Mince Pies and Scented Candles!

It's the final day in the Bubble's 2009! We've all exchanged gifts, had mince pies for breakfast and all to the sound of Band Aid, Mariah and Shakin' thanks to this small but perfectly formed spotify playlist.
http://open.spotify.com/user/dropitlikeitshot/playlist/5Vv9WETfWvqYzEC65OzPIN

Have A Merry Christmas!

Two Months. Three Queries. No Excuse...

So, it's now been exactly two full months since a bubbles' last blog. There's no real excuse, it only takes mere moments to blog something, especially if you create some lame thread like 'Quote of the Week' to fall back on. But I must apologies, at least to the three people who enquired where said thread had disappeared to who I'm suspecting probably have some bizarre contractual clause whereby they must try to log in to our blog at least once a month, either that or they just fell in to the habit of clicking on the link at the bottom of one of the multiple emails that fly out of bubbleville each day.

Anyway, if I was to be in the mood to make excuses I would blame the hectic months in run up to when the team flies off to attend broadcast technology's European showcase - IBC. Here, we dash around making as much wonderful noise about our clients as possible, whether that be at one of the many many interviews, our 'talk nerdy' press conference or at the IBC beach bar... even if Wendy claims not to know where it is!

Then shortly after touching down in LDN it was The Conch Awards. The evening, which we lovingly organise for UK Screen, highlights the great and greater in sound post production. This year it was held at Kings Place so it's a wonder how none of the celebrations made it to the front pages of the Guardian which is housed in the same building.

Both were deemed successful with lots of good feedback and plenty of smile and although it was absolutely exhausting we all settled back in to our Berwick Street abode with a sense of achievement. Shortly after I went on holiday and did nothing in the sunshine.

That’s it for excuses. I'm back now. Back in the office and back on the blog. I sincerely apologise to all three of you.

More information on IBC can be found here:
www.ibc.org
More information on The Conch Award winners can be found here:
www.ukscreenassociation.co.uk/conch
More information on my holiday can be found here:
www.butlins.com/resorts/bognor

Quote of the Week: Soho's IT Geekiest Dangled By Ankles From Third Floor Window

"You murdered my laptop!"

Sadie Groom, reacts to finding out that the IT geek's option two, after turn off and back on again, was to dismantle her laptop to the point of no return.

Quote of the Week: Zoom!

"Anything is possible."

Usain Bolt, the Jamaican sprinter on setting a new 100m WR of 9.58 in Berlin yesterday.

Bubbles Blow Out

Then Mrs Beeton. Now Sadie Groom.

Ever wondered how to make a double baked cheese soufflé whilst drinking a whole bottle of plonk..? No, neither had I. But once you do I firmly believe there is no going back!
Yesterday saw the summer Bubble blow out pre-IBC day out. Those in attendance, including soufflé queen Wendy, got to learn the tricks of the culinary trade at one of the capital's finest catering schools. Our very own Delia for the day (who would’ve never been heard shouting ‘let’s be ‘aving you!’) was immaculately turned out with pink chef whites and matching lipstick and nails. Despite the lovelier than lovely appearance woe betide anyone not coring apples correctly or greasing their ramekins in accordance with her instructions. It was a fantastic experience whereby we helped create a three course lunch including the aforementioned soufflé, a Moroccan main of chicken and butternut squash and to finish a tarte tatin – which was as impressive in the build up as it was on the taste buds!
We chopped, caramalised, whisked, drunk and laughed our way through the afternoon and then flaked out in the sunshine as we looked over London from Muswell Hill. A fantastic day – done.

Murray Mint... a bit Worthers' unOriginal!

Andy's confidence is down to bullying midgets on the practice courts.

He is dull though isn’t he. Andy Murray. Our best shot at a Wimbledon Single's Champion since 1936 when Fred Perry won. Fred Perry is the guy who was the inspiration for clothing now paraded up and down council estates under hoodies. Which kid nowadays would feel pimped wearing a Murray polo shirt?!

