The Original Sims

Last time I sat behind a microphone and flew a live radio programme was around 20 years ago.  But with the help and support of Maurice Jay, Ivan Martin and John Rosborough, I found myself in a self-op studio broadcasting to greater Belfast.

There was a wild surge of adrenalin during the first 15 minutes on the first night, but things balanced out over the four nights.  The big challenge for me is that I’ve got into the habit of "early to bed early to rise". So I was getting to sleep much later than usual, so there was something of a Jet Lag feeling by the third night.

So thanks to all - it was fun.

No promises; this will my first live programme in several years and it’s a strange studio, but I’m thinking about Live Blogging tonight when I’m presenter on Belfast radio station U105.  Maurice Jay has been doing the induction, showing me how to work the desk and the Selector.  I’ve been sitting in with Ivan Martin and John Rosborough.  The running order for tonight is done - and trashed.  Do it again before going on air.

So - I’ll attempt to Blog here - or Twitter here - or Flickr from here.

So if join me from 9.00 pm on 105.8FM, or http://www2.u105.com/ (you’ll be asked for a UK Post Code.  (If you don’t have on try BT7 1EB.)

And email me - studio@u105.com from 9.00pm

EB

I’ve written a couple of times about the Re-branding Belfast exercise.  It’s a most pleasant affair. People from Belfast City Council work really hard at developing the new Belfast Brand then a group of us (apparently I’m an “opinion leader” these days) get together, eat excellent food and give our opinion on the branding/ logo etc.

This morning we agreed on the new proposed logo for Belfast.  Once – and let’s face it not so long ago - the Belfast Brand was destruction, terrorism, vandalism and violence.  The new slightly cuddly and “edgy” heart on the side shaped “b” is very different and does need some getting used to.  However as one person on my table pointed out, this is the only time you see the logo in isolation; the logo is part of the total branding.

So the slogan isn’t quite "b there or b square" but it’s a big improvement on anything in the past and an improvement on the past.

Other things Belfast has lent its name to:

The Sink
 
The Airplane

The Ship