A LITTLE SOMETHING EXTRA TO SAY THANKS
Youβre such a good bunchβ¦
β¦Sat here with a glass of ruby red wine by my side, the bedside lamp aglow, the world at bay outside my window. The noise of distant traffic, subconsciously reassuring, reminds me itβs still there.
Iβm reading your posts and the tears are rolling down my cheeks, I feel so moved, silent tears but so strong and relieved at being let go, they race away.
Where there was loneliness before there is no longer. Where there was no escape before there is now.
Whatever you use this blog for, isnβt it great ? As other publications and platforms serve only to deride and divide, this one is full of love, honesty and caring.
Imagine owning a newspaper thatβs read by millions and using it only to titillate. Imagine owning several of those newspapers. Imagine editing such a publication and having to go home every night in order to drink yourself into oblivion so you canβt remember exactly what it is that youβve presided over that day.
When I was in the middle of a not dissimilar period of abuse of positon, thatβs what I used to do, itβs the only thing any intelligent person can do, βtemporary suicide,β Bertrand Russell called it. How well observed.
Build and ye shall create, destroy and ye shall hate, not least of all thyself.
Night night.
Lots of love, we are now none of us on our own.
x.
Comments
Thank you Chris
Cx
You're a star, Chris. Thanks for starting it all, for us all!
Star-Ting. Good word!
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
chris, i think you have captured a wonderful blog audience, and all are lead by what you write. Because you don't critisise, put down, moan, etc your readers/fellow bloggers don't either. And what is so nice is reading other peoples blogs and realising that not everyone is like the people we all seem to come across in daily life, pubs, clubs, work, school etc. Wouldn;t it be wonderful if everyone could live together like that.
At least we all know that as your bloggers, we all appear to be nice, genuine people :-)
top bloke cheers
Hello Chris,
Sitting here reading your podcast for the past couple of weeks, I feel like a voyeur, so I've decided to join in and be counted.
I also feel, I suppose, like others who add comments, like I know you and care how you do.
I've followed your rise from GLR to now, through your triumphs and otherwise, it's so good to see that you've come out the other side as lovely as you ever were.
So, that's the judgemental git bit over.
I'll get on with my own life now as it's just picking up!
ttfn,
tufty
hi
Thanks Chris - don't feel so alone now.
sending lots of love xx
Hi,
I am also sat with a glass of delicious red wine, reflecting on the events of the day.
The tributes for Paulie have been heartfelt and I hope his family derive some comfort from them.
Chris, you have brought together a wonderful group of people via this blog and it restores my faith that there are still decent people who wish each other well as we go through our individual lives.
Claire xx
Evening all,
Just got in and thought I would just check the blog (it is a good habit to have)!
Now look what you have done Mr E, you have gone and got the BigUn welling up :-(
You are right though my friend (I feel I can call you that) you have indeed brought together a wonderful bunch of virtual friends.
Well done and thank you :-))
Keith
x
Thanks Chris.
Like I have said, on numbers of occasions, this blog is a beautiful and inspiring addition to my life.
Gaby
xx
MR E
Just read the blog part 2 today .. it keeps me positive . i love it ..
Sj
hi chris and bloggies,
Cheers chris! Just when life gets too hectic and I pile pressure upon myself you seem to be able to help me (and perhaps others) stand back and gaze in wonder at the world around.
Loved the dalai lama meal story from this morn's blog- have some really old mates visiting this weekend and sometimes I get stressed by trying to cook an amazing meal. when they've gone i wish i had engeged in the moment more, so I'll be thinking of your advice,
Sumo
Chris
I love your blog and I love the commenters. It's a great little community and although I don't contribute too often, I am an avid reader, of your entry and all the posts which you inspire.
