This fine Sunday morning. Coming shortly - a London landmark captured in the sunshine yesterday afternoon.
0845 UPDATE: and here it is.
BTW I recommend John Simm and Adrian Bower (indeed the entire cast) in the hilarious Elling. The theatre is very near the scene of this photo. Laugh out loud funny.
11.33 MONDAY UPDATE: I have a new set of headphones. I've never had my own set for work before. This pair has come from Gillian's secret stash. Gillian has secret stashes of most things.
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Well, by this rate we're fairly certain to hit the 50k mark by the anniversary. Will you flicker the photo as well?
..top of the morn to you Eddie.....glad to see I'm not the only one up and about.....!
....right, off to the beach....ttfn
Fred (1) if I knew how to flicker I would...!
no....sorry mate, you got me there Eddie.....don't recognise that place......but isn't that Roger with his bicycle?
BTW..Eddie......re Twitter.........have you caught that mouse yet?
DIY:)
But who captured it, Eddie? Not the French, I hope. Please tell us that Nelson's column has not been captured by the French. That would just be too bad for words.
H.
AN IMPORTANT PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT *
This is for the gentleman with the 1980s facial hair and foghorn voice who sat behind a group of us at a central London theatre last night:
It's clear to me that some of the rudiments of theatre etiquette are lost on you. Can I help?
Judging by your hugely expensive-looking and classy wardrobe (white tie...huge knot...black shirt) you are probably wealthy beyond most people's wildest expectations, and normally watch plays in one of your full-size home theatre, so perhaps it's understandable that you behaved as if you were alone.
But for the avoidance of doubt, there were other people in the room with you last evening.
I suppose chatting during the prologue isn't too bad, but when the actors appear on screen, that really is your sign to to shut your pie hole. It's possible that your "date" (did I see her card in a phone box near the theatre?) was mesmerised by your witty observations throughout the play - remarks that put us all in mind of the late and much-missed Peter Ustinov. But honestly, we paid 13 quid a time to see to the work of the people who made the play, rather than you.
I did worry your date may not have enjoyed the best of health, given your incessant efforts to revive her apparently lifeless body with your mouth and tongue. She also appeared to giggle a great deal at your hysterical remarks - yet when the lights went up there was no sign of the lobotomy scar we all assumed must be there.
I hope you find this message helpful. I hope it encourages you to continue visiting the theatre but perhaps with more regard for fellow patrons.
Oh, and you're uglyand your laughter coarse.
At least the buses are red and the taxi's are largely black - but where are all the lovely Routemaster buses?
Seems strange to me not seeing them anymore!
They were there when I left London!
Hi Humph.....never mind that, wot about the 'Worm of Ambridge'.....if thet bugger is on the loose again there will be trouble in Borchestershire........
Bagpuss, dear Bagpuss,
Old Stainless Steel Cat-puss,
Wake up, and look at this thing that I bring,
Wake up, be bright, be golden and light,
Bagpuss, oh hear what I sing.
Yawwwwwn...
What's this Thing that Eddie has brought today?
Oh. A photograph and some numbers. 48693? That number looks a bit broken. Wouldn't it work better if is was a nice 50000?
(Cue the Froggers on the Magical Mechanical Frog Organ)
We will fix it, we will stitch it, we will post 'til we're through, through, through...
Mummy's boy Elling (Simm) and his roommate, the uncouth reluctant virgin Kjell Bjarne (Bower) are the Odd Couple of Oslo: a pair of confused souls taking their first steps in the outside world after years of an isolated and institutional life. Given a flat in the city by social services, their mission is to re-assimilate themselves into society - it's either that or a return to the asylum. All they have to do is convince their social worker that they really are 'normal', even if it does feel safer sleeping in a wardrobe...
After a sell-out season at the Bush Theatre, this critically-acclaimed production now transfers to the West End for a limited season. Based on the award-winning cult film, Elling stars John Simm (Life on Mars, State of Play), Adrian Bower (Teachers), Jonathan Cecil, Keir Charles and Ingrid Lacey.
