Postie made two separate visits today. Once at 11 to deliver the (month-old) January issue. At last! Any other subscribers still waiting? I'd already succumbed a few days before Christmas though, and purchased a copy over the counter. (Couldn't wait any longer I'm afraid...) Still, it was nice to read the subscribers' letter.
But hang on, what's this... an hour later and I return from walking the dog to find... ta dah! The February issue! I've been running around giddily for the last few hours or so. Yippee!
Please excuse the excessive use of exclamation marks. I'm really quite chuffed.

and managed to avoid pretty much all news media for two whole weeks. Not my idea, but I thought I'd better roll with it...
However, as refreshing as it might have seemed at the time to cut myself off from the usual trivia, I can't help feeling out of the loop as to what's been happening. Can any kindly souls fill me in on what I've missed? Extra points for any semi-obscure celebrity deaths...

I'm not a Fulham fan, but there can't be many footie lovers who don't wish Fulham well tonight. I don't mean to sound patronising but for a club of their current standing just to reach the final of the Europa League, never mind win it, is a phenomenal achievement.

Frankly, if a certain team from Merseyside had won it, it would have been branded as another glorious European trophy for Liverpool, whereas in reality of course the Europa League would have been nothing more than a plate competition for them (best of the first round losers). For Fulham to have come this far and to have beaten the teams they have shows real merit.

I don't know Roy Hodgson personally of course, but he seems to me to be the epitome of a proper gent; old fashioned in a good way (I love the way he always refers to 'The Arsenal' with the definite article: almost quaint!) and with a certain sense of class and morals. For Mr Hodgson alone I wish Fulham all the best. Good luck!

Hoorah! Happy Birthday to me, and amongst a rather meagre selection of cards lands the new issue. Already read Mr. Hepworth's article on the afterlife of songs, something that's fascinated me for ages. Richard Coles is always interesting on 'Newsnight Review' (or whatever it's called these days), so I was pleased to read more from him; couldn't find much fault with the Best and Worst, and it was a real treat to see the talents of Eddie Marsan featured. (More of this sort of stuff please!) Still needs more letters space though.

As a man of more 'mature' years, with each passing birthday friends are finding it hard to cater for me present-wise, and so along with the (requested!) pants I find myself with a higher proportion of HMV/Waterstones gift cards than usual; all gratefully received it must be said. Any advice from the massive on how I should spend them? Even as a dedicated Word reader I still feel a bit out of the loop re. new stuff, so any suggestions welcome.

My goodness, I'm in a splendid mood today! Stepdaughter safely ensconced in school, Mrs. Oyster dropped off at work and the dog severely walked. Complete strangers have been 'Good Morninged' and I have the whole day to myself. Shiftwork can be a pain at times, but days like this are the payoff. The sun is shining, I've got 'The Lives Of Others' to catch up with on the i-player (thanks for the reminder) and I shall have seafood linguini for breakfast.

The only cloud on the horizon (bar the news about Mark Linkous) is the non-appearance of the postman. I've been one of the first to post re. the new issue in recent months (Chris Mullin/Sunderland scenario)and I've obviously been spoiled as I now feel deprived. Oh well, little can break my good mood today. Hope those 9-to-5ers out there have a good day. Fondest regards, Clint

Felt the need to post re. The Rich Morton Sound, as featured on (to my mind) the finest NHT yet. Purchased the physical CD and wasn't disappointed. Music fantastic, and perfectly lived up to the 'Homage To Fromage' label, however the accompanying booklet is something else! Perfectly realised treatments for 60s and 70s films and TV, with suberbly apt casts of semi-forgotten actors and actresses (including the loin-stirringly gorgeous Wanda Ventham). All promptly delivered within days. (end of advert.....)

Looks like the postie's come up trumps again as the much-anticipated new issue plops on the mat by 9:15. I believe I was one of the first to post re. the changes to the magazine and was a little sceptical. On first glance I have to say; How could I have ever doubted you? Obviously haven't had time to read in depth but the overall look of the thing is a hugely pleasant surprise. Love the illustrated cover (please make this a permanent feature; it'll surely stand out on the newsagent's shelf) but the whole magazine feels like a return to the 'New Yorker'-inspired design of the early issues; an emphasis on content to the fore. Some of the main features a little 'Mojo' for my tastes, but that's just me. Already looking forward to reading cover to cover on a long week of night shifts. Top hole!

Just received the new issue; looks v. good as usual. Now, I'm not usually a change-resistant curmudgeon (oh alright then, of COURSE I am!) and I'll reserve judgement on the rest of your proposed improvements. However, I will say this: 'Stapled spine? NOOOOOOOOO!' (falls to floor and shouts forlornly at sky........)