I was kissing Valentino by a crystal-blue Italian stream
So it looks like Beth, at 14 (nearly 15) is the youngest regular reader of this blog. At the other end of the scale Suzanne, who ran the public speaking club I was part of at school, easily wins the considerable honour of Senior Watsonian by claiming the impressive age of 70. The race for second oldest is pretty tight, with several people in their fifties. It was interesting to hear from a number of people who never normally comment. I’ve got statistics on the daily readership of the blog and, on average, there are about 25 readers for every one who leaves a comment. Which makes you think. Not sure what it makes you think, but still.
Because of the reassuringly nerdy readership of this site, several people started to think in terms of graphs almost as soon as we began discussing our ages. I think at some point it would be great to compile some official statistics about the readership, but what we really need is a proper, compulsory census, like the one by which Caesar Augustus forced Joseph and Mary to come to Bethelehem. I’m thinking of holding such a census around the 1st anniversary of this blog in February next year. In the meantime, here’s an interesting question (via Carl): are there two people with the same name? Anyone? (Not sure how to discuss this.)
And are there any more mother/son/daughter-type combinations reading? We’ve heard from two already. It’s lovely.
And who’s in the weirdest place, geographically, not mentally? I’ve got stats on ‘hits’ from around the world but it’s more rewarding to actually hear from people. We know Juliet is in Argentina. Anyone beat that? Continue posting your personal trivia, and enquiries, on yesterday’s blog. I guess if I’d known it would end up being a blog we’d go back to, I wouldn’t have called it ‘Breasts!’ quite so readily.
Anyway.
So, before I leave Australia (on Thursday) I’m going to write up my personal successes and failures so far in the TYSIC project, something I’ve been meaning to do for weeks. If you’ve just tuned in, TYSIC is a thing where you take on a challenge – anything about your life you want to improve – and do it for the next ten years, i.e. until 2020. You can find out more at http://www/markwatsonfans.com/tysic.
Perhaps rashly, today I sent a group email to (I think) everyone who ever signed up for the TYSIC, just to provide some encouragement and to ask for updates on the website. I’m really keen to keep this going as a big project. So, yes, post something on the site. I’ll be doing a roundup in a couple of days.
In other news:
Yet another person, according to Chortle, is mounting a bid for the Longest Show World Record. It’s a bloke called Bob Marley (yes, as in…) and he’s trying to do something like 38 hours to trump a Norwegian who himself broke the record only recently. Quite often, people ask me what I think of this sort of thing, because there was a time when it mostly was just me doing extremely long shows.
What I basically think is that for me, the 24 and 36 hour shows were never about trying to break records; they were about creating a sense of community, and – less wankily – having fun on a grand scale. I wish the best of luck to anyone who sets out to do that. I don’t think you could try to do a marathon stand-up show WITHOUT those aims, because if it’s just one man talking for 3o-odd hours, quite honestly it would be horrible. But yes, I’m all for people attempting these insane running times, if it results in unique entertainment. (By the way, it should go without saying, I don’t lay claim to the idea of doing a 24-hour show. I’m sure loads of people had done it before me. But did they propose marriage at the end? Hmm?)
Lastly – the person who won the right to dictate the subject of a blog said ‘do something about music’ and sometimes other people also ask me for musical recommendations. This suits me nicely because, as you might have gathered, I am a frustrated music reviewer. Not that frustrated, because I prefer my actual life. But I do listen to a lot of music. So I thought I’d begin an occasional feature where I recommend songs for a particular mood. You could download one of them you like the sound of, or all of them, or ignore the recommendations outright, or add your own below. It’s a very relaxed feature.
Since it’s a Monday – though over here, we’re into the early hours of Tuesday – and lots of people on Twitter are complaining of negative Monday thoughts, here is a playlist of Uplifting Monday Songs. I won’t explain what I like about each one. Nor try to offer any logic for the list. They’re all songs that might cheer you up, if you’re in the market for that kind of thing. I call this new feature WatPod. After myself and iPods. You see?
