wondering what the lovely Val was doing in our office yesterday. All will become clear.
Also: I mentioned something on the programme the other night about something all listeners can take part in. Not yet announced...but coming very soon. And here's your first clue:
Flash?
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Gordon! (Bennett?)
Hmmm, flash... photograph... application...
Morning, Eddie, Lissa, Roger, froggers all.
Anyone hear the Today programme asking listeners to visit their blog?
Has there been some boasting in the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ Club bar? Is this a friendly rivalry we see developing?
Oh! I'm here at the start of a new blog day! That's not happened to me before.
Trouble is I'm going to be wondering all day now about these important questions.
What was Valerie Singleton doing yesterday, and why am I being invited to flash?
Morning Eddie!
Mary
Oh, btw, Eric, look to your laurels; the lovely Sequin done good interviewing yesterday
Flash??
"HE'S ALIIIIIIIVVVE!!!"
The only things that spring to mind this early are:
"Aaah! Saviour of the Universe!"
or
"Flash, I love you, but we only have fourteen hours to save the Earth!"
Mr Mair,
Where is your note excusing you for yesterday?
If it doesn't appear soon, we shall be sending the truant officer round!
Flash? It's either a photographic competition or something to do with toilet cleaner.
As for Val coming in...are there any birthday celebrations happening for PM any time soon?
Frances O - It was the message board, I believe, that listeners were being invited to visit. Much less fun than our lovely blog.
Morning Eddie, morning all.
The word 'flash':
Lightning (like our Eddie's reactions)
Cleansing (like a certain product)
Gordon (of course)
Lord Flash Heart (would this make Eddie 'Lord Blackadder?)
Flash in the Pan (never!)
Flash -ing (?????????????)
So, an intriguing revelation is awaited
Bang Wallop!
...just shows how my mind runs, when the clue made me think of
1) Gordon (as per others)
2) -ing
3) Memory
Sequin was on *again* this morning on Today (was it she who invited people to the Today pages?)
Frances O. (1)
I've just visited the Today Message Board - don't seem to have a blog that I could find.
A cursory inspection and I have to say I'm very unimpressed by the quality of the comments. Perhaps it gets better during the day, but reasoned debate seemed lacking and humour absent entirely.
There were two technical features that seem good - you can track your own contributions and comments held for moderating and present but invisible pending processing.
Certainly didn't tempt me to linger.
I take it that last word was an offer Eric?
Yes please :-)
What a picture!
What a photograph!
Or could it be a flash media player? What on earth is being planned?
I've just seen that our beloved Sequin is to front her own programme! BIG congratulations to you, Sequin! I hope this doesn't mean that you'll stop filling in for Eddie, though, as you're always welcome here :)
"...something all listeners can take part in..."
Oh no! Has PM been forced to give in to overwhelming commercial pressures and finally decided to run PM Competition Time.
"Yes, on PM Competition Time today it's your chance to win an amazing all-expenses-paid trip the nations capital to visit Gordon Brown at his lovely Downing Street residenced, where our lucky winner will receive a signed photo, a framed copy of some of Gordy's most famous sums, and a chance to meet the origional Prudence voodoo doll used by the last 12 Chancellors. And as if that isn't enough(!), our winner will have a romantic 7 minute candle-lit briefing with Gordon, and less than 25 of his staff, where he has promised to look very sincere about anything you say. All you have to do is phone or text in your answer the following question, and you could be on the next National Express to Whitehall."
"Which MP will be Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister at some undisclosed time in the future?"
A: Charles Kennedy.
B: Gordon Brown
C: Valerie Singleton
__
"...something all listeners can take part in..."
Oh no! Has PM been forced to give in to overwhelming commercial pressures and finally decided to run PM Competition Time.
"Yes, on PM Competition Time today it's your chance to win an amazing all-expenses-paid trip the nations capital to visit Gordon Brown at his lovely Downing Street residenced, where our lucky winner will receive a signed photo, a framed copy of some of Gordy's most famous sums, and a chance to meet the origional Prudence voodoo doll used by the last 12 Chancellors. And as if that isn't enough(!), our winner will have a romantic 7 minute candle-lit briefing with Gordon, and less than 25 of his staff, where he has promised to look very sincere about anything you say. All you have to do is phone or text in your answer the following question, and you could be on the next National Express to Whitehall."
