I will never look at a policeman's torch in quite the same way again .

Boy with the state of the world it was good to have you back .

May I enter a plea for the, occasional ,HORA

Something to view again. The magnificent Disposable Heroes of Hiphoprisy

The second and fifth keyboard players to take the Dead stool, Tom Constanten and Bruce Hornsby, are very much alive. So only..er..four of six Grateful Dead keyboard players have shuffled off this mortal coil.

Donna Jean Godchaux is still touring. You never know, she might even learn to hold a tune before she pops her clogs.

The best podcast of 2009.

Why is it I'm reminded of Waldorf and Stadler getting together for a few after-show snifters and being joined by a hyperactive Fozzie Bear? Not to be missed.

I've generally always listened to the podcast in the privacy of my home or car. Now I find myself wrestling with those funny looks from people as I giggle to myself on the platform at Highbury & Islington. And, working in that part of town, I am struck by just how often I hear those bloody sirens. Every time, of course, I think "the sound of young Islington".

...we would! Oh yes, we would!

Get brushing up those chords. Your audience awaits.

Word Podcasts are my new Radio 4

Santa brought me a small yet perfectly formed black Corsa sans tapedeck but avec CD/mp3 player so, I am loaded up on "old farts taking bollocks".
Fantastic! does it get any better?

Having listened again this morning I would like to comment on the Ellen posse Christmas activity .

Last year saw either the second or third Triathlon at Hyde park . It took place the last weekend in April and the swim section was in the Serpentine . Given that this is spring and the swimmers were in wet suits, most ( inc Mrs Mac ) were complaining that the cold was taking their breath away . I watched tough athletes struggle with that water temperature .

the story about Ellen junior's approach to present giving - fair warmed the cockles. Welcome back.

Great podcast, but is it really necessary to run it through The Edge's effects rack before publishing?

that it is free, you know...

I'm not sure whether I should admit this, but finding the nights here in Italy a bit long and dull (I don't drink, I don't really know anyone here), I have listened to every one of the podcasts again... twice! (gulp!)

So that's that then... I am officially a saddo, notwithstanding my love of occasional Gilbert O'Sullivan songs.

It may, of course, just be me, but I have been enjoying the little soupcon of insights we get into your life over in Italy.
Many of your posts contain small 'by the way' anecdotes and it is like having our own scaled down version of a reality show. I say keep it coming...

However, despite my earlier exhortation to go into a supermarket and buy the first CD bargain you can, may I respectfully suggest you stay clear of anything from my "Bleak House" strand. I would hate to see a messy end to it all.
(Chin up, lad, you'll look back at these weeks in a few years and...............................................
weep uncontrollably.)

I got some strange looks in Sainsbury's on Saturday as I giggled along.