Today’s playlist, then (I’ll be doing this every couple of weeks, on different themes):
Super Furry Animals – Play It Cool
Lambchop – Up With People
Julian Casablancas – 11th Dimension
Ben Folds Five – Uncle Walter
Buzzcocks – I Don’t Mind
Dandy Warhols – Get Off
New Pornographers – Letter From An Occupant
OutKast – Hey Ya!
Sparks – Amateur Hour
and of course Bangles – Manic Monday (where today’s title comes from).
If one or more of those don’t cheer you up, it might be beyond me to help.
I’d better go to bed, I’m on breakfast radio very shortly. In most contexts ‘you’re doing breakfast tomorrow’ has a very positive, bacon-based meaning. In the realm of book-promotion, less so.
Posted by Ingrid on November 21, 2010
That comment down there was my first ever! Just looking back at it now
Posted by Rachael on September 30, 2010
Am I right in thinking that Rach(a)el is the most popular watsonian name? We are everywhere.
Posted by Tibbs on September 23, 2010
In case anyone else doesn’t have Spotify, I made a youtube playlist here: http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=33BCD55504736313
Posted by Simon on September 22, 2010
I’m 32, and after all, Mark, you’re in your thirties so I’m rather pleased to fall into the same decade as you.
I’m a bit surprised that they’re aren’t more people in their 30s reading this blog, maybe it’s because we’re past the sit-around-all-day-as-students era and have responsibilities and are busy achieving things (which reminds me I need to update my TYSIC).
Posted by heatherooo on September 22, 2010
I am Heather (the other Heather from the Heather before, who added her surname to differentiate. Confused?). And I’m 24 years young, as of last week.
On the subject of having the same name as people and such; I used to work in a call centre. When a call came through, all the person’s details would come up on your screen so you could address them by their name and such like. On one occasion a call came through, and I was in so much shock to see my full name in front of me (Heather Louise Baker, that is) that it took me a few seconds before I composed myself enough to actually speak. Poor lady was quite confused.
Posted by DeborahF on September 22, 2010
My last name is Fern (hence the Use of F above). I know there is another person who shares my name, she is something important in training for the unemployed and scarily has moved to the village where I was born. Since I occasionally get mistaken for her online, I also know she has a box at Pride Park (Derby County) and an MBE. In fact someone emailed me at work to congratulate me when the MBE was announced – I thought it was spam at first until I twigged they had actually given one to the other Deborah Fern
Posted by Matthew on September 21, 2010
I’ve never seen but there probably are other Matthews / Matts / Mats – It’s not a common name.
I’m 23 which I think makes me perfectly standard age for your readers.
No relations on here.
Posted by Ingrid on September 21, 2010
Loving the playlist. Im always struggling to find things to listen to, because my mind just goes blank when im on youtube. Hey ya! by outkast is my favourite i think. I just turned fourteen so does that make me the youngest? Just wondering
Posted by Katie on September 21, 2010
Despite having a boringly common name, I can’t see any other Katie’s commenting on these blogs. Although, that still only represents 1/25 of all possible Katie’s reading!
I’m afraid I live in the English countryside, which is also very boring. Basically, my life is rather boring -_- But a distant relation did invent the Fly-mo lawnmower, so I’ll use that as my claim to fame!
Posted by Alex on September 21, 2010
I didn’t get the email either…
Anyway. I have never met a Sweetnam I wasn’t related to so I would think anyone having the same name as me is reasonably unlikely. I’m the only one (or at least WAS the only one) on Facebook. *feels special*
It would seem there is at least one other Alexandra on here though. Go us!
Posted by Madeleine on September 21, 2010
Excellent Monday list! That whole Julian Casablancas album is one MASSIVE tick (though I would advise caution to people on which song to listen to, 11th demention is great for a Monday, Four Chords Of The Apocalypse will probably have you weeping buckets) and Dandy Warhols just make things better.
