Conference call ends in a drama

mundane. It’s got lots of interesting subjects – you know, ice-cream van chimes, pothole gardening, German film titles, that sort of thing. Me ( Sorry, is this some kind of hoax call? Caller ( Why does everyone say that when I phone them? No, this conference is for real. Look, can I tell you what its organisers are saying? Me: No, thanks. Caller: They’re describing it as a one-day celebration of the things we often overlook – the little things that sound trivial but are actually quite fascinating when you look at them closely. I’ve got a list here of previous subjects if you’d like to hear it. Me: No, thanks. Caller: Barcodes, for example. The Shipping Forecast. The sounds made by vending machines. London shop fronts. Oh, and apparently it’s also examined the features on a Yamaha keyboard, the PSR-175. Me: Look, I really have to get on with some work here.

It’s a one-day celebration of the things we often overlook – the little things that sound trivial but are actually quite fascinating

Can I just give you some other examples of things it’s discussed? Me: I’d say no thanks but you’d just press ahead regardless. Caller: Well, it’s also looked at sneezing, and toast. And IBM tills. You know, these things that, as I say, sound dead commonplace but are actually quite fascinating. Me: OK. Well, look, if you give me the details I could maybe pass them onto a colleague. Caller: You won’t regret it. Did I mention that this Saturday it’s also discussing domestic inkjet printers from round about 1999? Anyway, the address is Conway Hall, 25 Red Lion Square, London. 10am. Can I put you down for the media section? Me: Let me think about it. Before I go, could I just ask, why did you phone me? Caller: You really want to know? Me: Yeah. Sure. Caller: Well, it’s because I’ve always found your work really boring.