The Lighter Side: BBC’s 'Meet the Author' - ‘Uncl... - PMRGCAuk

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The Lighter Side: BBC’s 'Meet the Author' - ‘Uncle’ MB Meets his Literary Match. Or does he…? ;-)

markbenjamin57 profile image
79 Replies

So, the Scene is set and a Lifetime's Ambition fulfilled...

After my recent talks to PMRGCA local groups, I receive a phone call out-of-the-blue from a BBC researcher and am invited to appear on the BBC’s long-running weekly ‘Meet the Author’ programme, hosted by the venerable James Naughtie. So, I set-off excitedly on a long journey from WSM to the BBC HQ in London UK for a Once in a Lifetime opportunity.

(For those of you who aren’t BBC followers and / or live outside of the UK, James (aka ‘Jim’) Naughtie is a veteran TV journalist and interviewer with a soft but solemn Scottish accent. Famed for his incisive intellectual analysis of Best Selling authors’ Lives and often Autobiographical writings about the deeper - and sometimes darker - side of Life, Society and Humanity, he pulls no punches in getting to the Truth).

To be honest, I don’t enjoy the Limelight and always feel a bit nervous about appearing on the Telly after countless sightings on CCTV at my local supermarket. But this is a Golden Opportunity, and too good to miss. Not just to promote my silly book but, more important, to promote PMRGCAuk and its valuable work.

So, I’m going to give it my Best on behalf of Us Lot of PMR and GCA Survivors.

The pre-Show preparation goes quickly. First, Security. No, I am not a ‘Risk’. Then, Make-up Department. Sharon diplomatically tells me that, at my advanced age, I’m (q) “too far-gone for any mascara to make a difference, Luvvie”). I quickly get passed-on to the Production Team who tell me which cameras to look at, when, and why.

Ok, sorted and ready to face the formidable Jim…

The studio lights come on, the credits and cameras roll, and the interview commences.

Jim (with usual gravitas): Tonight on ‘Meet the Author’ I talk to Mark Benjamin, creator of the Best Seller ‘Write Me Funny - Ramblings on The Lighter Side of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis’. I hear that you’ve sold more than 1.3 million copies of your first novel in the first 2 weeks of publication. What was the inspiration for your ground-breaking book?

MB: Well, I was struck-down with a Life Changing illness called Polymyalgia Rheumatica a couple of years ago and… (goes on to tell personal PMR story, about the HU blog, and how the book got wrote..).

Jim (slightly incredulous): but 1.3 million sales of your Humorous Novel in just 2 weeks? This is a phenomenal achievement for a previously unknown author. What, exactly, is the secret of your uniquely engaging Humour?!

MB (cheekily parodying Mr Spock from TV’s Star Trek): It’s Humour Jim, but not as we know it…

Jim (grudgingly going along with the joke, but raising the game): So what’s your impression of Mr Spock?

MB (in tit-for-tat style): Sorry Jim, I don’t do impressions - I’m just a humble Author!

Jim (now groaning): Give me strength, this is supposed to be a serious, intellectual TV Show. Please play the Game!

MB (getting back on message): I can’t verify the sales figures, but that’s what six-and-a-half of my dedicated PMR and GCA Followers have reported SHOULD be the case. Personally, I’ve despatched about 100 copies. Maybe there’s been a mistake in the sales data? Us Lot with PMR and GCA can easily get things mixed-up in terms of concentration and detail. Also, it’s NOT a Novel - just a collection of silly and humorous ramblings on my own PMR journey. I’ve sold 2 copies in the USA and 1 in Australia. So the ‘International Author’ bit is accurate, at least.

Jim (irritated, but fighting back): So, Mark Benjamin, for reasons that escape me you manage to get on to my BBC Show under the guise of being a Best Selling Author. But you’ve only sold a pid**ing 100 books?! What will my Producer say - and my Audience too?! My reputation with the BBC is at stake! Oh well, I’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. So, what’s the Central Philosophical message in your book?

MB (rising to the challenge): It’s simple really. People with chronic Auto-Immune illnesses like Us Lot with PMR and GCA often welcome some innocent fun and laughter to cheer us up when we’re having a Tough Time. And.. ANY publicity in raising awareness for our Cause is better than none - however we achieve it. We at PMRGCAuk are in a Minority here, compared with the Major Charities. Does it matter whether I’ve sold 1.3 million or 130 books so long as the Word gets around? And, as for the ‘Fake’ Sales Data? Better check things out with your Researcher. Ha - Touchee!