Happy days, it's a wonderful world.
xxx
Good evening all
Just got back in from a night-time exploration of the wood behind the temporary hiding place that I call home. Ravel is doing some English homework I set for him, and I am reading some emails whilst perusing the blogosphere. There are so many places to visit that sometimes I feel like I am pissing in the wind trying to make myself heard with my own ramblings. Chris, you have the distinct advantage of standing over us each day, casting your thoughts in our direction like a demagogue handing out benevolent thought instructions 'Today schloggers, your chosen subject is...' We gratefully stoop down to pick up the edict, then trundle/waddle/ bounce/skip/jump/limp off to our own private places for a few moments of inward reflection. We return to the blog to give thanks, and to try our best to reply. One of us is occasionally chosen for a mention in the show, or in tomorrow's message. What joy that brings, to realise that someone is reading and that our blog-leader is listening.
My main blog clocked up it's 5000th hit on the main page today, almost 10 months after it began. A small personal milestone, but one that no doubt pales in comparison with the number of hits on this blog on a daily basis. Interestingly, the most heavily hit day occured when I linked to the photograph of Denise, my hirsuite receptionist who is looking for love. No offers of marriage yet, so I suggested (somewhat as a joke, I have to admit) that she puts up a video of herself on youtube. She's seriously thinking about it, apparently.
yours in melancholy
J McC
P.S. The two reporters sent to discover where I am hiding have gone missing. I think they might be in the wood. I'll keep you posted.
Thanks for being there, Chris and all you bloggers.
What a nice bunch you all are. Whether its spuds or mortality, the blog is an inspiring and happy place to visit.
M
x
Hi Chris,
What a lovely surprise to see your late addition. I'm glad this little community has touched you. The way i figure it that means collectively we have done something good because you deserve it mate.
Dwell on this, at the risk of more tears, the community thats here exists because we all appreciate your thoughts, your sense of fun..and how much you care. Scary huh? Pretty darn wonderful too.
G'night and much love.
Feste xx
Hi Chris and all....
Sat here with a Strongbow cider :-) .....read your second blog...what a lovely surprise. You are right Chris, what a great bunch of peeps on here who I consider to be my friends now. There is no need to be lonely, this is such a wonderful way to stay connected. We all have our ups and downs and our off days - nice to know we are not alone.
Thanks for bringing us all together Chris...top job :-)
Hugs and kisses...
Joannie xxxxxxoooooooo
Clearly considered, elegantly delivered and positively charged thoughts as ever.
Mr Evans, your maturity, kindness and intelligently crafted musings are indeed a pleasure to read. I hope I can intone for the entire community of contributors here when I offer you a word of thanks for your continued wisdom and candid commentaries. In turn, they have lead to this fabulous, warm and always affirmative forum.
Good afternoon from Canada, good night as the moonlight dominates the skies for you all in Blighty.
Dr T
RIP Paul Walters. Though taken all too early, you have earned your rest.
Dear Chris et al,
Posh start, don't worry it goes down hill from here!
No, seriously, I think your blog is great - it allows people to open up, share concerns etc. If they want to.
I was watching Prime Suspect last night - and I am more like Helen Mirram, if I had cancer I wouldn't tell a soul. I'm just so private - I would keep it to myself.
I'm not saying that is the right thing to do - but we are all different.
Unfortunately, quite a few people I know have died, but two in particular stand out. One my dad (11 years ago), who died after a month of telling us he had cancer, and two my favourite auntie (a year ago) who died of liver failure. Both of these didn't tell anyone they worked with - until the week before they died.
I think I would be like that. My 81 year old nan has recently had a successful tripple bypass, and I didn't tell a soul at work. 2 weeks later she's down the pub! Technology! Has she learnt anything? No, Who cares!
And Mum's. Everyone talks about their mum so fondly, I wish I could. She puts things/people in boxes - and I don't do that. My sister does everything so perfectly. My mum irritates me to hell, we are so different. She doesn't get me, never will. I left home at 16 to get away, never looked back.
Where did all that come from? Oh well.
