 more to come after. So, a happy Mid-Year's Day to you all!

Tokyo's Live 8 gig has already happened, with Bjo:rk and McFly. Johannesburg's starts at 12:00 GMT. The British and Irish Lions have already been crushed by the All Blacks 48-18 in New Zealand, losing the series after only two matches. (I woke up in time for the last ten minutes.) Rain permitting, it's the women's final at Wimbledon (and the end of yesterday's unfinished second men's semi). (Stop sniggering at the phrase 'men's semi', you at the back!) In London, I still haven't quite worked out how on Earth they're going to accommodate the Pride March and Live 8 gig in such close proximity (and wondering if George Michael might appear at Pride's rally at long last, as he's in town.) (We don't do London Pride these days, as there are so many other, better, regional Pride events on throughout the Summer, and frankly I think Birmingham, Brighton, Cardiff and Leicester is enough for me, but good luck to them.)

So, a day in front of the TV is in store, here at Chig Mansions. The BBC is doing us proud with all this coverage. Radio Five Live is building up the excitement to Live 8 very nicely, with the Hyde Park soundchecks audible in the background. First though, I have to pop out and show my face at the most important event of the day; Balsall Heath Carnival.


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