"Which MP will be Leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister at some undisclosed time in the future?"
A: Charles Kennedy.
B: Gordon Brown
C: Valerie Singleton
Flash...of inspiration?
Wish I could have one, Eddie.
Just seen AndyCr on another thread!
Welcome back, Whisht/AndyCr. We've missed you ...
Good Grief Eddie you're blogging early this morning. Is this because you have become proud of us froggers at last, since this is apparently officially the best blog at the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳. Well it makes a change from being seen as pointless I suppose.
It's not a good morning. The SSIR (son still in residence) has brought back the latest bug from school and we're all walking slowly round the place with pounding heads and feeling like wrung out dishcloths. And the new exhaust has arrived for the car and it's going to take two hours to fix and then cost a fortune what with that and the new tyres and the new brake pads...maybe I should just take myself very slowly and carefully off to the beach where something or someone might cheer me up.
PLease don't sing any more of the Flash Gordon song, it's so loud and energetic, two things I am never going to manage to be today.
The language of thieves and vagabonds? Or perhaps more topically a precedence code for handling messages about initial enemy contact or operational combat messages of extreme urgency within the U.S. military?
Or probably something to do with genitalia...
(Someone had to lower the tone ;X)
Given that silver-fox has been outed as an insider on PM (can an insider be outed? Can ONLY insiders be outed? Oh it's too confusing for this time of day) and his post might be thought to have a bearing;
Flash Bang Wallop?
What a picture, what a photograph!
Tommy Steele in Half-a-Sixpence?
And if I'm on track here then which bit is significant?
More confused than ever.
Si.
In fond memory of the late Molly Weir.
"Flash cleans baths without scratching".
Got it! The next TV show from the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ will be a version of '..Problem like Maria' where the producers will be looking to cast someone in the role of Kipps in a revival of Half a Sixpence in the West End.
Or maybe not.
If it's photography then it's nothing to do with me. No-one has contacted me about organising a photo-shoot for a competition winner. Besides I don't use flash, available light only, much nicer results that way.
(Nudge, nudge. I 'might' be available).
Smile! Say 'Cheese'!
Si.
FFred (15) what the synopsis of the Guardian article? You have to be a subscriber to access it, and I can't be bothered. Times reader, I'm afraid.
Si.
FF (15) - I'm being invited, by your link, to subscribe to the Guardian, but no info on Sequin.
Can you let us into the secret?
BTW, I was only thinking myself yesterday that it was time that woman settled down. All these one night/morning stands don't do a gal any good. And, incidentally, the woman deserves a good home .....
Sequin, if you read this, I'm a fan.
Sequin's overdoing it.
Today programme Monday & Tuesday with that Naughty fellow.
PM & another appearance after the Moral Maze yesterday.
Today programme again this morning.
She's obviously realised that the November pay packet is the last before Christmas and is getting some overtime in!
Si.
Fearless (15), those who don't subscribe to the on-line Guardian are unable to see this tremendous news.
Happily, it's also available here.
Anne (20) - you DO have to calm down! I remember the day I accidentally left out the word postcard from the pointless address...and you never let me forget it! If I really thought it was pointless...I wouldn't do it. Trust me. Not that I am to be trusted...
And I do remember posting a while back of how we've been the most commented on blog in the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳. As ever, it's a tribute to you not us.
As well as the development that's coming any day now, we're working, longer term, on a number of other things - rather BIG ideas that we're unspeakably excited about. And again, if they come off, they would be about YOU, and not us!
And Frances O (1) - naughty!
A-ha! found out what Sequin's up to from the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ website. Link below.
/pressoffice/pressreleases/stories/2006/11_november/14/quinn.shtml
She's taking over as the main presenter of the Westminster Hour on R4. Not deserting us, merely adding to her portfolio of programmes as she moves towards World domination....
Si.
