Despite my lengthy last post, the various devoted "fans" from around the world keep asking for "autographs for me and my friends Sandra & Britte & Detlef".  Quick, Britte, what's the name of the dog?

Lots of culture lately.  Despite my heavy disapproval that they gave out a free greatest hits CD in the Mail on Sunday (I even sent an email to their website about it; perhaps I shouldn't have asked for autographs for myself and 9 friends), the new Pet Shop Boys album is excellent. 

Even better, though, and a real discovery, is the new Decemberists album The Hazards of Love.  It's mad as a bag of cats and anything I could say to describe it would only put you off in the wrong way.  Give it a listen, though.  Most excellent.

And I also saw a very stern Athol Fugard play (is there any other kind?) at the Donmar last night called Dimetos.  A lot of it is great, if astringent and anti-crowd-pleasing (there were a number of empty seats after the interval), but it does veer off badly into Actorly territory at the end.  It'll never be a hit, but you'll have lots to talk to your friends about after.