Jim (un-phased - and now pressing MB intellectually): Ok, we all like a bit of ’Silly Fun’ - even me. But what’s the Unique and Compelling Existential Message around its purpose and benefits as you describe in your book? In other words, how does ‘Bonkers-ness’ - as you describe it - confront our Societal Notions and Cultural Norms in an increasingly Anarchic and potentially Subversive Literary World? And.. how do your, er sorry but, Inane Ramblings contribute to this in a Quantifiably Therapeutic way?

MB (groaning and rolling eyes): Ohh, sorry Jim - but with PMR, the Preds and Brain Fog and I don’t do big words and concepts. I just like to make people SMILE - however I do it. It’s 4 p.m. and I'm overdue for my morning ‘nap’. On a separate note - have you got any FAGS on you? My brain hurts and I’m gasping for a smoke after all this Intellectual Analysis-Paralysis.

Jim (hastily orders the cameras to ‘CUT!’ - and now adopts a more informal tone): Ok MB, meet me behind the BBC bike sheds in 10 Minutes! Row 27D. Me, Jeremy Vine and John Humphrys often meet there for a Roll-up fag and a moan about the sad state of ‘Aunty BEEB’ nowadays. On our pitiful salaries of a few hundred grand per year that’s all we can afford in the smoking department! Rumour has it that even some of the BBC ‘Girls’ will be joining-in soon. I’d like to see THEM try to make and smoke a proper ‘Rollie’ like us Lads do. That’ll sort-out the Men from the Boys, ohh, er, Girls. OMG.. I need a drink. This Gender Equality stuff is doing my head-in. Fancy a beer..?

MB (now in un-characteristically Hard Negotiating style): Ok Jim, Here’s The Deal! YOU broadcast our interview and promote PMRGCAuk and I’LL keep your BBC secrets, er, secret with my Followers in PMRGCAuk. Like with the Brexit negotiations: DEAL - or NO DEAL! And, yes please, mine’s a pint.

Jim (now, unusually contrite): Ok MB, and just for your PMR GCA ‘Lot’, you have a Deal. My precious Show will be aired nationally next week, and I wish you good luck in your equally precious Mission. By the way, I’ve been feeling very stiff and painful in my neck, shoulders and back recently in the mornings. To be honest, it’s a Bu**er as I can’t get dressed without some help from my young and fit Taiwanese Housekeeper - but she’s away on holiday next week. I can’t do my Show in just my boxer shorts - I’ll be a laughing stock with my viewing audience. You seem to be a bit of an expert in these things. Any idea what it might be..?

MB: I’ll put you in touch with a few people who can help via the Charity PMRGCAuk. I’m well-connected with some other ‘Aunties’ there who might just know how to advise you.

On that note, 'Jim' and I shake hands. I say Goodbye and, dodging the Paparazzi, jump into the back seat of the trusty Limo where my chauffeur ‘Tedski’ is waiting to whisk me back to the South Wing at Benjamin Mansions in a peaceful WSM UK.

Result? BBC ‘Meet the Author’ Mission Accomplished: and, more important, a well-deserved ‘plug’ for PMRGCAuk in the national 'Mee-Jaa'.

And then…

I awake abruptly from my night of Exciting and Surreal Dreams, the enigmatic Tedski standing obediently at the foot of the bed with my daily 3 mg Preds, a mug of strong coffee, a bacon sandwich and a curious smile on his furry face - as usual.

Tedski (eagerly dispensing the morning goodies): Meestaire Krrayzzee Markovitch, er, ‘Boss’, you haav funny drreemes agane iznit? You rrroll fags een yourrrr sleeep and talk in fuernny lingo. A beet lika daat Jim McDoughnut guy who yoo often votch on zee TV. You ok-ski ‘Mate’?

MB (rubbing sleepy eyes): Ohh, Tedski, I’ll explain some other time - you couldn’t make-up this kind of stuff.

...Or could you..? As usual, I blame YOU LOT for encouraging me to write this nonsense - and for reading it in the middle of the night. Haven’t you got better things to do?! :-D

Happy Days - and may Dreams come True for all of Us Lot whoever and wherever we are in the World.