Si & Big Sis (and any others whose frogs haven't appeared yet), sorry about that. The article says that Sequin is the new presenter for Westminster Hour in R4 Sunday evenings. I just hope it doesn't stop her from subbing for EM...
Well that's Sunday nights sorted.
Carolyn Quinn - she's a babe!
I've made a lovely cup of camomile tea for you, Anne.
If you were calm before, you won't be now!
Delighted to hear Sequin's news.
I always looked forward to the Westminster Hour at the end of my weekend commute back to the weekday-work flat.
Now I no longer have to face the M1 twice a week I've slightly lost touch - must make it a date.
thank you big sis, just what I need. I really don't like to be shouted at when I feel so frail. I'll just sit here quietly and sip this down and then tiptoe off to The New Beach for a quiet day.
Sequin's news is absolutely excellent. I may actually begin to listen to that programme again.
Slightly belated, but I found her questioning/interview of the Hizb ut-Tahrir gentleman on yesterday's PM to be absolutely excellent. The Paxman could learn a thing or three from her skill.
Kudos to all involved as it has been the only time in this mess that I felt like I was getting to grips with the issues being presented.
For anyone interested in the frog archive thingy ...
The project team is growing: currently AnneP, ValP, Big Sister (and one other) as well as me, Fifi.
Feel free to join... just email me your email address, c/o my website email. I won't reveal your details to anyone unless you ask me to.
So far, Big Sister has drafted a Beginner's Guide: an attractive patchwork of early Day One beach postings, a little comment, and a cast list. The file is less than 70KB as a Word document, or I can convert to PDF... email me via LS (see above) if you'd like me to send it to you.
Andycroak and Deepthought have both kindly offered web facilities, much appreciated! Further discussion is needed as to what, exactly, will be needed ... and how much time anyone should be expected to devote to keeping it fresh ... and indeed whether the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ might resource it instead!
Please, everyone, keep adding your thoughts -- this is YOUR frog, we're just trying to make it easier for new froglets to join in, not form any sort of clique.
I'll stay on this thread today, and provide further updates on the first thread of every new day.
Hope that meets with the approval of all.
Fifi xx
Penrose (16) :-
Errrr … B: Gordon Brown …yes, that's my final answer.
Ooooh, I do hope I win. What a fab prize! I hope he has the opportunity to use that famous smile he's be practicing recently. He'll proably be relaxed with a mug of tea in his hand … his ipod sticking out of his top pocket, looking cool … plenty of "Familiy Man" pictures on his desk … he might even use his "prudence" catchphrase. It's especially funny when he uses it to again and again (something Catherine Tate pinched and changed it to bovered, but we all know where it came from!).
But please, he MUST use his famous "Triple Accounting" when he passes out the tea cakes.
"I can announce today a six cake increase to you over a three minute period. I'm going to give you a one cake increase now, then after a minute I'm going to give you another one cake increase taking you to two cakes which is a three cake increase overall. After another minute I will give you another one cake increase to three cakes which is a six cake increase over the full three minutes."
Fifi and others:
As drafter of the first stages of the Beginners Blog Guide, I have to say that there are aspects of our three month history in which I have scarcely participated, e.g. the Sweetshop runs, late night drinking (well, pre beach, that is), and there may be other jokes that ran for a while.
It would be really helpful if any of the main characters in these activities could draft stuff up on them. If so, can I suggest you contact Fifi with your ideas. She can pass them on to me, and if you're happy for me to have your email, I'll happily help out with ideas, typing, or whatever. Or just submit something to Fifi, which could then be added in.
What I've done so far relates primarily to the beginnings of the Blog, and how the Beach came into being. The Cast List is, at the moment, just a list of regulars, by their posting names. It might be helpful to add the dates of their first postings, not sure on that. It's quite a bit of work, but if done now, it would be easier to update later.
Sorry if it sounds bureaucratic, or anything. Not meant that way. Rather, it's a bit of a Virgil for any Dantes who decide to join us and are wondering what the Inferno is going on .....
Fifi and others:
[Oh dear, if the original posting went through, I am indeed unmasked!]
As drafter of the first stages of the Beginners Blog Guide, I have to say that there are aspects of our three month history in which I have scarcely participated, e.g. the Sweetshop runs, late night drinking (well, pre beach, that is), and there may be other jokes that ran for a while.
