December Doldrums

[El Gordo]

Well done on a good year, Sweder, and good luck for the one to come -- you sound like you're up for the challenges ahead.

As I hinted to you previously, I'm out of the TOM for this year. No point in fooling myself, or anyone else, any more. We still have Cape Town high on our "to do" list though, so perhaps I should regard you guys as the advance reconnaisance party for me in 2008. We'll be right behind you for your effort though - that's for sure.

Anyone who listens to Mark Kermode must have had Pan's Labrynth on their 'must see' list for a couple of months now. It's been on mine, though we live nowhere a decent cinema that shows films outside the mainstream, so I'm having to bide my time. Glad you enjoyed it.

And finally, thanks for all your entries through 2006. This forum wouldn't be the same without your breathless and frequently surreal contributions. You also manage to shame some of us out of our inactivity, so thanks for that too. I'll repay some of the debt in Guinness in Almeria.

Talking of which, we should make a decision about hotels...