Best wishes and try to keep smiling on the PMR GCA Journey.. ;-)

‘Uncle’ MB

Written by
markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57
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79 Replies
SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane

Really Mark? When does it broadcast? I met James Naughtie at St James’ Palace in the presence of Prince Charles no less, at a Princes Trust event for work. I got rather tipsy if I recall, they just keep filling your glass up.

I would be quite content to be on 3 mgs.

Looking forward to hearing you speak. Will your book be on sale at the event ( shame face) I haven’t got mine yet?

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toSheffieldJane

Hi Jane :-) Ohh, read between the lines..! ;-). Just another (as usual) spoof story - but hopefully it will raise some interest in the right places and with the right people. We'll see. Wow, meeting 'Jim' and HRH must have been a great privilege!

Yep, I'll be there on 8 September - and with a few books for those of You Lot who haven't got better things to do with your hard-earned money :-D

3mgpd Preds and counting-down in the meantime - but that's not important. It's whatever level that makes YOU feel relatively ok.. :-)

SheffieldJane profile image
SheffieldJane in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Perfectly plausible you bounder! At least you didn’t reel out of HRH’s house.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toSheffieldJane

Ha! Just to keep You Lot awake ;-). I'll bet Himself was mildly amused...? :-D

allykat profile image
allykat

Hook, line and sinker!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toallykat

Ohhh, sorry Kat! But you should know me by now... ;-)

allykat profile image
allykat in reply tomarkbenjamin57

It was a weak moment!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toallykat

:-D

scats profile image
scats in reply toallykat

He lined us up with a serious post yesterday, we thought he'd changed...

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toscats

As if... ;-)

Sandradsn profile image
Sandradsn

So bonkers! I actually believed it to start with😂🤣

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toSandradsn

My Cunning Plan worked then..?! :-D

Sandradsn profile image
Sandradsn in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Almost🤔😁

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toSandradsn

Keep up Sandra, more to come... :-D

PiersC profile image
PiersC

Brilliant! and I must be that one Aussie sale (proud of that) - but should be more - I really enjoy your ongoing rambles. All the best from a warming up Oz to a sizzling UK....

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toPiersC

Greetings Piers :-) Well, I have to keep You Lot on your toes somehow! :-D

PiersC profile image
PiersC in reply tomarkbenjamin57

I was on my toes for this one, even with a full on 'pred-head' - that interviewer did not look like a 'James'-anything!! (although nowadays....)

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toPiersC

:-D Piers. Now, confession time: the photo was taken when I was in Kiev, Ukraine a few years ago as a Guest Speaker at a Trainers' conference there. Without any warning, Ukraine's Channel 24 Business News team appeared and asked me if I would give an interview to air on national TV later that day. The theme: Trust in Business (as if - in a country like Ukraine!).

Naturally, I agreed to: but the delightful interviewer (Natalia) was so gorgeous that I ended up talking gibberish. Oh well... ! :-/ :-D

WOW! Fabulous!!!!! Good on you!!!!!

😂🤣😂

And, l read it all! I became suspicious in the middle but kept going! 😂

It’s 5.30am & the geese have just flown over, very animated! Going to try & get back to sleep but keep imagining you really getting on Jim’s Show!........

Keep up the Good Work! 😂

Mrs N

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply to

Well MrsN, it might liven-up Jim's show a bit! :-D

Rose54 profile image
Rose54

Hi Mark

Brilliant I kept reading waiting for the date of the show to be aired

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toRose54

Ha, that was the plan Rose ;-). But you can 'meet the author' in person at the PMRGCAuk Members' Day on 8 September (if I don't get chucked out for larking around)... :-D

scats profile image
scats

I was reading thinking really!? until I got to 1.3 MILLION! I don't think so. One of your best!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toscats

1.3 million... now that WOULD be something to shout about! :-)

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Wonderful read, but thought halfway through...he's going to wake up in a minute!......couldn't help it...I have a very cynical husband who doesn't believe anythimg or anyone....think it must have rubbed off on me😕.......

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toLongtimer

Well done Longtimer - you were one step ahead of me! ;-) Your OH is very sensible: reminds me of the famous saying by a past US President: 'Trust, but Verify..'?

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Best not to listen to famous saying s of a certain president now methinks!😱

k eep up the wonderful humorous work which has lifted me lately having such bad days..thank you...☺

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toLongtimer

Ha Lt! Better not comment either way as I know Politics (in any country) is a very emotive topic.