It would be really helpful if any of the main characters in these activities could draft stuff up on them. If so, can I suggest you contact Fifi with your ideas. She can pass them on to me, and if you're happy for me to have your email, I'll happily help out with ideas, typing, or whatever. Or just submit something to Fifi, which could then be added in.
What I've done so far relates primarily to the beginnings of the Blog, and how the Beach came into being. The Cast List is, at the moment, just a list of regulars, by their posting names. It might be helpful to add the dates of their first postings, not sure on that. It's quite a bit of work, but if done now, it would be easier to update later.
Sorry if it sounds bureaucratic, or anything. Not meant that way. Rather, it's a bit of a Virgil for any Dantes who decide to join us and are wondering what the Inferno is going on .....
Thanks Fifi (35). We're also working on something which might help, but your point about it being YOUR blog is of course spot on...so good luck. Will keep you informed with what we manage to do.
"something all listeners can take part in"....hhmm. How much longer can we take the suspense Eddie?! It is my birthday today and so in time honoured fashion have brought the cakes - all listeners/fellow bloggers are welcome to a take part in a slice of seriously chocolately cake (that's its actual name!). And I'll bring the bubbly down to the beach later...
BTW as we are such a great blog - the pride of the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ - will be up for a BAFTA or something similiar this year. And the winner of the bestest ever blog goes to..................PM Yay!!!
Perhaps you're ......
wondering why you've got a link on Recent Comments, but with no posting attached?
My thoughts are that any off-piste action should be a camping site for retired stuff that might otherwise disappear, and also user's guide to stuff that might otherwise need explaining/researching endlessly (eg sweetie run), so that it makes the frog less cliquey and more inclusive. So, more power to everyone's elbows!
(think I put this on wrong thread already,,,,back to the Day Job)
Nice posting, Fifi! And Lord M clearly approves ...
howdy all (wha? 1.30 in the pm and whisht is posting...? obviously work isn't slaving him enough)
I did post this before but it must've got lost in the gears, but I think like DeepThought (I think it was he) I'd really encourage any debate/ ideas etc here rather than elsewhere.
Not that this doesn't show people's willingness to be extremely helpful, but I am concerned that non regular posters, lurkers et al will not feel included in the blog if they hear that some of us have been up to something elsewhere.
Just concerned the wrong impression isn't sent out when I know it isn't intended (gotta remember someone visiting for first time may just read 3 or 4 comments and come to a snap judgement - if one of those posts is "we've had a meeting elsewhere..." they may not read further to realise just how easy it is to post and how openminded and friendly we are)
ah well, back to me sarnie...
also we could all pitch in and the PM team could see and contribute ideas easily etc etc etc...
oh god.... a 'reminder' is now flashing at me telling me I'm late for something again.... welcome to a window on me sad little world....
OntheLedge/Big Sister (39, 40), it seems indeed you are unmasked!
All names I've blogged under, since DayOne (original) are listed above.
Gosh, it seems so busy today, not only here, but some of my other internet stuff, hardly had time to do real work yet! Must go off to the workshop for a few hours...
Happy Birthday Fiona! (42) Or was that just a ploy to get some favouritism?
Maybe a Sony award? - I wonder if they have a "Sony" for "Best Radio News Discussion Programme Blog/Forum Hybrid" - sounding kinda specific, isn't it?
See Eddie? They DO want something!
Whatever you can come up with to help would be great.
Flash?
(Boom)
Aah-aahh. Saviour of the Universe.....
... the unmasking of silver-fox
... the unmasking of BreakingNews
... the unmasking of Big Sister's alter ego
... a personal message from Eddie....
It's all too much. I need another lie down.
Has Anne woken up yet? That hammock looks so comfortable......
Yeah yeah John W/Deepthroat/Deepthought
Very funny.
Not at all John H (49) - it really is today!
And thank you - the Sony awards was what was stuck firmly lodged at the back of mind just escaping from my grasp!! So do you think "Best Blog for a show called PM broadcast on Radio 4 weekdays at 5pm and Saturday at 5.30pm" may be just a tad too specific perhaps?
