Modern Life Stresses

Early start here, up with the lark. Actually the lark is conspicuous by its absence. There are no birds that are bothered around these parts (unless they're up and keeping shtum). The house is quiet but bestowing its gift of smugness on the early risers. No distractions, no chatting, no queuing. Yawning by 7, Milky drinks at 8 and bed by 9pm but hey....

Reacquainting ourselves with John Boyne, author of The Boy In The Striped Pyjamas today. He was on the Book Club last year with his History of Loneliness but he's written another book for younger readers and returned to 1930s Germany. The Boy At The Top Of The Mountain tells the story of recently orphaned Pierrot who goes to live with his aunt in a wealthy household at the top of the German mountains. It just so happens that this is the Berghof, the house of Adolf Hitler. John is always an engaging guest and he'll be on after 6.

And after news that the Rolling Stones ask for hotel TVs to have instructions so that they can work out how to use them, it's time for INSTRUCTION MANUAL songs. Many manuals are hopeless of course which is why so many people (ok, mainly men) chuck them away. The English version is usually on page 67 and incomprehensible anyway but there must be some songs in there somewhere...