1. On your recomdations I purchased "Red Mars" from the local chazbo shop (99p) to read when I've finished HP Lovecraft, which I'm quite enjoying as it happens. Also bought "Andy Warhol's Children's Book" (29p)

2. I meant to do a longer post about this, but anybody of my generation may have a passing interest in a series of five plays - One Chord Wonders on Radio 4. This is the premise-
"Five plays about the punk generation 30 years on. Someone is anonymously organising a reunion of the 27 people who went to a gig by punk legends The Adverts in Camberley in 1977."

The first two have been pretty enjoyable and clever, which is not really surprising considering the writer is Frank Cottrell Boyce, who wrote several screenplays including "24 Hour Party People). The last one is still on "Listen Again", and the third one goes out on Friday night.

3. I rather enjoyed the David Miliband article that seems to be causing a lot of silly season froth in the papers. I pretty much agree with every word, except perhaps " I still believe we can win the next election"

4. rainbarrow alerts me to this article in the Lewisham Mercury about The John Evelyn pub. It featured in the documentary series "the Tower" which has just won a Bafta. It's also a regular stop for both Blackheath Morris and Fowlers Molly Dancers tours, due to the ever friendly audiences there. Congratulations to landlord Doug Elsley who seems to have had an improvement in his circumstances since the programme was made. I never actually saw the series, but I'd love to see it, if anybody can help...

5. Something has bitten my ankle leaving two very large sore red circles behind. A vampire bat, possibly?