Andy's also a little bit lame thanks to lackluster 'Tiger' Tim Henman who’s evidentially schooled him in the subdued ‘come on’ with obligatory fist clench – bore off! He’s increased his confidence, attacks the ball more and is as fit as a butcher’s dog but still no passion! I want a brutal, exposed and enthused player… a ‘you can return my serve but you’ll never take my freedom!’ type affair. So in that respect, I hope the boring Scot loses!

Ok, I'm being a little unfair. There is a little bit of me which does hope he wins because I’d like to see what happens to the general population… every year the forgotten courts and bedraggled nets which the local councils barely maintain for the sole purpose of two weeks terrible tennis in the summer actually come alive! But what would happen if he won, would it reach into a third week – shock horror. The Daily Mail would probably blame swine flu. Meanwhile sales of Iron Bru take off making the girder industry boom and Rab C Nesbitt, the notable girder maker, the world's richest man in a string vest. So come on Andy, do it, beat them all, it'll be well funny! Not that you’d appreciate funny, you’re too busy being boring.

Quote of the Week: The Man. The Scandal. The Legend. The Moonwalk... and that Glove.

Jacko had a glove for all occasions.

"Michael Jackson Dies"

BBC News 24, 23:44 - 24.06.09 If one more of my friends posts 'RIP MJ' on Facebook I'm likely to Scream. Excuse the pun.

Quote of the Week: Political Mess.

“Minister resigns over Brown smears”



The London Evening Standard, produces a headline Vaughany would've bigged up in the biggest way on the Big Breakfast. Both humiliating and informative all at the same time.

Happy Tube Day

Or put another way, UnHappy Commuter Day. I left my house, usual time. I arrived at work, late. Very late. Infact so late, I nearly met the hoards of people leaving the office to pick up their chicken sandwiches, prêt salads and sushi for lunch.

I had to get three buses, an over ground train and then walk in the rain. I even had the misfortune to be part of a rather distressing and comedic paving slab incident, whereby a shoddy paving job and the lingering rain water under the slab managed to cover both my highly rain adverse footwear, All Star Converse, and splash my new smarter than smart trousers. It felt too hilariously clichéd a moment to be true but alas it was. My Converse, now a dirty mottled grey colour with spots of the original white canvas are going to have to have a bath and even then I’m not liking their chances. Festival footwear, potentially.

Anyway, I hope this makes you feel in some way better about the whole morning, unceremoniously NOT sponsored by Transport For London. I inturn will rejoice in the fact things could’ve been worse. Like in the office’s newest Natalie’s case, the poor thing. Because I could’ve got on the wrong train and ended up in Biggleswade. Yes, Biggleswade. Wherever that is?!

Good luck at 6pm everyone.

Quote of the Week: A*

"You're Hired"

Sir Alan, The Appretice BBC1. So it was between Kate and Yasmina. Yasmina and Kate. Yasmina was the one who had sandlewood issues - winner. Kate was the fit one, until she went with Phillip - loser. Another great series finished for another year, and all posted by Evolutions.

The Wireless Concerns

So, it’s that time in the day when Ken Bruce on BBC Radio 2, which is a main stay on the little pink DAB radio in the office, decides to talk drivvle to some local ‘character’ who usually happens to live in Norfolk or Bristol.
I don’t really mind what’s on the radio (although the dial mysteriously slides to 6music sometimes) but he does get on my nerves a bit, especially when he gets all chummy with Tony the window cleaner or George the driving instructor. I know he’s a radio legend and all, and maybe I’m simply being contrary for contrary’s sake but give it a rest Bruce.
Please don’t thank anyone else for their rubbish real life stories which verge on the depressing in that wise old way that you do. Just play some music… personally I like it best when you play The Carpenters.

Anyway, one day Mr Ken Bruce and radio’s other presenters, yes even Jamie and Harriet, will just be a distant memory. We will simply stream music from one of the many internet musiteers, freeing us from the financial constraints in exchange for selling our data to the advertisers of Viagra, porn and Tesco.

