quick question

What is the smell that I associate with model railways and brand-new stereo components, and have just encountered on my shiny new PDA? Some sort of mineral oil, I presume, but I have no idea what.

Dear Barclays ...

... how I long for the day when I can close down the account that used to be my father's. Because, really, it's not necessary to keep me on the phone for 30 mins and try to sell me insurance / credit cards / loans / payment protection etc when all I am requesting is an overdraft extension to cover the period between Plymouth City Council taking some money* and Plymouth City Council paying it all back.

In retrospect, it would probably have been easier just to leave it as an unauthorised overdraft.

*my fault, as cancelling standing orders was low on my list of priorities after my father's death.

In brief, post-pub

1. Most offensive thing that Barclays said to me today: "marital status ... you're a widow, yes?" (Because obviously if I have a joint account with a person of the same name, it must be my husband.)

2. Release oil. (I could not help but snort.) The oil that is used to make sure that cast items don't stick to the mould. ... Apparently some people can't smell anything.

3. Yes, the trailer for Pirates of the Caribbean 2: Dead Man's Chest is available. Due for release in early July 06.

4. I was only an almost innocent bystander.

5. Boo to half-hourly train services.