RAWK, more or less

Right, settle down everyone.  No, Travis, for the umpteenth time, you can't go to the toilet again. Molly, now is not the time to check your mascara. Put the mirror away, thank you. So today we're going to learn about-- Put your hand down, Michael, there's nothing to ask a question about yet.  Yes, Alex, today is Monday. Yes, Alex, we all wish it was Friday. Especially me. So, as I said, today we're going to learn about-- Rachael, you've just had your break. Why do you feel now is the time to eat your crisps? I'm trying to teach here. Negative points for eating in class. No, Alfie, eating in class is not a suspension. That wasn't permission to get your KitKat out, Alfie. Alfie. Alfie? Alfie!  Repeated eating in class may cause a suspension. Three lots of negative points for you. What do you mean why? I've asked several times for you to stop. Yes, I'm aware I never said stop. I also never said, please eat. Well done, Sharon, nice to see somebody with ...

The title is a compliment. Trust me. I've started a new job and part of that job involves a fair bit of creating my own spreadsheets, editing others' spreadsheets, scouring spreadsheets for information, etc. It doesn't sound thrilling, and it isn't, but other aspects of the job really can be. So to counteract the dryness of this activity one needs the correct kind of music playing, softly and gently, in the background.  I started with Elliot Smith, made my through Stephen Steinbrink and had nearly a whole week of hammering Nation of Language who, by the way, have produced one of the album's of the year. Right up your street if you like 80s icy cool. This week, however, I ended up stumbling on what I now think is the perfect record to Excel to.  Sit Down for Dinner  by Blonde Redhead isn't a punchy, bolshy record. It's lush and opulent but not in a garish way, it takes its time and unfurls, slowly and lovingly, like a extra long scarf knitted by a doting gran...