QUENTIN FOTTRELLon what's going up and what's going down this week.
Going Up
Old folkiesArlo Guthrie! (January 18th). Judy Collins! (January 27th), coming to Whelan's in Camden Street, Dublin. Book now.
Democrats AbroadThere are parties all over the world on January 20th, as well as in Washington, in honour of Obama's inauguration. US citizens in Ireland will be celebrating at the Davenport Hotel.
KleenexMansize boxes are de rigueur in banks these days as clients hear about their investments.
Cuckoo SavanteTheir funky debut punk/blues album Lennonstown Lies was released in Whelan's last week.
Skype etiquetteWhen chatting to our astrologer in Mumbai, may we wear jim-jams and a face mask or chew gum like a cowboy? No. Wear Touche Éclat and pout into the webcam like a TV presenter.
Going Down
GuylinerAdam Ant and Russell Brand got away with it because they were already veering into pirate costume. Even if you are blessed with puppy dog eyes, there's no need to underline them.
Fumble UrbiaThis time last year, it was a race to pay the bill. Nowadays, it's like two snails who all-of-a-sudden can't find their wallets. "No, please let me! I know it's here somewhere . . ."
Middle managersYou can hear them downstairs in Simon's Place or over pizza in Gotham Cafe: "I have five people under me." Or, "Dave from accounts is rebellious, Mary, he needs discipline."
Pea jacketsThe odd dude in a second-hand, double-breasted woollen navy coat is one thing, but this trend has become some kind of sailor coat cult. It's the voyage to the bottom of the bargain bin.