"Moving and very, very funny. Thoroughly life-affirming"
Sam Marlowe, The Times
"Simm delivers a tour de force in the title role. Adrian Bower is a delight"
Charles Spencer, Daily Telegraph
"Laugh out loud - funny"
Eddie Mair and his wireless programme
"in the sunshine yesterday afternoon." - strewth! Not here it weren't!
Mmm! John Simm!
Nice & sunny here in Port Isaac!
Eddie, to flicker something is very easy! If you follw my link above, you'll get to the flickering place. All you need to do after that is to log on as PM (I assume you know the password) and follow the instructions :)
My enjoyment of Elling last night was considerably reduced by the laughing out loud of the man with the shiny head seated in front of me. He bore a striking relationship to that Scottish chap who presents PM, er, Edwin Maud, or whatever his name is. However, I'm not sure it could have been him as I'd been under the impression that Mr. Maud had some hair (not apparent from the photo at the top of this Blog, however).
Could those who regularly post here please take this matter; up with Mr. Maud (the laughter, not the hair) and remind him that we folk south of the border keep our lips stiffened in order not to spoil the enjoyment of others, particularly here in the southern end of the kingdom.
My thanks
Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells
Were you there too, Jonnie? I thought you were still in Studland ....
Thaks Eric -- I needed cheering up. Sorry if I've been a bit grumpy of late folks; I have my reasons.
SSCat (10) :-)
Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells - You're quite right! He nearly put me off my lines a couple of times!
Re; -Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells
Hahahahaha
- Oh - but it's Eric - He's called Ericm not Edwin
I always wanted to be called Roisin ...... And she produces such lovely straplines.
I'm feeling a little vulnerable today, folks. So, Appy, perhaps we can cheer each other up?
Fearless, since you're explaining how to flicker, could you tell me anything about how to twitter please? It did appear during one of my absences and I can't work out what's going on, do I register for something as that's what it leads me to believe when I click on it?
Good grief - not only ignorant, but malicious with it :o(
Big Sis - sorry to hear that. I'm off to the beach now, come sit on a hot rock with me, and shoot the breeze?
Alas not BigSis, but it would be nice to see London once more!
Yes I was at Studland beach - a very suitable - or should I say appropriate name, on the days that I visit :-)
One can liken it to the south of France, sun drenched sand - yachts sailing past - and the sweet smell of heather drifting across the cooling breeze. - however, as I was recouting to RJD last night, there was a manic woman running towards a swimmer who had his hands on her lilo - which was moored to a buoy - shouting -
Leave it! Get away - you have no salvage rights.
All most bizarre but livened up the place !卢
Well, Valp, you can click on the link under Eric's twitter box above. When you do that, you'll see a new site listing all Eddie's twitterings so fat. To the right of that is a box highlighted saying "Join For Free" (not wonderful grammar, I know!). Click on that and it'll allow you to create a free account. Go through the usual rigmarole, and you'll have your twitter ID. Once you've done that, you can do a mini-blog of your own whenever you like (160 character max). Now, once you've got your ID, lick again on Eddie's twitterings, and you should see that you're able to click on buttons along the right side saying "Follow". This means, whenever you log on, you'll see Eddies posts as well as your own. You'll also be able to see who's following Eddie and you can chose who from there to follow. They can also request to follow you.
It's not a full explanation, but I hope it helps!
FF (22)
....is this your 'C' ?......found it by the coffee table on the beach.....nearly stubbed my big toe on it....!
Disgusted of Tunbridge Wells:
Now you know what it's like for us bloggers, with Eddie Mair always shattering our calm meanderings with his raucous behaviour.
Jonnie:
Who is Ericm? Do you mean Eric from Morecambe? Surely he wasn't in the theatre last night? (though I'd love to think he was - "Bring me Sunshine ...")
Jonnie - If you "recouted" to me I didn't notice. Should one really recout at the weekend?
Aw, shucks, ValP, you're a pal!
But if you don't mind I'll choose a cool rock, the one in the shade beside you. It's warm enough already for me here! :o)
BTW, Gillianian must be due back from her hols soon. Another shoulder to the frog! Hurray!
