A saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Fifty
The Future(s) Edition
One Future
This is the story of the last human dealing room. It is the year 2024. The financial markets have become dominated by AI. Due to world political turmoil, the financial markets have become stressed as a result of deepening divisions in Europe, conflict between the EU and the United States, and growing competition with China.…
See MoreBack last spring when Tim decided to introduce the Continental Telegraph, we discussed the kind of content that I could produce.
I suggested we offer a serial—or soap, if you prefer—that comments on current mores, politics, social behaviours, and culture.
What ensued is what you will have read or passed over: The Metropolitans (strap line: A saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture). A story about a prime minister and her entourage negotiating Brexit.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Nine
The pub was hipster judging by the clientele. Among the men, long shaggy beards predominated. Or the three-day stubble.
Moving in, Andrew searched the room for Tim. He couldn’t spot him anywhere. Taking his time, he made his way towards the bar and casually leaned up against it. A one-day-old stubble bearded bartender made towards him.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Eight
Ahmed’s phone pinged. He checked the screen. A hire. He tapped in his acceptance. A moment’s silence. Another ping. Got it!
He switched on the motor, turned the wheel, put his foot on the accelerator, and the Prius glided smoothly out of the parking bay and into the traffic.
A few minutes later, he pulled in to the side of the kerb.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Seven
‘They hate me!’ Mary threw the copy of the newspaper she held towards the fireplace. She missed.
‘Now, Mary, calm yourself.’
‘Don’t give me that tone, Des.’
‘Well, if that’s how you feel…’ His words trailed into silence.
She looked at him.
He frowned back at her.
‘You don’t understand, do you?’
‘Yes, I bloody well do understand.’ He stomped over to the drinks cabinet and flung it open.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Six
WESTMINSTER FOLLIES
Or “A BIT OF A MUCK UP”*
Cast
Mary Pyle – Prime Minister of Great Britain
Barnacles – Minister for Exiting the European Union
Morton – Head of the International Division at Number Ten Downing Street
Andrew – Personal Secretary to the Prime Minister
Location: The Salvation Army Hall, Westminster-by-the-Thames
ANNOUNCER
And so, ladies and gentlemen, it gives me great pleasure to introduce our guest of honour – one of Westminster-by-the-Thames’ most distinguished citizens.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Five
Mary was disturbed by the knock at the door. She mistyped the last word on the document she was writing. A red squiggle under the word pointed out her error.
‘For Christ’s sake, who is it now?’ She minimised the document on the screen. ‘Come in!’
The door opened. Andrew put his head around it.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Four
Quinn detoured around a large woman who was bending over to examine one of the mannequins that displayed the lingerie. Quinn noted she seemed somewhat taken aback by the scantiness of the dummy’s panties and bra. As Quinn moved on, she noted the woman gave her a severe glance of disapproval. Yes, they’re made for me.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Three: A New Year
The mist swirled around. A dim light tried to pierce the gloom. Mary started. Where am I?
It’s me.’ You?
‘You can’t be returning for a third time.’
‘All good things come in threes.’
‘Ethan, that’s trite.’
‘Ah, yes, it is, isn’t it?’ Ethan’s shade emerged from the mist as if rising out of water.…
See MoreA saga of everyday life in the Big L and a wry look at contemporary culture
By Tony Carden
Episode Forty Two: Christmas
‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the House
Not a creature was stirring, not even a louse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In the hope that Brexit soon would be there;
The MPs were nestled all snug in their sheds,
While visions of high office danced in their heads;
And Mary in her ‘kerchief, and Des in his cap,
Had just settled down for a long winter’s nap,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter.…
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