So now, on my computer’s desktop I have multiple applications for various online music catalogues like Last fm, Spotify and We7. I wouldn’t mind but in fear of missing out on the next big application - the facebook of UK social networking or the twitter of micro-blogging - I’m literally nowhere with any of them. They’re all in a complete state of disarray. I can’t commit to just one and therefore compared to my iTunes account, in which some songs have even been rated depending on it’s humability, evoking of a wonderfully special memory or just because I quite like that particular melody - it’s plain shameful.

Out of them all I think Spotify is my favourite, if only for the name. Last.fm have scrobbling capabilities in relation to my iphone which I’m sure I’m loving but not entirely sure how and We7 is the newest one (at least to me) to invite us to the online party and therefore the catalyst for this post. Enough is enough. I’m sticking with Spotify, but wait they don’t have an iphone application yet! Ok, Last.fm... and they scrobble too! But maybe, just maybe, We7 will be better. It’s all just too much! Come back Ken, all is forgiven.

Quote of the Week: Four Gurkhas

"Ayo Gurkhali"

JOANNA LUMLEY, celebrates with a traditional war cry after former Gurkhas were allowed to settle in Britain. I thought a Gurkha was just a brand of beer in the curry house - obviously not.

Listen Up!

So, the sunshine's come out and it's a long weekend ahead - these are the three albums that should be blaring from your stack allowing you to musically indulge your weekend away...

Noisettes - Wild Young Hearts
Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Have a wonderful LONG weekend filled with music and sunshine one and all!

Quote of the Week: BubbleAndTweet

"Ok, I haven't completely sussed that twitter lark... yet!"

NATALIE BESBRODE, comments on her own ability to... tweet(?!) as we set up BubbleAndTweet on twitter.com

Quote of the Week: Dolly Parton, Barbara Windsor and now M&S

"We've boobed."

M&S, comments after crumbling under the pressure from BUSTS 4 JUSTICE. The DD'd facebook group declared a victory over Marks & Spencer's unfair pricing of plus cup sized bra's.

buymypaperonline/murdoch

Murdoch suggests that it's all about charging for online content. News Corp's Wall Street Journal is already making money and the FT has a solid subscriber base. In addition with the all evident and equally unbelievable one million+ hits for BGT’s Susan Boyle prompting her Oprah appearance how could it go unnoticed that the internet is where it’s at for all media.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/media/2009/may/11/rupert-murdoch-charging-online-news

Quote of the Week: Read this. Now wash your hands.

"..carrying tissues and developing a fairly studious hand-washing routine."

CHARLIE BROOKER, the Guardian's most endearingly depressive scribe - finally somebody gives some practical swine flu  advice. 

Quote of the Week: Who Talks The Nerdy? We Talk The Nerdy!

"One of the most productive hours I've spent at NAB!"

BOB PANK comments on the annual Talk Nerdy Press Conference at NAB, Las Vegas.

The record turnout for Talk Nerdy meant security was tightened.

If you missed the NAB news from Cintel, Cooke Optics, Digital Vision, Signiant and Tektronix email me on paul@bubblesqueak.co.uk and I'll whizz it all across to you.

Otherwise swing by Berwick Street for a cuppa, a coffee or one of the girls' weirdly and wonderfully scented teas and take it all away on one of the last remaining B&S NAB USB sticks.

We Heart Fridays... and Kindness!

A delicious salmon and cream cheese bagel in exchange for one of my many bad jokes?!

Berwick Street market traders are accepting kindness instead of cash. So, get yourself down to Soho for a kindness filled lunchtime in the Friday sunshine...

Quote of the Week: Day And Age at the bar...