ΒιΆΉΤΌΕΔ alone this week. My ex husband has the kids this week. Kids, I wouldn't change that at all - they are great. My ex and I are good friends as well. We didn't really fall out, we just changed.
Little S.x
I found this poem to be a great comfort when my friend died last year.
Death is nothing at all
I have only slipped away into the next room
I am I and you are you
Whatever we were to each other
That we are still
Call me by my old familiar name
Speak to me in the easy way you always used
Put no difference into your tone
Wear no forced air of solemnity or sorrow
Laugh as we always laughed
At the little jokes we always enjoyed together
Play, smile, think of me, pray for me
Let my name be ever the household word that it always was
Let it be spoken without effort
Without the ghost of a shadow in it
Life means all that it ever meant
It is the same as it ever was
There is absolute unbroken continuity
What is death but a negligible accident?
Why should I be out of mind
Because I am out of sight?
I am waiting for you for an interval
Somewhere very near
Just around the corner
All is well.
Evenin all,
Just back from the pub and catching up on the days events.
Death, what is the biggest regret in this our last swansong.
Is it the wonderment of how, if any, impact has been left be it good or bad? Or is it just good ol fashioned fear of the unknown?
We all would like to think that we leave a footprint behind us when we go but is the actual cause of the fear of passing not knowing if we have or not.
The people we know are the people we will lose at the end of the day and it is how we attend these losses that counts. Instead of being sad and remorsefull, we should embrace what was and what is. Celebrate not commisserate.
Life is a positive and should be celebrated likewise..
Col
Dearest Chris,
Today this blog has been my only contact with the outside world and it has, as always, taken me to a wonderful place of reflection. There's meaning in everything you write and naturally the people you attract who respond are deep and thoughtful people too. Kindred spirits. What goes around comes around. xx
it's so rewarding to part of the family you have created with your blog and as for many others my days are that much more enriched for having this space that you have created for us to share and exchange so much. No wonder you feel so special. It's because you are. Long may that feeling continue. My warmest hugs and thanks to you.
Nightie night and sweet dreams.
xxx Debs xxx
Just logged on before going to bed and what a lovely suprise to hear from you again.
You've started a wonderful thing here Chris- like many others your show and this blog has inspired and lifted me in so many ways.
Thanks- for everything. Your observations have always made me laugh- still smile and think of you when I see a dog travelling in a car with it's head out of the window!!
Keep it up Chris- you are one of the beautiful people. Your blog is a wonderful areana for like minded people-thanks again.
Take care,
Debbie x
Yet again Chris, you've left me speechless!
Keep it up mate,
Bed
haven't had time to blog today. It's half term and as a teacher i am enjoying half term. Took my son and nephew to waterstones where we have a book day. we grab all the books we think we will like grab a couple of sofas and whittle down what our budget will get. Today horrid henry came out trumps with some frank cottrell boyce.
i think with death we all leave a bit of us behind. most of us touch someones life along the way be it children siblings or just people on our journey. i met my husband a year after he lost his mom and we have 2 beautiful children that she never met in her physical life but i am sure she has watched them grow. i just think life is a wonderful thing who knows what there is out there to outdo it ! bit of a drunken post gym blog
Is today tomorrow? No matter what it is, I'm grateful to have been apart of it :-)
As I write this, I gaze at my beautiful two year old boy in bed beside me. I have let him sleep in 'Mummy's big bed' as I wanted him to be a little closer to me tonight.
Love is all around us.
Chris,
Your heartfelt blog about death has cautioned me to consider the biggest regret of my life.
18 months ago someone came back into my life after 22 years. Despite being the love of my life ,stupidly ,I regected him once more and now I don't think I will ever see him again.
So all of you out there, if you feel it in your heart go for it ,there's only one life.
Hello All,
Just read yesterdays 2 blogs and what else can you do but agree. Things mount up, things get difficult and sometimes you loose the people that seem to make a little sense in the world.