Thank you so much for your lovely feedback. You don't know how much it 'lifts' me too during the tough bits from which I'm not immune either (despite my apparently relentless, silly SOH).

Try to keep smiling on the Journey.. ;-)

Best wishes

MB

Longtimer profile image
Longtimer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Will do, thank you.....

Zofitmogelijk profile image
Zofitmogelijk

Hi *uncle* Mark, just to let you know how much I enjoyed reading your story, and thanks for the explanation for the people outside the UK.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toZofitmogelijk

Greetings Aletta :-) Thanks - you deserve a medal for getting through it! :-/ :-D

Janicep profile image
Janicep

Great story 👍😊

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJanicep

Thanks Janice, 'we can but dream'... ;-)

Jankie profile image
Jankie

Priceless

🤣🤣🤣

Jankie profile image
Jankie

Although Tedski is becoming more and more sinister!!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJankie

I think Tedski's getting more attention than me! :-/

Ha Mark, I've seen lot of ways to sell stuff, but to advertise your book in this manner beats the lot. Only kidding :-) A good story though, you certainly know how to write me funny. Very clever :-) but I could see the end coming a mile away. But I still thought it brilliant.

Pete :-)

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply to

Thanks Pete. Maybe it's the way I tell em... ;-)

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply tomarkbenjamin57

I liked the first iteration of Ted, the comfort animal who kept you company when you hid behind the sofa.... Has he been possessed by another entity?

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toHeronNS

Well spotted Heron! ;-).

Yep, Tedski started out 3 years ago as 'Teddy': my docile, cuddly comforter who kept me company when hiding behind the sofa after getting a roasting from certain of the forum Aunties who shall be nameless (since PMRpro and DL wouldn't appreciate it - ha ha!) when I step out of line here - e.g. messing around with the Preds like an arsonist in a petrol station and defying the accepted Laws of all things PMR.

But yes: Tedski has indeed trans-morphed into a more edgy and intriguing character with a mysterious (possibly Eastern European?) past and some dodgy personal credentials. To be honest, I like him more as he is now. And, as many fiction writers say, 'generally good but flawed' characters often attract the most interest.

Either that or he's secretly been nicking my Preds and that's sent him completely off the rails. I can relate.... ;-/ :-D

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Fair enough. He is yours after all. Related however, and on a more serious note: I have been trying to get involved with a book club, in the interests of having more human companionship, and the current book is called The Boat People by Sharon Bala. I've tried reading it. I read the beginning and my heart sank, I felt I could see where it was going. So I read the end, and found it was as I feared, but a bit ambiguous so there is the slimmest chance of a good outcome beyond the end of the book. Because the meeting where this was to be discussed was deferred to this month I finally decided I'd better try harder and borrowed it from the library again. Today I tried dipping into bits of the middle, and it's no better. I feel I'm being taught a lesson I already know. It's about Tamils who escaped from Sri Lanka and cast up on the shores of British Columbia, focusing on a particular individual. Quandary. Do I skip the meeting (I've only gone once so this is not a good start to becoming part of a group) or do I show up and try to keep my mouth shut, which is nigh on impossible so I'll end up confessing that I found the book unbearable to read, it hurt my heart.

Marymon profile image
Marymon in reply toHeronNS

That is the point of book clubs, you don't have to praise the choice. Say what you think more than !likely others feel the same, but haven't confidence in their own opinion. I know you can put your thoughts on paper, from reading your posts, so go and articulate them. Wake them up.

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply toMarymon

Except I won't have read the whole book .... But you're right. Thanks.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toHeronNS

Good question Heron

For what it's worth - and from personal experience of these things..

If, this clearly very sad and poignant book's theme has made you feel 'down' - and the prospect of attending the book club to discuss it also fills you with dread / negative feelings - why expose yourself to more Pain?

Yes, sometimes we have to push-through our reticence and possible negativity about engaging in, or with some things in Life to engage and explore the Positive Side.

But.. suffering from the effects of PMR or not, we sometimes have to decide what we actually Want or Don't Want to do in Life - and, within reason, without exposing ourselves to the feelings of Stress, Pain and Guilt that can torture us and make us ill - or even more ill.

As you say, you are in a Quandary - and the often tortuous decision between taking the risk of exposing yourself to a (subjectively) 'Negative' experience (or not!) is ultimately a bit of a gamble. In the end, only you can assess the risks / benefits (either way).

