Words / Sport / Animals

Words: A couple of people from the BBC Talent list have, this week, faced waves of criticism over a radio discussion that maybe went a bit too far. Noises of contrition have emanated from the BBC, though as I write this, at least one of the offenders has remained rather moot. This got me thinking about the things that people say, that they come to regret.

Have you ever said anything that you've come to regret? [Essays must come in at no more than 1500 words]

Sport: There are comebacks that seemed doomed to fail, and there are comebacks that raise people's spirits - 'One last chance', 'Can't afford to fail', 'Those days are behind me', and so on. This week, in football, there have been a couple of notable comebacks. I want to feel good about them both.

Do you recall any comebacks - in Sport or elsewhere - that have particularly pleased you?

Animals: As I post this, I'm in London. More than the great shopping opportunities, the plethora of arts and cultural opportunities that present themselves, and the kicking back with lovely people that avails itself, I'm most pleased about being able to visit Richmond Park, to see the stags and does.

Are there any animals that - the sight of which - fill up your senses?



Wishing you the best of weeks.

Time / Television / Tonic

Time: Yesterday, just as I began to imagine what today's tasks would be, a friend and colleague mentioned that she was taking a day out from her usual routine. She would travel to Manchester, in search of good food and relaxation.

Let us imagine that today was to have been different from your usual routine (such that there might be one). How would you have used the day differently?

Television: Just this week, publicist Max Clifford mentioned that had he been advising the minor British celebrity, Kerry Katona, that her television appearance - with slurred speech and questions over her well-being - would never have happened.

Do you recall any television moments (any genre) that - had you been advising - would never have happened?

Tonic: I'm on earl grey. I might have a bottle of Cobra, later.

What can I get you?

Art / Economics / Names

Art: In the north west of Trafalgar Square is the Fourth Plinth (since 1999, a space for contemporary art).

Suggest one or two things that would be worthy additions to the Fourth Plinth.

Economics: Credit crunch, inflation, soaring fuel prices, multilateral cuts in interest rates, banking crises, secure savings, overseas investments, financial reserves...

Have you learned anything (big or small) or been surprised by anything during the recent and ongoing higgledy-piggledy in the markets?

Names: I can't get the name Barbara Broccoli out of my head - it's just too good a name.

What would be your food name?

Places / Damage / Entertainment

PLACES: There's a Slippery Lane not far from here.

Do you have any favourite street or road names? If so, what are they?

DAMAGE: I just scraped the passenger-side car door along a concrete pillar.

What was the last thing that you broke or damaged?

ENTERTAINMENT: And now, a question from Vegas Velma.

For one night only, you are to be a star burlesque performer. What's your stage name?

Consumerism / TV / Ideas

CONSUMERISM: Domestic, exotic or just plain baffling…

Is there anything that you have to buy or acquire in the next few days?

TV: You’re bang to rights on this one…

Do you have a favourite TV detective or ‘cop show’? If so, name names.

IDEAS: I usually wash the pots with radio discussions burbling behind me.

What was the subject matter of a really interesting, recent discussion that you heard, but that you did not take part in?

Bidding you a week of waltz, with minimal schmaltz (I didn't know that).