Big Sis.......who is..Gillianian......is she related to the Gillian wot knits my Speedos?
....the public has a right to know.......
DIY (never, knowingly Speedoless)
I wouldn't mind but where has the sunshine gone? Disgusted (15) that is hilarious!
Big Sister and others: all best wishes!
a song, you say?!
what, now?!
here's a little song I wrote
I'm going to sing it note for note
Don't worry
Be happy!!!
dum ti,dum ti,dum ti,dum,
dum ti,dum ti,dum ti,dum
Don't worry
Be happy!!!
n-n
RJD (27) I am not sure that I understand your question. Why wouldn't someone recout at the weekend? Surely it something that should be done whenever necessary.
H.
Recout (vb): To remove bad odours.
Sir Edward de Mair (30) : You should get out of London more, Sir. Up here in deepest Northamptonshire (very nearly deepest Lincolnshire!) the rain has been and already gone.
Sunshine prevails once more!
Pimms ahoy...
(cheers!)
Fifi
Sir Edward de Mair (30) : You should get out of London more, Sir. Down here in deepest Dorset (very nearly deepest Hampshire!) the rain has been and already gone.
Sunshine prevails once more!
Pimms ahoy...
(cheers!)
Jonnie
Dear Mr. Mair,
Firstly, I apologise for not getting your name right first time around. We here in Tunbridge Wells are not very familiar with the folk from North of the Border. I may have confused you with a certain MP who once held high office within 'our' party.
However, my main point for posting again (and I shall not make a habit of this) is to tell you how dismayed I am that you appear to find mirth in everything around you, so I would request that you please keep the public advised of any further expeditions you may make to the theatre or other public places so that we know to keep well away from them.
Incidentally, having read a little more of this 'Blog' (What is the world coming to? Don't people read books any more?), I see that you took exception to somebody seated behind you in the cinema last week whose behaviour, by the sounds of it, was every bit as disturbing to you as yours was to me last night. This reeks of hypocrisy, and I shall be writing to my good friend Sir Mike to let him know my thoughts on the matter.
Ever more disgusted from Tunbridge Wells.
It's uncanny, that slightly deeper echo that seems to have appeared on this thread.
Not unpleasant though.
And so nice to be able to imply a gentle and always-friendly: 'Yah boo sucks!' to those who brag about the warmer weather in London...
As if, Eric. As if.
;o)
Fifi
And I can report that there's sunshine here in the deepest darks of Oxfordshire too :)
I can confirm that we have a pleasantly sunny afternoon here in Deepest Sussex.
It should have made its way up to London by now, Eddie. Either that or you could burst into Eric and Ernie's little number.
hmm, i went to London once.
that's all i want to say really.
Oh and the sunshine here is glorious! Bedfordshire - centre of the Oxford Cambridge arc. Apparently. Half way to everywhere.
n-n
Big Sister, I hope you are feeling better now. Couldn't help noticing you were rather down in the mouth earlier on.
You, Appy and limping Fran are all welcome down at the Beach, where I have re-stocked the bar with cushions for a re-match with Mittfh and his crazy [expletive deleted] frog impression.
Safer by far than the custard-fight down at the unnamed June 21 thread, which has already seen Appy had to stagger off, covered in trifle, for an early bath.
Fifi ;o)
Humph (32)
re:....Recout (vb): To remove bad odours.
can u nip round to Horstead.......i have just eaten an enormous beef curry and the wind is somefink 'orrible...........PPHHAAARRRRRRTTT
Nikki, I hope you've removed your head from that bucket now. I laughed so hard my own sieve nearly fell off!
Fifi ;oD
It's been a bit like April up here today, sunshine but sudden showers - probably because I'm trying to dry the clothes the Traveller suddenly decided he wanted to take with him tomorrow, despite having been asked repeatedly for the last 4 days for such items to be deposited in the washing machine. Tsk tsk.....
Fifi: If you can show me a way to deal with meddling, malicious stepfamily members, I'll be a happy bunny again!
