Do you like that? I’m not sure it was John Wilkes who said it, but it certainly was someone in the late 18th century. Anyhow, have you noticed the remarkable discrepancy between what people say they do and how they …
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An African jolly, lunacy recollected in tranquillity – and the rise of kleptocracy
On the left is Brian Mdluli’s beautiful 4 year-old daughter Katlego who was with us for most of the day yesterday. We went on what turned out to be a 12-hour jaunt in a minibus with Brian, his wife, and …
Read MoreAny time you start to feel sorry for yourself, think about Thomas
Since this is a blog, supposed to be all about deeply fascinating and revealing things that happen to wonderful, senile me, let me tell you that the weather in Johannesburg has been cold, miserable and wet, but is looking better …
Read MoreWant to succeed? Here’s something from my files …
I’ve written God knows how many articles. Here’s something that ran in a magazine 12 years ago. It was called “How to succeed in marketing – though not without trying very hard.” You may like it. And then again you …
Read MorePut on a happy face – or lose your brownie points
Yesterday I had a bit of a nightmare journey from Newark to Heathrow. The reason was that whoever sold me my usual cheapo flight told me I was on United when I wasn’t. When I arrived at the airport the …
Read MoreMarketers are interested in marketing trends. Customers aren’t
For years I have followed with mingled hilarity and irritation the way marketers, unable for the most part to think for themselves, latch on to each new trend in the hope that it will do their work for them. For …
Read More“Spot ate Cameron’s homework” and other useful stuff
I’m down here in Delray Beach, Florida – and don’t feel envious. The weather is crap – though somewhat better than the first time I came this way. That was quite a few years ago, and I had the terrifying …
Read MoreThe Stalker responds
The night before last I went to watch my youngest sing at a do for a local beauty queen (not the lady on the left) in East Orange, New Jersey. To me it was significant – and rather sad, to …
Read MoreBig is not better. It is usually just bloody stupid
I worked on Phillips advertising twice. Once I wrote a TV ad that shifted a boatload of car radios they hadn’t been able to sell. I wish I had a copy – but I left all examples of my advertising …
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