Personally (and on my PMR Journey of pain, often severely depleted mental and physical energy, occasional emotional 'Flatness' etc), I've learned to Default to saying 'No thanks' to the expectations of others rather than defaulting to 'Yes Please'. Ok, I occasionally miss-out on Positive experiences, but at least I feel more in control.

On the other hand: sometimes (and I stress Sometimes..) taking a Leap of Faith / Risk outside of our Comfort Zone can bring surprising and wonderful results.

So, maybe these difficult decisions are ultimately determined by how we perceive our ability to engage and cope with the Big and sometimes Scary / Uncertain World around us - and depending on how we Really FEEL (!) on any particular day and / or at any particular time?!

And with a chronic and mentally / physically debilitating illness like PMR / GCA, it's an even tougher call - as I well-know! ;-)

All I can say is: (with PMR / GCA) Trust your Emotions and err-on-the-side of avoiding Emotional Stress if you are really feeling bad about the prospect of going to what sounds like quite a sombre meeting.

Hope this helps - please let Us Lot know how you get on either way. I'm sure many of us can relate.. ;-)

MB :-)

HeronNS profile image
HeronNS in reply tomarkbenjamin57

I appreciate your comments. Thank you. Wouldn't be a problem except I'm suffering more from social isolation than almost anything else these days. I wish I hadn't forgotten the last meeting, went around for a week frequently reminding myself about it, then on the evening managed to forget all about it until just about the time it ended! That would have been a more cheerful session (Jan Caron, At Home in Mitford). Never been in a book club before so I'm not sure how they decide what they're going to talk about.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toHeronNS

Ah, sorry Heron, I see. Well..... then maybe take the plunge and go along? It's probably the only way to find out. You can always make your excuses (blame PMR / Fatigue etc) and leave early if it doesn't suit you (sometimes a telling white lie is acceptable in Life). On the Plus side, you might just have a great time and meet some really interesting people.

'Fortune Favours the Brave..? ;-)

tgca profile image
tgca

At least Tedski susses you out!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply totgca

He knows me too well - a bit like You Lot..!. :-D

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer

“To be honest I don’t enjoy the limelight” - oh Markus how could you? those words should have sent warning lights around the globe. 🤣😂🤣‼️

Very entertaining nevertheless, even if it is blatant advertising!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

p.s. DL... 'blatant advertising' - but with no apology since PMRGCAuk benefit from 25% of the net sale proceeds. ;-)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Fairy snuff from my viewpoint.... but?

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

(see reply to Rimmy below...?)

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57

Ok DL: So, yes, I've developed an insatiable desire to be a Famous Celeb one day. And as usual, I blame You Lot for egging me on... ;-/ :-D.

Nice to see you back - hope your knee's settling down ok..? ;-)

DorsetLady profile image
DorsetLadyPMRGCAuk volunteer in reply tomarkbenjamin57

On the mend nicely, ta - still a few ouch! Or “oh &@£))&£ heck “ moments depending on company!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toDorsetLady

Keep it up.. :-)

Rimmy profile image
Rimmy

Loved this Mark !! - perhaps you SHOULD send a transcript of this and our responses to the 'venerable' Mr Naughtie - GO ON - why not - he at least might wonder about the contradictions of having an often 'brain numbing' disease and STILL being able to write so cleverly and provocatively - I dare you !!!!

All good wishes

Rimmy

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toRimmy

Thanks Rimmy :-) Well, that has crossed my mind - I suppose nothing to lose.

To be honest, I hesitated in Posting this particular (note - spoof!) story since I didn't want to appear to unduly self-publicise. Some time ago a member here reported me to the Administrators for promoting my book on the grounds of 'selling a product and exploiting vulnerable members for commercial gain' (or something to that effect). Ouch! But if only they knew how much it cost to get into print - and how little net profit remains for the very small volumes sold. If I were doing this as a business it would be a non starter...

On the other hand, if my ramblings entertain some of You Lot AND stimulate a few book sales (from which the Charity benefits too), to my mind everyone wins.

And...as for getting noticed by Jim / Aunty Beeb even in a small way (let alone my getting on his show - pigs could fly?!), who knows where THAT could lead for PMRGCAuk too?!