Oh what it is to be a stepmother :o(
Fifi...........
re..bucket...mmmfhdy....smcll.ll...;s;;..HUMPH,,,;ekkokf.kldklds.....jfoe.lfpe...KIN...L
.......PULL,
It's stiiillllllll raining here!
RJD (46) : Pop over here to the East Midlands then. We're having 'sunny showers' ... brief downpours during blazing sunshine.
Hopes are high for a good sighting of the Perseids tonight.
And lamb chops for dinner!
Fifi
Eddie - re the postings by yourself. Why do you have to limit yourself to 1,000? That doesn't make sense! And we need new threads to keep the talk going.
Ding Dong!
or not.
Three moreSummer sounds:
1) driving rain onto picnic tables.
2) covers being pulled on at the Oval
3) the sounds of 'severe weather warning' from the Met Office. (other offices are available)
n-n
xx
Eddie/RJD: Here's a different approach - How about trying to post 1003 new postings this week? So that you achieved 2000 by the anniversary?
Just to limit your postings to 3 would be, well, miserly.
You should have thought this through last week when you had more in hand. Like we did. :o)
What's the count now, Sir Tedward, sir?
Fifi
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha !
FF @ 24 "Eric's twitter box."
The mind truly boggles!
RJD - I think Eddie's right to try to hit 1000 on Friday. The lovely roundness of 1000 threads, 50000 posts and a first anniversary pleases my symmetrical soul. In the absence of proper posts he can twitter a bit more. That should keep us motivated
Nikki : I'll join y ou in this game, but on the Sounds of Summer thread.
Boingngngngng!
Fifi
I've just been invited to twitter with Whisht!
Has Whisht actually blogged for a while - mind you with our own local beach I've not had time to get to my cyber - winter one recently:-(
Twitter versus Facebook ? as Whisht has mentioned on Twitter.
Apart from the questionable way in which Eric uses it (twitter that is) - as an alternative way to keeping us informed - as opposed to actually using the blog. I think Twitter is a bit pointless.
The two are not comparable -
How else would I know that Valery Pedant (Val P) and I have wonderful music in common.
And I know have the most beautiful garden!
And anyone can be a friend of Chris Jarvis !
Val P and I know what we are on about :-
From the words that I remember
From my childhood still are true
That there's none so blind
As those who will not see
And to those who lack the courage
And say it's dangerous to try
Well they just don't know
That love eternal will not be denied
Rachel (53) round numbers are nice but not essential, I bet Eddie can't resist frogging every time something occurs to him, and then of course there's always 'events, dear boy'.
Also if there are fewer threads but more frogging to try to get to 50,000 they will be longer threads, so slower to load which may cause problems.
Round numbers or not this could be tricky...
I'm still trying to work out why Lord Mair didn't egg us on to go for 52,000 posts so that it was 1,000 a week.
Oh devious Selkius!
Jonnie - aha, all is now clear! Have you seen the videos for those on Yo*t*be? They've been on my favourites there for ages. So romantic. Your message was lovely, and 100 characters weren't enough for me to explain! By the way it's the Cala Lily makes me sneeze, I hate the smell.
17 - grumpy?
I heard a commentator mention the term 鈥榞rumpy racing鈥 in reference to a thing also known as Formula One. It turns out he was right; or it turns out he was poor on pronunciation; or both.
(That has cheered no-one up.)
Weather-wise, it's been warm (but not hot) and sunny all day in Worcestershire - apart from an annoying chilly breeze. We haven't had any rain to speak of - possibly a little drizzle this evening after nightfall but that's all.
So, what can we fill this thread with (apart from more discussions of the weather)?
Two possibilities:
1) Open the Mine of Useless Information (any general but utterly useless factlet)
2) Open the Joke Factory (any decent but clean jokes you've heard recently)
-oOo-
1) Ambridge is (loosely) based on Inkberrow, Borchester could be based on Kidderminster or Droitwich, and Felpersham could be based on either Worcester or Evesham.