"The bar is rubbish"

SADIE GROOM, Whilst at The Killers gig in Las Vegas Sadie finds time to review the bar situation for the Las Vegas entertainment press. Read the full review on http://www.lvrj.com/news/43218512.html

FA Cup Semi Finals, Killers and other exciting stuff... like NAB

This weekend see's the beloved Wembley Stadium play host to the FA Cup semi finals. Arsenal, arguably London's premier team play will play Saturday's game against Chelsea, who are simply a team of Russian play things. At this point I wish to add that I personally think they are ‘*******’ and should they beat us, yes I'm an Arsenal supporter, I'll be gutted yet duty bound to stand by this sweeping generalisation. I may even re edited this post, highlighting the subtly *’d expletive in an act of school boy mischief.
Then on Sunday through a geographical fluke The North get it on when Man Utd take on Everton. Infact, that should read Everton take on Man Utd if this season's form is anything to go by. Anyway, the reason why the FA Cup is loved is because everyone still believes anyone can win... last year was Portsmouth FC. Although admittedly they did have 'Arry Redknapp at the helm, who is England's answer to Arsene Wenger fused with a little Dell Boy a'la 'Only Fools...'

Anyway, across the puddle… NAB is kicking off! The Bubbles will be there in force with plenty of press interest in our clients, the Talk Nerdy conference and the occasional drinkie it should be a fun, if exhausting affair. In addition The Killers will be returning home to play at The Hard Rock so it’s only right that we got tickets and made a hot fuss pre NAB!

I'll keep you updated with NABness throughout next week and can only apologise for any uninhibited jumping up and down, chanting obnoxiously whilst loudly describing every painful blunder by the blues - I might even come into work wearing my Arsenal shirt should we win over the weekend. If, however we don't, I don't wish to even acknowledge the FA Cup until next year.

Have a great weekend.

Happy Easter

Quote of the Week: Ain't she the sweetest…

"THE PORN ULTIMATUM"


THE SUN HEADLINE - 31st March. The Home Secretary treats her hubby to filthy movies... and the tax payer pays.

Quote of the Week: April 1st

"JFK assassin8d @ Dallas, def. heard second gunshot from grassy knoll WTF?"

THE GUARDIAN, the first Newspaper to tweet it's entire news archive, apparently. April Fools 2009.

We write the songs that make the whole world sing...

Sorry, we don't write the songs and even if we did the world wouldn't join in they'd flee the planet and hole-up in Pluto. I have a severe affliction which makes me indulge in Barry Manilow ballads. It could be worse, Sadie 'sings' Deacon Bue and Wendy's into Punk!



Apologies. What I meant to say is; we write The Preview.

So we were responsible for putting a link to this delightful blog which is written by us, the same creative individuals responsible for Fineline's sublimly entertaining and informative newsletter. So, if you are reading this off the back of that subtle shove to this wonderful sideways glance at BS, thank you. However, if you haven't seen it or you wish to explore further our skills at producing newsletters like this then let us know, we're at http://www.bubblesqueak.co.uk/


I'm just sorry I had to put you through the whole Manilow thing. I'm ashamed.

We understand.

So, your budgets are getting credit crunched, but you still need to be visible and now more than ever to get the contracts coming in.

We've created a solution to this dilemma - special packages of communication excellence.

They're a little bit like that package holiday idea which some clever bloke in the 1950's first had, obviously before Thomas Cook cheapened it with part built hotels and way before Expedia.com said you could 'build your own'. Just good value sunshine for those depressed by the grey climates they found themselves in. I feel there's a parallel today.

Wish you were here..? www.bubblesqueak.co.uk

Quote of the Week: First Appearance

"They say if you want a friend in Washington, get a dog."


PRESIDENT OBAMA, speaking on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno.

Quote of the Week: British Beef v VaVaVoom

Tournoi des six nations : le XV de France humilié par l'Angleterre (34-10)

LE MONDE, The headline that France awoke to after the thumping at Twickenham.

Quote of the Week: Happy Bubble Birthday

Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you, happy birthday dear Rambo, happy birthday to you! x

EVERYONE, including Paul, wishes Sue a very happy birthday!

Quote of the Week: For Every Goody There's A Baddie

“Hopefully they will relax the tag to let me be with Jade."

JACK TWEED, The golf club swinging cabbie's nightmare... and caring husband of Jade Goody.