Many thanks for your kind thoughts and wishes - I'm on the case ;-)

MB :-)

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Well after a few serious posts from you Mark, I thought you had turned over a new leaf, glad to see here as always you haven't changed at all!! Well written!!

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJackoh

Thanks Jackie :-). Well, I usually default to wanting to write the (allegedly) funny stuff but occasionally get into Reflective Mode too. The 'funny' stuff just flows from the imagination when I start - it's a bit like creative 'playtime'. The more serious stuff tends to give me Brain Fade as it means I have to actually THINK about what I'm trying to say. Think..? MB..? OMG!!! :-D

Hope you're well and thriving.. ;-)

MB

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Yes all that makes sense believe it or not! Still struggling to reduce down steroids. Spent some time on nearly all 15 mg but then had to stop temporarily because of earache, neck and base of skull pain. But will try again!! Try to go with the flow. I'm good at the theory but still have to work at the " going with the flow" in practice. Still upwards and onwards. All the best for September meeting.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJackoh

J, I remember being stuck at 15 mgpd (and various other levels!) for ages before getting a break. I know how frustrating and demoralising it feels when we seem to have to go backwards with (i.e. increasing) the Preds: but at least we have some very good technical and moral support here - which helps a lot.

Thanks, yep: looking forward to the September event! :-)

Jackoh profile image
Jackoh

Thanks for your encouragement 👍😀

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toJackoh

All part of the service.. ;-)

yogabonnie profile image
yogabonnie

haha! the best.

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toyogabonnie

bonnie, you are too kind - but thanks anyway ;-)

VAl4266 profile image
VAl4266

Well done I believed you! Must be the heat, I will buy your book what is the easy way to do it? Val

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toVAl4266

Thanks Val :-) A bit of mischief, I know, but that's what I have a reputation for! ;-)

If you go to the main PMRGCAuk website / 'Books about PMR and GCA' section you should find a link to my 'Write Me Funny...' website where you'll find more info about the book and ordering options (easiest: Paypal by credit / debit card, or cheque in the post). Any problems, send me a Private Message here and I'll try to help.

Many thanks for your interest in my Post - and the silly book :-)

And Yep... ohhh, this (returning) heat!

Best wishes

MB

Suet3942 profile image
Suet3942

Is Tedski a dog??

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toSuet3942

Well Sue, I looked at Tedski's ID documents and they state that he is a (q) 'Bear'. But what type of Bear is a bit of a mystery. Huggy, Teddy, Cave, Sloth, Koala, Polar, Kodiak or Grizzly? - I just don't know.

But judging by his piercing blue eyes, Slavic accent and general Mischievousness I would guess he's just a Bear-faced Rascal. A bit like his Keeper maybe..? ;-) :-D

Suet3942 profile image
Suet3942 in reply tomarkbenjamin57

You always manage to cheer us all up Mark. X

Patience47 profile image
Patience47

Thanks MB. Made my day. 😃

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toPatience47

Thank you too Patience - always nice to bring some smiles to others of Us Lot on the PMR GCA Journey.. :-)

Marymon profile image
Marymon

Do I get a prize for being 70th post??? suggest a date with Tedski 😚

Keep dreaming Mark

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toMarymon

Yep Mary: a complimentary signed copy of my silly book and VIP audience with Tedski if you can get to the PMRGCAuk Members' Day in London on 8 September?

Otherwise, we'll have to negotiate 'Special Terms' ;-) :-D

Marymon profile image
Marymon in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Definitely Special Terms' as I already have a copy, will bring it for a signatude. That should increase the value when I put it up for auction in a Rare Books sale.📚

markbenjamin57 profile image
markbenjamin57 in reply toMarymon

Ohh.. sorry Mary, I forgot! Ok then, remind me on the day and I'll scribble my moniker on it. But remember: my signature will probably De-value the book by at least 50% on the Collectors' market! ;-) :-D

Marymon profile image
Marymon in reply tomarkbenjamin57

Risk one takes when buying rare objects.

just off to finish a good book. 📖

Cyclegirl54 profile image
Cyclegirl54

Love it!

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Greetings to Poly(ma)lingerers and Partners in Pred First, on a rare but serious note! I've...

The Lighter Side: ‘Dear MB…’ Readers’ Letters - You couldn't make it up. Or could you....? ;-)

Greetings Polymarauders and Pred-posers everywhere :-) Well, there’s an old saying: ‘Feedback...