Just had the newsletter - am even more curious about what our illustrious leader is after from us mere mortals??
I'm getting the impression that there are actually about two people posting on here but there are many many noms de plume.
Maybe I am just talking with one person, perhaps Eddie, who is so bored and upset that noone visits his blog that he has written 10,000 messages to himself under a variety of pseudonyms. Maybe the whole of the PM programme is just Eddie talking to himself and putting on different voices. Maybe I'M Eddie, I have no idea anymore.
Fifi (54);
as a sad person who doesn't subscribe to the newsletter, could you post it for me, so I can see the next clue?
Ta, Si.
Si (55) - of course!, here it is............
Hello,
Flash...Common Agricultural Policy...one more than one thousand six hundred and fifty nine...
Those are three clues to the new "thing" we'd like you to get involved in. It will start very soon. We'd like all our listeners to take part...whether, like you, they subscribe to the newsletter, whether they frog on the Blog, or just listen to the programme.
We'll reveal more in the coming days but please - we really do want YOU to take part - particularly if you're a regular listener and, like most people, never take part in these things because frankly, you're too busy!
It's not a competition. There is no prize...no salesmen will call...it's not a dreary survey. We honestly want something from you. Watch this space or the blog for details.
Tonight's programme will have a special interview conducted by our security correspondent. We have our eye on the British man reprieved in Pakistan. We may well talk about Congo and Darfur, and - motorway service stations. And there will probably be another hint about what lies ahead.
I know, you're bored with it already. But humour me.
Best wishes,
Connie Muir
Flash? Common Agricultural Policy? Valerie Singleton?
MMmmmm .... something shiny … to do with cows, Blue Peter and PM....
AhHa! An old fashioned Blue Peter Appeal. Send in your milk bottle tops to PM to be added up on a big totalizer-thingy!
The cause: To save the Dayone Beach for the nation.
I claim my £5 book token!
Belinda - you've got him/me sussed! Give that girl (or not?) a £5 booktoken.
Could it be that the ³ÉÈËÂÛ̳ are about to film a new production of Flash Gordon ...
... with Valerie Singleton playing Dale Arden, and Eddie Mair as Brian Blessed?
I can't wait!
No, everybody's me! I mean I'm everybody - you're all figments of my imagination/condition...
(I did a find job mocking up all those fake websites.)
Okay, now it's getting silly. I've had Big Sister sending me a hug for my birthday, because she thought I was Fiona.
Now Fiona thinks she's Fifi!
Here's how it works:
My frog name is Fifi.
My real name is Fiona, that is true.
But on the frog, I answer only to Fifi.
Fiona is another Fiona, and very welcome she is too, especially since she kindly saved me the job of posting the newsletter on here for Si (thanks Fi!).
If it gets any more confusing I'll change my name to Eddie Mair. Then the blog will implode and we'll all wake up in the shower at South Fork....
I know! 1660 - restoration of the Monarchy - Charles II - but what has he to do with the CAP?
hmm.. cap... schoolboy... Holland...
nope, give up
Happy birthday, Fiona! I won't write a poem as I bet Eric hasn't even *looked* at the ones I did for his b'day
Hello-what have I done...this blogging thing isquite new to one . am I mad or are you all bonkers?
Not Eddie, of course.Please advise me...
Well I am me and no-one else, but I get called all kinds of things.
Btw Fifi (62), it was the shower in Pam's house, not South Fork (sp?), but I know what you mean.
So OnTheLedge and Big Sister are the same person. Wow what a surprise, I mean I thought I quite liked OnTheLedge...
Lady P: Yes.
apologies Fifi for confusing you - I am indeed Fiona - but I hardly ever answer to that name as it usually means I am being told off!. I am more commonly known as Fi or Fifi, but for the purposes of the blog I shall remain as Fiona - and yes you are Fifi, but you're not me, or are you?, am I in fact you?, or am I Eddie Mair ................who knows!
Anyway, where's the shower gel please?
Flash, something listeners can take part in?
One word... Chatroom.
Or should that be two words...?
Hold that thought BeckyBoo.