New issue - Word 109 - page 12. Photo in bottom RH corner. Caption 'Pip Brown, AKA Ladykawke...' I'm reading this as ladycock. Maybe its' the Scottish accent. But it reads like ladycock. I think Ms Brown would contest this accusation by your good selves. Gives a new meaning to listening to the tranny...

Right then...one of the arguments put forward to justify the payment of a bonus to Stephen Hester is that if people of his 'skill' don't get adequately remunerated they will take their services elsewhere. Leave the industry. Leave the country even.
Am I the only one who thinks 'let them go, then'? It's the same with the spoilt brats we call 'professional' footballers, but that is for another thread at another time. I say 'LET THEM GO'. A brain drain you say? No one with right level of expertise to fill the position? Are we really saying there is no one out there with the financial savvy to steer the RBS into calmer waters?
Payment of bonus to someone who is 'earning' £1.2 million salary? How can this be in any way justified? There was some dick on Jeremy Vine this afternoon doing his level best to side with Mr Hester. I have never wanted to punch someone as much. And I am not a violent person. As with the footballers the blame lies chiefly with person or persons who agree to pay these bonkers amounts. That'll be the government then in this case.
I despair, I really do...

The subscribers edition came today. Hooray. The subscribers letter was included therein. Hooray. Last month (issue 107) the paper used for the letter was now the same size as the magazine, meaning it didn't get all crumpled at the top, I use it as a page marker you see. Hooray. The letter with issue 108 is back to the old A4 size. Boo. Please explain, The Word. Yes, yes, I know this is really picky, I just want to know, that's all.

Note to all
I suggested this change a while back and Mr Ellen made some positive comments, has he been over-ruled?

What did you all think of this? I know it was late in the year but I thought it to be one of the best things on TV in 2011. Vicky McClure is fine, fine actress. One of our best. This Is England '9? can't be far off now. When Combo gets out and unleashes hell on Woody...

I take my hat off (if I wore one, that is) to you all who can devour music, books, tv, dvds, and all the other stuff that makes The Word what it is. I don't work in the 'entertainment' business. I just rely on those who do to entertain me. I struggle to make time to fit it all in. And I don't lead anywhere near a busy life. So well done and thank you.

Good book and all that. Big fan of the band and all that. But I've never read a book with so many inaccuracies. It started on page 47 and never let up. Volkswagen never made a 5 door Scirocco, Storm or otherwise. Page 69 'Drakemore Drive' does not exist in Glasgow. To write a book on The Blue Nile and get something as fundamental as this address wrong is fundamentally wrong. I read this book months ago but have only got round to posting now.

If it mattered, which it doesn't really I know, but if it did...
Who would like to see winning the Mercury Music Prize.
Having listened to them I can't get past Anna Calvi by Anna Calvi.
Over to you...

I thought it best to ask the Massive about what headphones to buy for my ipod. I have a budget of £100. You lot know your stuff. I don't commute on public transport. I use them mainly around the house and garden when my listening pleasure clashes with the FPO/ two teenage daughters/ hormones/ etc. Yes, I use them to 'escape'. Please help.

Does Mr. Ellen like the blue shirt? It seems to be the one worn in all the photos, doesn't it. No slight on you Mark, just sayin', like. Just sayin'. Sorry if this has been said before, I'm not a regular.

I'm certainly excluding music here, that's song, track, piece, whatever. No I mean actual sound. Be as sentimental or as lateral as you wish. Here's my top three...
1. My eldest daughter's laughter.
2. Early morning birdsong, especially in spring.
3. The four note 'Windows' jingle when shutting down the computer after another hard day working for the Man.

Is that Mike Joyce in among all the drummers on the tv advert for the new Lexus hybrid? It sure looks like him. I suppose he needs the money though what with being out of favour with Stephen.

Anyone want to talk about the Six Nations rugby? Two great matches last weekend, Wales vs England and France vs Scotland. As a Scotsman it was just relieving to finally see tries getting scored but alas demolished in the scrum, bad line outs, turn overs, etc. England and France the best so far. Stop the showboating when scoring the tries, mind. Best players? Morgan Parra, Nicolas Mas, Pierre Domingo, Chris Ashton, Andrew Sheridan, Alun Rees Jones, Mike Phillips, Richie Gray, Joe Ansbro.

I don't often find anything to criticise the magazine about, but...I think your obituary of the the late Gerry Rafferty was rather weak and all too brief for someone whose talent deserved more column inches. And Billy Conolly is not and never has been a 'Paisleyite' (whatever that is). He was born in Anderston, Glasgow and grew up in Drumchapel, Glasgow. Any thoughts...

The resemblence between Guy Garvey (Elbow) and Thomas Turgoose (This is England '86) is remarkable. Haven't managed posting photos yet. But you'll see what I mean if you have a look. Any more suggestions?

Why is Steve Strange on the Subscribers Edition of August 2010 magazine and yet, and yet The Smiths are pitured in the key on page 73? Can't think of any superlatives to accompany Mr. Strange apart from biggest user of make up. Please explain...