A Metaphysical Elation -- on the real

Anthony Burgess (1917–94) lived longer than Sherlock Holmes – an astonishing fact, given the evidence of a forthcoming biography, The Real Life of Anthony Burgess by Andrew Biswell. According to Mr Biswell, the Burgess household got through a dozen bottles of gin a week in the 1960s, even though “they hardly ever entertained visitors”. This fortified Burgess when not at the dinner table (“a couple of bottles of wine”) or at the local pub (“pints of beer with double whisky chasers”).

Burgess was a prodigious writer of novels, essays, reviews, customarily producing more than one piece per day. To help him through slow periods, Biswell reports, “he would take three dexedrine tablets, washing them down with a pint of iced gin and tonic”. When in need of a pick-me-up, he mixed a cocktail, Hangman’s Blood, described to readers of the Guardian in 1966:

“Into a pint beer-glass doubles of the following are poured: gin, whisky, rum, port, and brandy. A small bottle of stout is added, and the whole topped up with champagne. It induces a somehow metaphysical elation, and rarely leaves a hangover”

Today's word:

Furburger

Todays levels:

Bow: 9
New York: 8
Houston: 7
Hotlanta: 9
L.A.: 9

Gear

Walking along Oxford Street, U.K. this morning I was struck by the window displays of several shops. Struck to the dome. Sir Benni Miles, Akademiks, Avirex -- you all are no longer Cardinal Rule Official Street Certified.

Was Not Was

It's about time someone used them for a beat. That Kim Basinger one. "You can't hit home runs like Babe Ruth and you can't put your finger on the truth."

Paper Boys

Dave and I saw neither Grand Agent nor the Cali Agents in Oslo and there was no evidence of a Landspeed Recordings showcase. On the other hand, G-Unit Wear WAS available, as were New Eras. As the man said "When I'm G-Unit fitted I'm just more confident."

Thug Renaissance

And where is this Thug Renaissance we keep hearing about? Who now can say they truly deserve to ship platinum? Lyor, what's up?

Don't cipher with snitches

So G Unit and Mobb Deep were in Selfridges on Saturday buying Evisu jeans, the word goes. I'm shocked at the Mobb. Having taken an honourably hard line on snitches early in their career, here they are palling around with Snitch Money himself. Why did Jam Master Jay get clapped? A lot of people are disappointed with the way Queens has gone. Where's Codename 13 in all this? Selling raps to other MCs.