2) Since it's still Sunday (just about!):
My head's spinning round after watching the Perseids for the last half hour ..... Wonderful stuff! but I don't think I'll make it through to the best time (2 a.m. onwards, from what they say). Now, if it were a Saturday night it might be different .....
Val - I'll check tomorrow - as you can see the time
Fifi, Mittfh, Simon and the odd G? have already spent too long discovering the delights of the Alt-GR key ? we can now say rude words on camstreams - Gillian will have a field day after her holiday!
I'm waiting in for eight rooms to arrive all day tomorrow - so will make sure that at least 500 mindless blog comments are submitted to the blog!
If Eric is clearly deciding to rule 'his' blog by the number of posts (see the Twitter update)- then we can all start banging away, as it's quantity not quality! - but hey! - it;s the figures that count - and if Eric sticks to his word - and doesn't go mad with new posts it may be quite fun.
I predict 51,000 ?
Val P .. I trust you meant this:-
Fabulous - and never eber seen the video before!
I'll always remember the song for hearing it the first time after dropping off my parents at Gatwick - That bit is true :-)
Got back in the car and heard Simon Bates on 大象传媒 Radio One doing an Our tune for that very song :-
Note the 大象传媒 reference!
The story involved a missing baby - that was snatched away from the person who wrote the letter, by the father!
It was all so tragic - I was actually in tears when Simon said:-
" And Julie says ..... she juist knows ... that one day ...... in some place ..... at some time ..... unbeknown to us ........ they will meet again ......... cue song!
Years later .. whilst working with Simon and doing a recording of 'Our Tune' .. it was refreshing to realise that I should never have been so worried or concerned in the first place!
But it was the 大象传媒 - and it was what they did !
Hey! it's only Radio at the end of the day.
-
48,808 at start of business on Monday...
At least it is going up - not like the FTSE.
Okay, guys, so here's the deal. If Colonel Eddie's right, we need to aim for around 280 postings each day this week, which should get us to the target 50K around midday Friday.
Hup two three four
Hup two three four
Hup two three four
Hup two three four .........
Ready, troops?
Yes, RJD, definitely bucking the trend.
RJD (66) looks like the markets are picking up a bit.
I've noticed a strange thing of late: If I preview before posting, the Blog 'forgets' me and I have to enter all the contact details again. Not sure why this is happening .... Ah well.
Ok - here we go....but I swear August is stepping up a gear so I can't frog as much. Have to reach it by end of this week as am going away next. Selfish, moi? Just hate to miss the big surprise! :)
Still seems like an aggressive target, but - Chris Ghoti - I had exactly the same thought yesterday, why not 52,000 so as to average 1,000 per week?
Well, I'll certainly try to do my bit :)
Message to the Mods:
Colonel Mair's troops are in place to meet their leader's target for Friday. We now need to enlist your support to ensure postings get through quickly and efficiently.
For this campaign to be won, we need the support of the backroom boys. Do not fail us!
Big Sister. (74)
Well said.
Sgt Sis, I'm following orders...
LMP, Rachel G:
We're a great team!
Medals will be distributed on Friday.
Val P, I am used to being a piscean miscreant, but I think I could grow to like being a devious Selkius.
:-)
Nothing in particular.
Do the mods drive Vespas or Lambrettas?
Don't mind me, just doing my bit for the 50,000.
Hup two three four
Keep it up two three four
Hup two three four
Keep it up two three four
Company sound off!
Ho, the aim of our patrol
Is a question rather droll
For to march and drill
Over field and hill
Is a military goal!
Is a military goal!
Hup two three four
Dress it up two three four
Hup two three four
Dress it up two three four
By the ranks or single file
Over every jungle mile
Oh we stamp and crush
Through the underbrush
In a military style!
In a military style!
Hup two three four
Keep it up two three four
:-)
Vyle (79):
Surely it's monks that drive Vespas?
Well, in honour of the Mods, perhaps we should all whistle a few bars from "March of the Mods"?
And treat them to a day in Margate.