LipSync go to the front of The Class

I arrived at my tube station early this morning feeling tired and... well, like I was going to struggle in the mid-week bog we know as Wednesday! I’d barely woken from my dreamy stupor but somehow managed to wash, dress and drag myself to the front door and was a teeny part way through the very same non-descript journey to work which I encounter every week day when I got on the tube. Usually I gleefully, if secretly begrudgingly, give up my seat for the fairer sex, however, this day I had no reason to do so as I was early and the usual females for which I feel a sense of wrong if I have them standing when I languish in the chair was not there!

So there I sat, teasing the deliciously tactile ball on my newly acquired Blackberry to get my emails out of the way. The usual press requests for images and extra information, which would need replying immediately once I hit Berwick Street were evident, but in amongst all these requests there lay an email with the heading ‘I had a brilliant time – thank you!’ What pleasant emailing is this..?

Let me explain before you think something... well, not right!

Last night Bubble&Squeak put together a charity press screening for LipSync. We ran the trailers which LipSync’s creative team had lovingly created for films and for the charity, Starlight and screened The Class, a fantastically strong and unbelievably thoughtful piece of French cinema distributed through Artificial Eye.

The whole evening was a great event enjoyed by the press, film execs, charity guests, LipSync-ians and the Bubbles. It has also been confirmed that this will be repeated quarterly so that’s at least three more great films, LipSync’s trailers and Wednesday morning’s which I can look forward to!

Quote of the Week: Wash and Go Kate Go!

"I'd be lying if I haven't made a version of this speech before. I think I was probably eight years old and staring into the bathroom mirror and this would have been a shampoo bottle. Well it's not a shampoo bottle now."

KATE WINSLET, The Oscar Winning English Actress

Brits Killed The Expo Star?!

Something very exciting is about to take place at Earls Court over the next few days! No, I'm not talking about The Brits - I'm talking about Broadcast Video Expo! A place where the future IBCers and NABsters cut their teeth in the home of fish'n'chips, EastEnders and boozers amidst a heady mix of networking, seminars and sales pitches. Thousands of people will indulge in the latest key messages from the likes of Avid, Sony, Tekronix, Adobe and Signiant when the doors open today. When Take That, U2 and The Killers start practising next door I just hope they keep the noise down, especially when Simon Kanjee lets us into his vision of the future of post-production.

Quote of the Week: A Bubble Classic!

“I’m being efficient now!”

SUE HUDSON, Office Manager - Bubble & Squeak

The Morning Produced By The Night Before!

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you the Music Producer’s Guild Awards Two Thousand Nine.

It was a wonderful inaugural night of back slapping, wooping and merriment for those forgotten geniuses who make Girls Aloud sound like girls aloud, the remixer who helped make the dizziest of all rascals dance wit me and the studio who out cabled and coffee’d the others.

Bernard Butler had an amazing year and was presented his ‘I’m the king of the castle’ award by the adorable Duffy – who really was lovely despite thelondonpaper telling me otherwise on the pages of thebuzz the next day! Calvin Harris was there sporting the most extravagant silver pumps I’ve ever witnessed and picked up his award only to thrust it aloft then trail off backstage to hang with Jack Penate and Brian Eno.
Yes, Brian Eno… the legend who made some of the most delicately evocative sounds ever, did I forget to mention that he was there?! He was and rightly received the award for being blinking brilliant AKA ‘The Joe Meek Award for Innovation in Production’ for his pioneering work in ambient music and his innovative work with sampling whilst also just being as damn cool as a producer can get!

We staggered out of the Café De Paris in the early hours of Friday morning… after enjoying a wonderous affair!

A full list of winners and L’s are available if you www.mpgawards.co.uk

Quote of the Week: All White Boris

"There's no doubt about it, this is the right kind of snow, it's just the wrong kind of quantities."

BORIS JOHNSON, Mayor of London

Quote of the Week: Let's go to Wark...

"I probably have a shoe problem. Put it this way: Manolo Blahnik sends me a Christmas card each year"

KIRSTY WARK, Presenter of Newsnight and Newsnight Review

Let it Snow, Let it Snow, Let it... Wait, it's February!

Welcome to February. The next few days are going to be cold... really cold!