It good to know that every now and again you can get together with like minded people and feel a part of something - even in the virtual sense - that gives you back a little comfort.
I love reading and commenting on this blog so much because you, and therefore it are full of positive energy.
Thank you Chris, for being you!
Kelly
Lovely to read your second blog. Glad that we all contribute something. Those of you out there who feel you are alone should use this blog as a step towards realising you have plenty to give, and there are plenty to share it with.
Thanks Chris for acting as master of ceremonies, and sharing your thoughts with us. Its very brave of you.
Love to all,
J
Chris, you are so lovely. I hope you realise how much you give to all of us - not least the opportunity to be honest about how we feel. I hope that we can in some small way give something back to you and to each other. I love this blog.
And I love you, you gorgeous man. :-)
xxxxxxxxxx
Thanks for a lovely (extra) blog chris, I don't know if other bloggers have tried to explain what we do here to loved ones? I have, and he thinks we're all sad weirdos I think! I would never have believed I'd be part of something like this, it's so positive, and when i occasionally read other messageboards, they are so nasty and bitchy.
I feel really good being part of it; thanks for having me everyone.
Em xx
PS Lucky Mrs Big'Un, I've seen the diamond I'd love, but I don't think we'll ever have the spare cash to justify it. I've entered a competition to win one though....xx
A pleasure to read.
I have for the first time in my life attempted kepping positive about everything, and would you Adam and Eve it, things do seem to be better all round. All thanks to these words of wisdom from bloggers.
However it is easy to slip back into the same old routine of a good moan, will try to keep in a positive state of mind.
This blog seems to brighten up a lot of lifes, so good on you Chris and fellow bloggers.
Thank You to everyone.
Christophe... what a touching and lovely blog.
Spent most of the day yesterday logging on to see if you'd posted yet, but to no avail, so had to go home where we have no computer, but armfuls of love and a (now impegito free) Squiggly Pig.
It's a club this show of yours, and it's become - for me anyway, don't know about anyone else, but suspect they too feel it - more than the sum of its parts.
It's not just us listening to you play records and talk nonsense. You gather us to you like eager children, but there's none of that silly idolatry associated with people in your position.
I feel you are a friend, someone who doesn't mind if I don't call for a few days, who doesn't mind if I haven't got anythign interesting to say (that isn't Squiggly Pig related), who'll listen to my thinly veiled whinges about work, and then smiles, gives me a cuddle and tells me everything's all right.
I love this blog, I love this show, and most of all, I love the fact I'm not the only one who enjoys getting a spiritual cuddle from thousands - dare I say millions - of ordinary people who have had just a little of the sparkle knocked out of them.
I'll never be as funny as McCrumble, or as clever as Big Un, but I do great big maternal hugs very very well, so here's a gift-wrapped one to you all.
Hope you get to read this Chris.
xxxxxxx
Good Morning Good Morning Good Morning !!!
Another fantastic day awaits !
Chris - I know I texted you to say thanks BUT - THANKS !!!! I was just driving in to my road when Hootie came on last night....I had spent the whole of my journey home mulling over my impending appointment not listening to anything on the radio. I tuned in to Radio 2 at 5 only to hear that recognisable song opening ! The biggest smile came across my face and shifted my thoughts completely. Thank You :)
Thanks to everyone for your kind words and support yesterday. My fantastic Mum came with me for moral support. I am going back on Friday morning for the next set of tests. I`m working through it as best I can and trying to stay positive. I just wish I knew what it was - good or bad, so that I can put an action plan together and fight it !
Chris - You are an amazing human being !
Have a wonderful day one and all x x x
Little Sue - my mum is exactly the same. We have never been friends - in fact I don't even like her. She treats my father like s**t and I used to feel sorry for him but they have been married for 50 years so I guess my sympathy has now run out. I also have a sister who is perfect. I have never felt comfortable with my family but I now have a wonderful partner and he makes me very happy.
Life is great - it's our friends we need not our family.
