Finally, a use for the logo I had designed in 2014.
Back then I planned a blog that was part original journalism, part portal for freelance work and part archive. Somehow this has taken me a decade. Blogs are now called Substacks. Setting one up involved sending lots of pictures of my driving licence to Stripe.
The things I will do for attention.
After a lifetime of working in newspapers, I find myself with spare opinions. There’s only so much of my snark my friends can stomach. I also have 35 years worth of cuttings on my new shelves. Most of these pieces are not online, or not that I can find. Seems a shame not to give them another turn around the block.
Why The Hairy Eyeball?
Great question. It’s a great phrase, a little known synonym for a dirty look. And appropriate - I will be casting my hairy eyeball over whatever sparks my interest every week. There will also be theatre reviews and other vintage pieces when they seem appropriate or timely. (Or I discover them by accident and am amazed I wrote something so cogent and witty.)
Also, and very specifically, it is possible to sing “I am The Hairy Eyeball” to the tune of The One and Only by Chesney Hawkes. Ches is a top fella. I feel this is a good sign.
You can expect to find theatre reviews like this one I might also share reviews of defunct restaurants. Nothing like a bit of plangent landing in the inbox.
This is Nonna Said. At the moment.
So consider this your amuse bouche and await the full Hairy Eyeball experience next week. I would be beyond thrilled if you signed up.