Feed The World ... but not while I'm eating

In my most recent bout with insomnia (Jiffy Squid 0, Insomnia 349), I selected the Live Aid DVD(s) for my viewing pleasure. Don't ask me why. A mini-infatuation with The Jam/Style Council, possibly. Nostalgia for the 70s, maybe. Watched Life Of Brian too many times, definitely. Nevertheless, there I am at 5:30 a.m., a bowl of Apple Jacks before me, waiting to watch the parade of 80s hair, synth pop bands and my beloved Pretenders.

In order to watch the Wembley and the USA portions seemlessly, the way I listened on the radio in summer camp some 21 years ago, you have to select the "Play All" link. But before you can get to the rousing sounds of Status Quo's rollicking version of John Fogerty's "Rockin' All Over The World," you have to watch the original 7-minute BBC news report from 1984 on the Ethiopian famine -- the one the inspired Bob Geldof to assemble Band Aid and Live Aid.

And you can't skip past it either.

Now, I'm a pretty politically correct guy. I vote Democrat. I contribute to liberal causes when I can. I listen to public radio and pay lip service to Ralph Nader. But nothing quite prepared me for sitting in front of the TV screen with emaciated Ethiopians staring back at me while I'm shoving Apple Jacks into my mouth. I felt dirty somehow.

I'm not sure any of this has a point. Other than: If you get a fit of 80s nostalgia, watch Live Aid on an empty stomach.

This will also help when Ultravox takes the stage, followed by Spandau Ballet.