When I feel down I just listen to 'Wonderful World' - then I count my blessings.
Much love.
Kat x
Hi all
This seems appropriate. It is taken from the musical "Time" and was narrated by Sir Laurence Olivier. I can remember hearing it for the first time and being totally stunned. I hope some of you get some meaning from it too.
Stand before me on the sign of infinity, all you of the earth.
With the granting of the law of provination comes the application of change.
I will give you the key.
And with this knowledge, please realise, comes the responsibility of sharing it.
I will show you the way.
It's very simple. Throughout the universe there is order.
In the movement of the planets, in nature and in the functioning of the human mind.
A mind that is in its natural state of order, is in harmony with the universe and such a mind is timeless.
Your life is an expression of your mind.
You are the creator of your own Universe -
For as a human being, you are free to will whatever state of being you desire through the use of your thoughts and words.
There is great power there.
It can be a blessing or a curse -
It's entirely up to you.
For the quality of your life is brought about by the quality of your thinking - think about that.
Thoughts produce actions - look at what you're thinking.
See the pettiness and the envy and the greed and the fear and all the other attitudes that causes you pain and discomfort.
Realize that the one thing you have absolute
control over is your attitude.
See the effect that it has on those around you.
For each life is linked to all life and your words carry with them chain reactions like a stone that is thrown into a pond.
If your thinking is in order, your words will flow directly from the heart creating ripples of love.
If you truly want to change your world, my friends, you must change your thinking.
Reason is your greatest tool, it creates an atmosphere of understanding, which leads to caring which is love.
Choose your words with care.
Go forth ... with love.
Chris - you are truly blessed. Not only with the ability to see what was wrong in your life, deal with it and move on, but also to be able to voice what so many feel.
Dee x
Sometimes for me it's like being in a big group conversation, just listening to others and not always feeling the need to talk.
Well I'm still here, feeling a little quiet, not commenting much recently, but listening intently.
Thx all.
Chris,
Don't know whether you will come back to read the additional comments from your extra blog on 23rd Oct. I have just managed to read everything and as always, it's outstanding.
I did say to you last week this blog has changed my life and I felt really daft saying that. But I now see I am certainly not alone. Day by day we are all getting to know each other and it's wonderful to be a part of it. Several times over the last few weeks I have started to say to my husband that I am "commenting" on Chris Evans' blog, but would he think I've lost it completely?
Anyway, you have made it possible for me to really CARE about Tracey-Ann and Mary and the BigUN and Joseph McCrumble (if only I knew of his hideout, I could prepare some delicious Scottish potato scones for him) and last but not least Joannie from Toronto who will be making her trip any day now!
Thanks for making this possible!
C xx
Chris. I thank you. xx
Sniff.
Feel like a group hug.
I belong to few sites and feel the same about my other virtual friends. Its great to share and not be judged.
I think the divercity (sp) on this blog is fabulous. We may meet each other in the street and never know we are part of the same group that have shared so much in such a short time. Thats the v best thing, the anonimity ( sp again)
Cept of course for you Chris , no escape for you.
Saz
x
As a recent convert from One to Two I must say that I am completely bowled over by both the show and blog.
Intellect, humour and stimulating subject matter has made my drive home and ten minutes in lunch (blog reading) now a pleasurable part of my day. Incidentally this has given a use to the browser on my Blackerry.
To all of you, keep blogging and stay a Top level wizard.
P.S. Next the Telegraph Crossword.
P.P.S Is QI the funniest thing on telly
have sat hear reading all these blogs with tears and a huge smile and warmth inside.i had one of my lowest lows yesterday and this is helping me climb out thank you all.we are all such different people but share the same heart.and when we hear your voice on the show we think of all this and we fell all that love again even if the world outside seems to be dealing its worst.thanks so much mx
Hi Chris,
I remember listening to your show when you were on Radio 1 on a Saturday morning I think, a long time ago.