48,865 as of 12.42 Monday lunchtime
so that's only (*consults abacus, fingers toes and thumbs*) 1135 to go :-)
I had a good job which I left
left
left my wife and forty-two children without any gingerbread think I did right
right
right by my country I had a good job which I left
left
left my wife and forty-two children without any gingerbread think I did right
right
right by my country...
does anyone happen to know where that comes from?
Oooh, Eddie, you've arrived! your own headphones. They'll be giving you your own peg next. Key to the executive washroom (sic) soon?
Marc, we can do it. Are you even more excited than us? Or fed up with taking your socks off when you run out of fingers?
Should I have sent that as two posts?
Frances O @ 86, yes. :-)
Chris - The version I've heard is a bit simpler
I had a good job but I left,
I had a good job but I left,
I had a good job, I thought I was right,
I had a good job but I left.
As far as I know just a simple marching rhyme.
Own Headphones whatever next. Your own microphone cover?
Back from a few days down south. Legoland, Hampton Lido and Kew. We were staying somewhere every night as well. Lovely time had by all.
RJD, but if I march to that one it ends up on the wrong foot for the second 'left'.
I think I have to go round the block a couple of times. See you later if I don't get forcibly inducted into the Ministry for Silly Walks.
Appeal for your help, froggers!
I am working on an anniversary project (among other things I'm a publisher) for the PM Blog.
Please, those of you who love the Frog, and who know Fifi enough to trust me, can you please send an email via the weblink attached to my name above, and I'll tell you more!
No obligation, and your privacy (as always) is guaranteed.
Look forward to hearing from you ... including lots who have dropped off the radar.
;o) Fifi
Just passing through and got enlisted....
Jonnie, and there's this one too of course
though you know what I'm like with links. Think it comes before in the story :o)
SSC (82) Hahaha. That was grim.
God Bless the grass
That grows through the crack
They roll the concrete over it
To try and keep it back
The concrete gets tired
Of what it has to do
It breaks and it buckles
And the grass grows through.
God bless the grass
God bless the truth
That fights towards the sun
They roll the lies over it
And think that it is done
It moves through the ground
It reaches for the air
And after a while
It's growing everywhere.
God bless the grass
Two more stanzas
God bless the grass
that grows through cement
It's green and it's tender
And easily bent
But after a while
It lifts up its head
For the grass is living
And the stone is dead.
And God blessed the grass
God bless the grass
That's gentle and low
The roots they are deep
And the will is to grow
And God bless the Truth
The friend of the poor
And the wild grass growing
At the poor man's door.
God bless the grass
Words and music by Malvina Reynolds, copied down from a record by Pete Seeger:
---- Pete Seeger: God Bless the Grass (Columbia CL 2432, 1966)
But did God want us to smoke it?
Of course!
xx
ed
Val P (93) Have no concern about links. I just clicked on a link to "CD Drives" on PC W*rld, and it took me to iP*ds. Well, they're the experts.
Vyle (94):
Sorry, it's just a habit. I'll make tonsure I don't pun that baldly again.
Just as well Aperitif hasn't seen this, I wouldn't want any ap-lauds, I should just play with a beer matins tead. Prime among my faults is chatting on this compline. I must be more terce and make sure I have no sext in my posts, nope, none.
(Forgive me father, for I have punned...)
Maybe they meant seedy drives ;-)
xx
ed
Given by U.S. to Iraqi Security Forces Missing
鈥淒amnedest thing,鈥 says baffled Pentagon spokesman.
Just thought - if Eddie can probe the blog software to find out how often he's posted, maybe he can compile a top 10/top 20 froggers...
(He says, safe in the knowledge he'll be somewhere in the bottom end of the top 50)
mittfh
I am 100% positive you realise that Mr Mair is counting thread posts to get to 1000, whereas you are asking for a count of comment posts....and this gets us just one more nearer 50k!!!
Who knows if
(1) comments are counted separately on each thread - I'd guess they'd have to be - but then again...
(2) if there is a way of identifuing froggers who multiplely nom.
(3) why any one would !!!
Anyway, we all know, roughly. As you say, you know where you;d come, and so do I , give or take.
Each of us could, together, compile your list.
Which then beggs the question "why?""!!!!!!
hehe!!
n