Looking forward to hearing about your progress!
Posted by Tracey on September 21, 2010
Hi, I just recently signed up here and I’m very nearly 47 which must put me in the somewhere in the middle, regarding the age topic. I’ve loved your appearances on Mock the Week and my teenage daughter thinks you’re great too. I was pleased to see the Buzzcocks mentioned in your list of songs – thy’re brilliant. If you’ve not checked them out already, I’d also recommend Joy Division, Siouxsie and the Banshees, The Damned and the wonderful Kate Bush. I’m also looked upon as cool by my daughter and her mates as I’m also a fan of Lady Gaga and Florence and the Machine. Enjoyed reading your e-mail this morning and will be following you with interest – you cheer us all up. Hello to everyone else posting out there. Traceyx
Posted by Heather Jones on September 21, 2010
My name is as shown (I originally included my surname to distinguish myself from another Heather who has commented on these blogs) Before taking husband’s v common welsh surname I was Heather Douglas: was often mistaken for Scottish – I’m Northern Irish. A Facebook friend has a friend also called Heather Jones – bit of comical confusion when I first noticed this. There are huge numbers of Heather Joneses around! And other Heathers too, particularly of my vintage/from NI ( 4 of us in my primary school class!)
I got the email – need to update: not done it for ages
Posted by Catherine on September 21, 2010
My nickname is Cathy. Very original (much sarcasm).
Posted by Catherine on September 21, 2010
In process of listening to Mark’s recommendation.
Lately listening to Billy Bragg (Just saw him in concert Saturday), The Milkman of Human Kindness, Frank Turner, and Ben Folds. I am a late bloomer.
From North Carolina, USA.
And for the record, I do not own a gun.
Posted by Ben Adams on September 21, 2010
I’m also a Middle Eastern Watsonian, currently in Dubai. So just a stones throw away from Lindsay, possibly not the best choice of words there!
I’ve been (un)lucky enough to share my name with the former A1 singer and more recently Celebrity Big Brother housemate. His later performance leading to me receiving numerous friend requests on Facebook from psychotic members of the general public! Has anyone else suffered such minor grievances from sharing a name with a celebrity?
Posted by Tibbs on September 21, 2010
Well, I love nothing more than promoting feelings of reassuring nerdiness, and to that end I have posted a few graphs and statistics as a reply to yesterdays blog entry.
The new questions are quite interesting. I know there are other Heathers who read the blog, although I am unaware of their surnames (mines Simmons). There’s another woman with my name in my city, though. We were in the same choir briefly, and I’m fairly certain she goes to my eye doctor.
When I started reading this blog I was living in South Korea, but I doubt that counts now that I have (finally!) moved back to Canada. Neat to hear about the people reading this blog all over the world.
Love all the music reccs; I will have to look into them, as I don’t think I know a single track other than Manic Monday, although I like other songs by both Ben Folds and the Dandy Warhols. And I still need to check out the rest of the Hot Chip album, too! Sheesh, I should really get on that.
(Oh, and I also seem to have missed out on the group email, although I haven’t updated my TYSIC in a while and I’m not actually sure what email address I used)
Posted by Juliet on September 21, 2010
So, another Argentinean! I’m not the only one anymore? Though I bet I’m the youngest, and I still live here, so yeah. Of course, that didn’t make any sense, did it? I’m also not an English speaker, but I’m quite sure I’m not the only one.
My name is not actually Juliet. And I feel like I should say it because it seems like I’m lying to you, it’s actually Julieta, but as you can imagine, Juliet is the English translation. Some people call me Juliet though, so it’s not that big of a lie.
Posted by Lauren on September 21, 2010
I didn’t get the email either
Posted by Max on September 21, 2010
Well, I’m also from Argentina, where I lived for 26 years before moving to Eindhoven in the Netherlands to study/work… Eindhoven is pretty obscure I think. I mean, we have the PSV but not much else….