The show was enormously funny, pushing the boundaries a little. Remember "Tickle your Trout" etc.?
Don't take this next bit too hard, read to the end, it has a happy ending!
Your career grew and grew, but seemingly so did your ego. At what for me was a low point in your career, in some comedy award show or other you made some ill judged gags at the expense of an old time comedian who was at the podium with you. I think it was Leslie Phillips. I could barely watch or listen to a show that featured you and I could only find you irritating.
I groaned when they announced that Johnny Walker was leaving the drive time show and that you would be hosting the new drive time show. I drive 45 minutes each way every workday and listen to the radio.
In your first show I gave it a try and I noticed a change which made me keep listening.
You had once again found your humility. Having not seen or heard of you for such a long time I wondered if you had had a wilderness period when you were not finding work perhaps due to the ego, but finally R2 offered you a post? Perhaps you were grateful to be given a second chance? I don't know, I can only read between the lines.
Anyway, can I just say, it's nice to have the old you back. You seem to be a genuinely nice guy and I find your show very entertaining, making the 45 minute run shorter. Please keep it up, keep your feet on the ground and keep the ego in check!
Remember other analyses of your career are available, I'm just one punter who may have it all wrong and who am I to pass judgement!
Cheers,
Richard
Ive only in the past week or so started reading the blog, and been concernd about writing anything here because of past experiences with group sites either getting nasty, groupy or other things that is a little concerning.
But with yesterdays blog from your goodself Chris and the other fab listeners out there I felt i had to put something, although it may not of made sense or read well. I just felt that i was in good company, it feels like a group of mates that are able to tell and show each other their emotions and feelings.
Radio 2 has like a family of djs, terry is the father to us all, ken and johnny are like uncles, jezzer is the brother to us whom i have some slight connections with being my uncle worked with his dad at i think nescot college, my other half lived next door to and hung out with jex and tim when tackers, and finaly born on same day albeit different years, and chris the main man is like a mate, somone you can have a laugh with and can talk to also.there are other djs out there that would fit the family circle but my memory is like a sieve lol.
In the past few months ive been considdering what i want to do in life and work. Working out where i want to be working, living and relationship wise (how bad is that me putting work before life). I currently work for a car rental company starting at 8am and at times finishing from anythign from 8, 9 or even 10pm with only 30 mins break, i come to the mind its time to jump ship but what to do. unfortunatly the work ive been doign has as i see it numbed my brain in its ability to think, memorise and work correctly. Im also stuck in where i want to live, i would idealy like to live in cornwall as it is and will always be home to me, but i have a close friend who i see as like a mum to me who is in canada and have thought about living there. And when it comes to relationships well im kind of in one but there is not one if that makes sense. im always the one to ask to hugs or a kiss, we dont realy talk a lot due to work and just not having anything to say, but i dont want to leave because i feel i will hurt her and let her down and that is one thing i dont like to do to people.
Ive waffled on too long now and prob bored you guys to tears, so will depart and think of something to cook for dinner as im a tad on the hungry side now.
Take care you guys, peace to you all. many thanks for being there and for putting up with my drivel lol.
FMH to the guys and huggles for the girlies.
Trippy
Now then, how is it that I managed to miss the second blog of 23rd, dunno, but I did.
I feel Chris that I have to add my own thanks to you and all the bloggers as well. I have benefitted enormously in reading the thoughts and ongoing bits of other peoples lives. Life can throw some crappy stuff at you and its tuff sometimes knowing where exactly you fit in. We may be born and die alone but there is no need to be alone in life. When its my turn to die I want the people who have gone down the years with me to be around and holding my hand, with my heart full of good memories. sure there will be sad times to recall, oportunities not taken, but these are only the places where you learn the most because they hurt.
