Sorry folks, I've been away for a few days, and don't know if an ATM request is now frowned upon, however, if it is offensive, please don't read any further...

After a bit of a nightmare summer for her (health, family etc), I've decided to take a rare splurge and take Mrs P away for an indulgent break - I am kind of interested in spending a few quid (she's worth it and all that) and fancy a fancy, laid back resort type place with a restaurant with little table candles and on stilts over the ocean (you know the kind of thing, I've just seen the pictures) - although it doesn't *need* to be the Indian Ocean - pref the all inclusive type of thing, so its easy whilst we're there.

I've never done this before, and don't anticipate I'll *ever* be able to afford to do it again, but my advice is where is good value? and who is good to look with, my plan is November, and i'm not looking to spend more than (deep breath) £2k. ANY help appreciated....I'm finding that the internet has more options than I ever thought possible, but with less clarity than you could imagine

Just wanted to Thank The Massive for its collective recommendation for "The Station Agent" - we watched it last night, and whilst it was odd and a little strange, the 90 mins fluttered by in a flash and we enjoyed it hugely....so thanks for that.

That is all.

Hello you technical chaps (and un-chaps!)

I enjoy BBC content via the IPDL application which lets me download from the web and listen (at my mobile leisure) to radio shows and watch TV on my phone/iPad from iplayer specifically, BUT is there an an easy way to do this type of thing with 4OD yet? (I quite liked The Event y'see, and I think I'll miss a few coming up)

I figured if anyone would know, if you would be guys...?

Thanks in advance etc

I'm not looking to sell but I am keen to know whether I should be looking after something a little better than I currently am.

I have an old style (black type out of yellow luminous background - the sort you don't see any more) gig poster from 1984, for a gig by The Smiths, and it is signed by all four of them. Is it actually worth anything? Or am I guilty of that age-old crime (know to us all here, I'm sure) of thinking something is worth money when in fact, it just isn't?

I only ask cos it is rolled up at tightly the moment and maybe I shopuld be looking after it better...I bet its worth about a fiver, but still , nice to look at...

Watch out. No music, film or popular culture is referenced in this post!!

Throwing myself on the world encompassing diversity of the Massive, I find myself in Sydney next month for three days with a 9 yr old and a 5 yr old. We're staying in the Surrey Hills area of the city and planning to tkae our daughter to see the Botanical Garden, the bridge, the opera house - you know, the usual. I think we are also going to the new Aquarium (ie not the one in Manley) BUT what else should we do, are there any really fab cafes, restaurants or experieces tucked away that we really should know about, but aren't in guidebooks - just in the minds and experiences of the locals.

And in case you were wondered we're only there for 3 days as out trip is essentially to Perth, but we thought we might as well cross to SYdney whilst we are there....

Any and all advice gratefully and helping to count down the days until we travel. THanks

...and although it was seven years since my last move - before that it was a succession of flats around South London, so it happened more regularly - I still played an album which I've played as the first music (of any kind, including radio) in any new property for a long number of years, namely "Dummy" by Portishead. I loaded my iPod especially, and made sure an iPod speaker was handy. The album or artist is not my favourite by a long stretch, but its a tradition...

My wife thinks I'm mad to have such a routine, but if know that if I'll find an ear for such lunacy, I'll find it hear, anyone have any house moving / musical 'superstitions'??

I'm currently enjoying repeated plays on the Sting record "If on a Winter's Night..." as a result of watching the documentary last week on't telly...

I am *well* aware that he is an enormous appendage, but I do like the folksy aspect of it, seeems appropriate today, and includes bits of 'God Rest ye marry Gentlemen', my favourite carol, albeit a fortnight late...

My question therefore is, am I wrong to do so, his solo has essentially left me utterly cold up to this point...

I've just been watching last Friday's Autumnwatch - at a bit of a remove, whilst the rest of the family are glued...as presenters do, the delectable Kate Humble has a clipboard and so does Chris. However, I have just become a little bit more interested...

In the nature of these things, the clipboards say "Autumnwatch", however, for a very brief period of time, I think Chris changed his for a clipboard which featured a facsimile of the cover of Boys Don't Cry by The Cure, and then later went with Pixies 'Monkey Gone To Heaven'. Then I went back and found some more.

This is the second show of this series and I know with his Smiths references in the previous series the boy has form of this nature...Good work, I say...knowledgeable and wry, I like it.

(PS:Going to try and get some pics...)

Normal Card

The Smiths - The Smiths

The Cure - Boys Don't Cry

Pixies - Doolittle

Blondie - Parallell Lines

I look forward to remaining episodes with my music geek hat on beside the need to listen out for Chiff Chaffs...!

sorry, to go all cross media on you, but when did The Observer decide to do away with its weekly TV guide and did they give an explanation?

I used to like them pointing out when things I might like would be on - for instance, how else would I find out Entourage is coming back to ITV2 a few weeks ago??

Thanks in advance for answering my curiosity...

A couple of years ago, I made a rather rash promise to my wife that *if* Fleetwood Mac ever toured over here again, I'd make sure that she got in to see them.

Now, given that since then, I've spent an increasing amount of cash on gig tickets - I got a subscriber's email this morning telling me that they will be on these shores in October.

Therefore, before even blinking, I'd spent (hold your breath) £167.75 on just two tickets for OK(ish) seats at Wembley Arena (a venue I despise on SO many levels...), but at least Lindsay B will be there, and Mrs P will be in delights of many kinds.

That's going to hurt the figures in the Patterson-exchequer this month....but will the brownie points be worth it, I wonder? I flamin' hope so...

Toast for lunch again, I think....

Given that the MPs expenses row is now set to provide entertainment for what seems like weeks (i'm considering sending in my water pipe repair bill actually...if it worked for Oliver Letwin, then why not me...)

...but I digress, it seems one Tory MP has resigned his post due to 'unacceptable' 2nd home claims (I'm guessing he and his wife - also an MP - have been claiming on two properties concurrently) However, my point is that Norman Tebiit has been quoted (on the BBC website, no less) thus:

"Former Tory chairman Lord Tebbit said Mr MacKay was a "good guy" but said he had done the "right thing" in stepping down given the nature of the situation.

"It ain't right," he said of the claims details. "I am glad he has recognised it is so."

Now, I'm not a fan or Normo Tebbs particularly but "it ain't right"??? - doesn't sound like the patois of the standard Tory grandee to me...

Looks like The Word has finally got the attention of the nationals, mainly as they have 100% nicked your Gerry Rafferty story - all the way down to the annual income generated by Baker Street.

They do say flattery is the most sincere form of flattery, after all...