And for uplifting songs: Anything from I’m from Barcelona (especially we’re from barcelona) or the polyphonic spree will do. Amazing, happy music.
Oh. And also foxy shazam. Try them, they are insane.
Posted by Misha on September 21, 2010
Drunk on booze (rather than power) i’ve just read your email and it made me do a smile.
I started trying to put the watpod thing onto spotify, but unless anyones done it already you’ll all have to hang on til morning, i’m too tired/boozed to type straight.
Vive la uni.
Posted by Natalie-Helen on September 21, 2010
Watpod also has the additional benefit of sounding like Which car type of thing, (wat and what etc).
I have a girl with the same name as me who has dogged my life since I was 2 years old. We were in the same year at school and the same school for ever basically. Plus I recently discovered that our medical records have been mixed up and I’ve had phone calls from hospitals telling me my operation has been postponed. It has kind of gone beyond funny now.
You could always use a slice of grilled steaky bacon as a bookmark to combine the book promo and breakfast in one fell swoop.
^_^
Posted by Ally on September 20, 2010
I’m off to go listen to the songs on the playlist!
There might be another Ally (or Alexandra) but I guarantee no else has the last name Bodnaruk. 
Posted by Kathryn on September 20, 2010
Oooh, I could write a song about graphs. That would also fulfil one of my TYSIC goals.
I’m not aware of another Kathryn here, or even a different spelling of the same name, although there could be. My last name is unfortunately so common that twitter/facebook searches go into the hundreds.
“Bacon based” is a phrase which you should attempt to work into the new book somewhere. If possible.
I shall get cracking on the Monday Playlist before it’s no longer monday.
Posted by Clembear on September 20, 2010
I’m sad when people automatically relate graphs to nerdiness, with nerdiness used pejoratively. Graphs can be an elegant way of representing information like the right choice of words can be. If you know how to read them and speak their language, you can understand them faster than a paragraph describing the same thing. Sadly graphs get tarred as geeky. In contrast, maps don’t get any sort of criticism (and even got a song written about them).
Posted by h2osarah on September 20, 2010
I’m sure there are plenty of Sarahs on here, but none of them Kalwarowskys. The only of those in the world are my direct relatives.
I’m also from Canada, which is nowhere near as exotic as Argentina. And I don’t think I ever recorded my age. I’m 23. Turning 24 on Wednesday (Sept 22nd) I wonder if any blog readers have the same birthday as me.
Posted by Steph on September 20, 2010
I love the phrase ‘bacon-based’. That itself has cheered me up this Monday. With a little help from Spooks, which I love.
Thanks for the email, I guess I can update the fact that I will, as of this Saturday, be living on my own!
And I LOVE the idea of a census! A massive online survey where we can find out all those weird and wonderful facts of the Watsonian Community. Make sure to include who has come into contact with the iPod. Where is that thing now?
Posted by Emily on September 20, 2010
No e-mail for me either.
As for names, it doesn’t take a genius to notice I share my forename with your wife but including surnames, as there aren’t many “me”s in the world (I’m basing this on Facebook), and most of them are in America, it’s highly unlikely I have a name twin here.
As soon as I saw the list of songs I thought “Spotify playlist” but I see Amy B has got there before me. I’ll have a listen, but I tend to find that music that’s supposed to be uplifting and happy just makes me angry. I know Outkast’s Hey Ya certainly does. But I’m just a bit strange and find “depressing” Metal makes me happy…
Posted by Josh on September 20, 2010
I live in Suffolk. It’s not obscure but I feel I deserve some sort of recompense for living in such a place.
Posted by Zoe on September 20, 2010
I haven’t had an e-mail about the TYSIC but then you don’t seem to be following me on there as yet, then again I haven’t updated in months so I imagine that’s my fault not yours. I’m Mrs G and am using the same picture as on my Twitter.