I feel I am enormously lucky in life...I have family albeit some of it extended, some fabulous friends and a man I have been able to count on. He and I will always be friends no matter what happens next.......so bloggers, long may it continue, keep being honest and telling it like it is...ya never know who's reading and what you are saying may hit home to any of us. The public place is too full of knockers (not the girlie bits) and people too eager to destroy, but that is not the best that life can be. As for God, well, he put us here and we got Chris....who knows....no one can prove anything....you either have faith or you don't, personal choice, and arn't we lucky to be able to have one. Most of us will never be rich or famous, a VIP, but we can make a difference in the lives of the people who know us, Just like TheBigun (Keith).
oooooo am getting a headache...too many words for a hump day morning...need a cuppa then will walk my dog and feed the ducks methinks.
Have a lovely day and a good life, lotsalove all and mega, mega thanks....Luvvies X
Carpe Diem!
Your blog is better than therapy. Thank you
Hi does receiving junk mail really get on your nerves?
I do!!
I'm fed up with piles of junk mail coming through my door on a daily basis, but I like receiving some of the good stuff like money off vouchers. I've just discovered this new service that makes it possible to stop the junk mail you donβt like but allows you to continue to receive the mail you do want. Its great, I've taken control of my letter box and I thought I'd share my tip!
Visit www.itsmypost.com
Chrissie-boos
Just love the blog-it is so personal, even tho'y'know that 100's of people read it.You really say some nice things, sheer poetry at times, d'you write them all yourself, I ssoo hope so.
Hey Mummy Evans 'Magic' chicken stew sounds like heaven. My older sister used to make it too, no one could get the taste that she did cos she used magic too. Sadly she died some years ago and took the magic with her-so I haven't tasted anything so good, so beg Mummy Evans to tell just a couple of her magic ingredients and I try it......Yummmmm
Hello,
I stumbled on this site by accident and was incredibly moved by what you said. I'm not sure but I think you are on radio (please excuse my ignorance). If that's the case, I hope I can find it here (Toronto, Canada) because I would love to hear more.
Thank you for your words.
Kind regards,
Jackie
I have no idea what a blog is, i have never seen tham before, nor have i read one (if thats what you do). I have now though and i am quiet bewildered what they are for.
Im 33 or is that 34, i'm not sure and this Blogging thing is perhaps too modern for me. Its really nice though to see some really great comments about Chris. He seems a decent bloke, avid radio 2 listner who in truth did not give Chris too much air time at first, always wanted JW. anyhow, i digress as always, listened a couple more times and became really quiet hooked. I'm not sure if your meant to write this in a Blog, digress again, anyhow chris, your doing a darn fine job and you have taken JW's spot and done it very well, even driving up the M6 on a Friday night is now fun. Keep it goping and dont forget to take a break every now and then to recharge.
Darren on the M6 (well not tonight)
Hi Chris
Knowing the amazing way you kick off discussions, how about this? Despite the obvious success of Honda, Nissan and Toyota manufacturing high quality, highly reliable, and highly respected products in our beautiful sceptred isle, we hear lots of doom and gloom regarding the future of manufacturing in Britain.
At last we see a sign from our glorious Monarch of what to do to curb this unwarranted belief. Where? On our most popular and prestigious bank note - the Β£20; for as Sir Edward Elgar steps down from his honourable position we see the enigma and its variations revealed in the face of Adam Smith - the Scottish Economist and advisor to William Pitt (the younger) - who postulated Lean Manufacturing and Single Piece Flow in his book 'The Wealth of Nations'. Now at last our young entrepreneurs will be enlightened and our industrial sages constantly reminded of the methods proposed by Adam Smith and copied with phenomenal success by our Japanese rivals β every time they change a twenty!
As an aside, 2000 saw the end of the Age of Pisces (oppression and control) and the start of the Age of Aquarius (enlightenment and progress). What a great way to start the enlightenment process!
William
PS: Just returned from a trip to Egypt where my wife and I experienced the magic of the five 'essesntial oils' (floral, herbs, woods, spices, and man-made - like Channel No. 5) so we loved the bit on perfumes - get the lady back post haste!