Wow, how fast did 2011 go? Over the next couple of weeks, I'll probably be a little premature with my 'end of the year' comments but I've finished up with the day-job for the year (and I should think so too after a year of working non-stop with only five days off this year) which leaves me the time and head-space to attend to the ever growing stack of junk inside my head.

The kids had no idea what to get me for my birthday this year (which was last week) so I directed them to the first season box set of The Invaders. I always liked this show when I was a kid but when my Ma told me this is what she watching when she went into labour with me, that kind of sealed its fate in my heart. I've gotten through the first four episodes so far and it's fantastic throwaway TV. If you ever needed some tips on how to spot an alien in your own backyard, this is all the info you'll ever need...

Also worthy of noting here is the book Rivers of London. I bought it as an audio book months ago but never got around to listening to it. I don't know why I waited so long to get it on - it's really good. Like really good. A proper book and kind of like something I wish I had written. Nice work Sir. As luck would have it, lame as I have been, there are a few more already available in the series. That will give me something to do over the hols... Ben Aaronovitch is the word on the street.

Right - I still have last minutes scraps to buy for the monkeys and some other special things. Watch out for those body snatchers...