The Bubbles will be hard stretched to get into the office today. In fact everyone commuting into the heart of London from further-a-field than zone two will be spending more time getting in to work than they will spend in the office. Especially as snowfall is expected during the afternoon which will see the poor souls of all those commuter whores rush to the hills in Buckinghamshire, Sutton or Middlesex in fear of being snowed-in, being made to endure a lonely, loveless, loathsome night in the capital. Think '28 Days Later'... only colder, much colder.

So, let's embrace it! Happy Snow Day everyone!

Welcome! Quote of the Week: Oops, My President Did It Again

"execute the Office of President of the United States faithfully"

SENATOR BARACK HUSSEIN OBAMA, A Presidential Gaff Not Seen Since..?

Whilst still a-gasp in wonderment from the many Bushism that came from Dubbya's reign we were treated to the next Presidential line fluff, kind of, from the then Senator Obama who was being sworn in at the time.

He's responsible for A New America, the Obama Generation and now this blogging thread, as I've decided to roll out a quote of the week. All this and he's shut Guantanamo, I'm almost chanting 'OBAMA' now. So, it might be topical, it might not. I'm just putting it out there to amuse and make sure there's at least one post every Monday.

Ok, so it starts here, then goes through here, runs through here and ends up here without passing through there… get it?!

Today I had one of those clichéd moments which rang true from the vast amount of cinema I’ve indulged in during my twenty seven years. You know the one where the scene opens with two guys sitting, discussing and drinking; they’re plotting to rob a bank, working through a love triangle or they’re seen mapping out a small town with the help of the sugar cubes, a ketchup bottle, salt shaker and coffee cup.

It was the first time I’d ever discussed computing in any great detail. My laptop had been playing up so we phoned IT to whom we’re on a first name basis with, such is the complexity of running five computers in the middle of Soho?!

The bespectacled genius with the questionable girlfriend status met me in a coffee shop to ease my woes and after the welcoming chimes of the start up screen and a glance into the depths of my System Profiler, he was able to instantly recognise the problem. Thanks to my insatiable appetite for new music my hard drive was full from the constant down, down, downloading of Alphabeat, Cut Copy, The Fireman, Kings of Leon, Jake Bickerton, Ladyhawk, Noisettes, MGMT and the White Lies; all of which helped create the play list of my two thousand eight.

News of the possibility that my hard drive might have to go on a digital diet was a shock. How could a few beeps and warbles, strings and chords, and a couple of Hollywood’s finest including an animation about a love sick robot account for 40GB..? I was assured it did and I now know that I need Apple’s very own Time Capsule which is marketing speak for an external hard drive made by Steve Jobs’ fair hands. And with thanks to the humble sugar cube which represented the laptop, alongside Ketchup as the Time Capsule, the saltcellar as a bluetooth speaker, two spoons which represented cables and the gingham table cloth staring as the world wide web I’m also now an authority on the set up and the reasons behind it.

Happy Days.

Next time however, I do hope it’s more bank robbery, love triangle or small town shoot out rather than wireless media storage.

President Obama. Ta-da!

History was taking place… 

..and I was playing around with Wordle! 

An American Hero. No, sit down Obama, it'll be your turn next week...

One hundred and fifty five people... that's the number of people waking up this morning because of the heroic actions of 'Sully' this week. Yes that's right, it wasn't Maverick, Iceman or Viper who piloted the 70 ton Airbus A320 away from the crowded Manhattan streets and incredibly touched down in the Hudson River. It was in fact the Texas born US Airways Captain Chesley B Sullenberger III.
It is an amazing feat which has been met with awe and respect around the world.
Met with equal wonderment was the Boston Herald's inspired headline "It was a Bird, it was a Plane but they had Superman"... well, nearly.

Warning! A Very Unimaginative Post Title - 'Happy New Year'

I have nothing to add. Happy New Year. That's your lot.
It's the very first day of January. Last night, every single person I know delighted themselves by binging on beer, wines and spirits leaving the whole of the western world feeling less than clever!
Have a great hangover and a wonderful '09!