I should really go and update now, yes, I will do that now.
Posted by MusicalLottie on September 20, 2010
P.S. Nope, no e-mail – I am curious to know what it said, though I shall update soon, if there’s any progress since my last update. (I don’t suppose anyone fancies copying and pasting the e-mail here? I am just curious :$ )
Posted by Rachel/Pandora on September 20, 2010
I haven’t commented for what feels like ages. I hope you’ve missed me. I’ve still been reading, I just didn’t have anything interesting to say. Still don’t, probably.
Relationships – Helen/@iamanicelady is my twin sister. Think that’s probably been mentioned before though.
Names – I think there’s about 4 Rachels/Rachaels. Different surnames though. We’re all awesome.
I got the email, will update soonish.
I like happy songs. Good work on the Spotify list Amy!
I think that’s everything.
x
Posted by Helen on September 20, 2010
Didn’t get email either but intend to update soon, great blog as always x
Posted by Anji on September 20, 2010
This is going to be my last post for just over a week, as I’m off to Greece tomorrow and although I have a phone that would allow me to keep up to date, I’m paranoid about getting a huge bill. Plus, a holiday wouldn’t be a holiday I I did everything the same.
So please don’t do too many wonderful, exciting things that I’ll miss out on!
On the name thing I’ve never met another Anji, lots of Angie’s, how ever my Dad stole the spelling off of a lady on the Krypton Factor so obviously there are others. I like being slightly unique.
Have a good week all! Toodle pip!
Posted by amycool on September 20, 2010
No e-mail for me either I’m afraid but I imagine it was very nice.
I don’t really need pushing to update my TYSIC as I write down every minor achievement.
I’m almost positive that nobody in the world has ever had my name and it’s highly likely that nobody in the future ever will either as most people cursed with my surname change it to something less embarrassing. There are some people who are very sad that our more interesting names are vanishing, but most of these people haven’t had to live with one for quarter of a century. I will be very happy to see the back of mine as soon as I can be bothered to get married.
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on September 20, 2010
I didnt get the group email either!!! But nothing good for me to report on anyway! Apart from took some awesome whale and dolphin photos from my holiday!! (hence my absence this week!!)
Im a Beth and my sister has also joined!! Shes been very good pushing to help me!! And im hoping something is going to come up soon! Will update when it does!! If Christia reads this: Keep on running!!!
Posted by Tim the Student on September 20, 2010
Surely the most uplifting song is “Do You Realize?” by The Flaming Lips?
On another note, this is my first comment. No longer one of the 25-1. Woop!
Posted by Anna on September 20, 2010
My full name is Anna Ingram- is there another one out there?
My son isn’t a reader yet (give him a chance, he is only 17 months old), but he does occasionally sit on my lap while I’m reading, point at your picture and say ‘man!’
Posted by Laura-B on September 20, 2010
I didn’t get the group e-mail.
If you’re conducting a census, could I help please? Not wanting to sound cliquey, but I was officially known as ‘Laura the Census Lady’ in the 2005 Minute Show and I’d love to reprise my role.
Posted by Lindsay on September 20, 2010
I live in Damascus. I’m sure Syria beats Argentina in weirdness stakes, if not distance from the UK.
Posted by Laura on September 20, 2010
I didn’t get the email either, I’m afraid.
My name’s Laura England – I don’t expect there to be any other Watsonians with the same name out there. The closest I have found anywhere (without Googling my own name) is Lindy England who ill-advisedly abused some Guantanamo Bay prisoners. We are not related, but it is unfortunate that I have to share my surname with her.
Hoorah for Ben Folds Five. Incredibly cheery band, with the exception of Brick which is grim with a capital GRIM.
Posted by Kate B on September 20, 2010
I didn’t get the group email for the TYSIC but I’ll update anyway. Looking forward to hearing all the updates!
