Talk: Seven Myths That Changed England

Tonight, for once, I stayed in - I had a Zoom talk given by the writers of a book called Seven Myths that Changed England. I then discovered it was an LSE event.. and blast it, I saw it on cheap ticket sites, but it turned out to be completely free.. but when I double-checked this evening, it turns out the free event, on YouTube and also in person, is on Tuesday! Tonight's event, on the other hand, was from the How To Academy (HTA) - and what I paid represented a substantial discount. So, a home event it was, then.

It's a fascinating topic - their thesis is, basically, there's far too much grandstanding from politicians and other public figures, providing divisive ideas, and if we want to improve society, we'd do well to go back to basics - people working with people for practical solutions. After that had been established, all that was left was to provide anecdotes, and there were some interesting ones - for example, when Nigel Farage was asked (by one of the speakers) what his favourite part of England was - and he said London: for its diversity!! As he said, even Nigel Farage has an ambiguous stance..

So, an interesting idea. Unfortunately, not a very interesting talk - I was glad I hadn't paid full price. Nor was I inspired to buy the book. Meantime, I'd ascertained that Cote in Hay's Galleria is just as close as Cote St. Katharine Dock, and doesn't require crossing a bridge - so I figured out how long it'd take me to walk there, and booked - the rain had finally stopped. The website was buggy, but I managed.

Arriving early, I was given a choice of two small tables - one squashed between two others, one at the end - I decided on the one at the end. Had calamari - I was hungry - and steak frites, as well as a carafe of their most expensive Sauvignon Blanc - it's nice. And was very well fed - I hadn't room for dessert. At least the close proximity of the tables is good for eavesdropping on conversations.. a nice, relaxed evening then.

Tomorrow, I'm with London Social and Cultural Meetups, first time in months - we're going to a photo exhibition at Estorick. I just hope they can facilitate backpacks, as I have to drag mine to the office tomorrow. Then I'm back to Ireland for the next bank holiday. And wouldn't you know it, not a single film showing in the afternoon that I'm interested in seeing - I can't do evenings. Oh well, a quiet one for me then - I could do with it!

On the 28th, another of those cheap ticket talks - this one is by Asne Seierstad, and is at The Conduit, on the subject of Afghanistan under Taliban rule. Also an HTA event, and quite expensive if you don't go with seat fillers..

On the 29th, back with London Literary Walks at last - my Wednesdays are just so busy! This is a walk about Island Records - U2's old label, so of course I have an interest.. We're meeting in The Elgin.

And on the 30th, back with London Hot 100 - we're at the New Wimbledon Theatre for Jimmy Carr Laughs Funny.