Amen to that, with knobs on.
Two minutes is probably a bit much for an intro. But I do think it is useful to introduce the person, if there is a guest, and at least give a hint of what you will be talking about. At least, that's what I do.
Rachel Cooke on criticism: ‘What is the point of a critic if not to tell the truth?’
Very interesting longish article on the role of the critic today. Artists are increasingly unleashing their fans on critics, and ignorant "critics" are doing a poor job of serving their audience. I don't know, though, how new this phenomenon is. Sure, in the olden days it was hard to get 3 million people issuing death threats, but nor was the relationship between critics and creators always a love-in of mutual respect.
Nicely anachronistic writing tool, too.