My name is Kate Barlow, which I already share with a character from the book/film Holes where Kate Barlow is psychopathic murder. Lucky me. I get teased at school about it. Apparently it’s quite a common name though.
None of the rest of my family read the blog but my mum does love you after she saw your show in Edinburgh. And my brother and sister are fans too. That doesn’t really count though… I’ll encourage them to read the blog.
Posted by Someone on September 20, 2010
Haha, this blog made me laugh a lot. Thank you.
I did nae not get an e-mail neither. I think.
Nice one with song recommendations. If you listen to music non-stop like me, it’s surprising how quite a big library of songs can get too repetitive after a good while. Or possibly not surprising at all; either way, it’s happened.
Nice one on making it a Spotify playlist too, Amy B. I shall listen to that now. After one more gloomy Stained song because I’m living in the past, and they’re good. And it’ll balance out the happy. And and.
Posted by Amy B on September 20, 2010
Hello,
I love the Watpod idea so i thought I’d be helpful and make a spotify playlist so that people can listen to all the songs and decide if they want to download them. It’s here:
http://open.spotify.com/user/a_blencowe/playlist/5faFT1BYemcac06Q8odGge
I know not everyone has spotify, but some people do so I thought it might be handy. Happy to do this for futre playlists too if you like?
I didn’t get the group email either, not sure why though. :/
As for people living in odd places, I live in Norfolk, surely I win?
Posted by Phill on September 20, 2010
I’ve just updated my TYSIC page with a summary of what I’ve been up to.
A Mary and Joseph style census sounds cool, as long as it doesn’t involve me getting on the back of a donkey and travelling hundreds of miles across country whilst possibly being pursued by slightly crazy astrologers and a megalomaniac king. Apart from that, it sounds great.
Oh, and I very much doubt there is another Phill Sacre reading this blog – as far as I know (i.e. I don’t really, but according to Google) there are only about two of us in the country, so the chances of both of us reading the blog are somewhat slim.
Posted by Lydia on September 20, 2010
I’m Lydia. Obviously, lol.
Thanks for the songs. I think everyone can always use stuff like that on a Monday.
Looking forward to your TYSIC stuff x
Posted by Linsey on September 20, 2010
I didn’t get a group email! Shall have to try and fix that.
And I’m now reading from Leeds, which doesn’t seem very exotic, but as I moved in two days ago it’s still feeling like a foreign country to me…
Good luck on the radio, and make the most of Aus, I’m very jealous!
Posted by Josh on September 20, 2010
Hey Mark, as to the youngest reader thing, I’m also 14, soooo, does that make me joint youngest?
Posted by Mariam on September 20, 2010
Oh, and I very much doubt there’s another Mariam Moghaddassi Watsonian out there. I’ll be slightly disturbed if there is!
Posted by Mariam on September 20, 2010
I occasionally read this blog out to my mum. Does that count? We both met you at the Riverside Studios show a few months ago; now whenever you’re on TV, she goes “Oh, it’s Mark! He’s a lovely boy, isn’t he?”
Best of luck for the radio show. You should write your next book on bacon. Not actually physically on bacon (because the grease stains would make it really hard to read), but about bacon. Then you’d probably get lots of bacon at radio shows.
Posted by A lot of Rach[a]els on September 20, 2010
oh yh and my name is Rachel Allen. I already share my name with a TV chef.
Posted by A lot of Rach[a]els on September 20, 2010
I didn’t get a group e-mail but I did just get a new e-mail account. But will update with any developments.
(atleast ‘Breasts’ will be an easy name to remember)
I look forward to listening to those songs you’ve included.
Posted by Carl on September 20, 2010
Cool blog Mark, seems as though you are incredibly rested and relaxed. Good for you!
I’ll get the name ball rolling… My name’s Carl Burkitt. Any other Carl Burkitt Watsonians out there?
Posted by MusicalLottie on September 20, 2010
Ooh good, I shall look forward to reading your TYSIC update!