I think it’s an age thing, the inablity to finish sentences or remember names or even simple words. My son despairs of me and we have these ridiculous conversations where he tries to work out what I’m saying and fills in the blanks. It’s like listening to the characters Harry and Bert in The Two Ronnies’ sketch in the pub.
Last night we were watching Wonders of the Universe. I say ‘watching’ but in reality Rory was watching it and I was letting the dialogue drift over me whilst I drooled over Professor Cox.
This was our conversation:
Me: I see there’s that famous bloke coming to town to talk to the Science Society at your school.
Rory: What famous bloke?
Me: The one who used to do funny science things
Rory: Who?
Me: He’s the father of erm, that woman
Rory: What woman?
Me: The one who’s on the radio
Rory: Who?
Me: She’s married to a DJ
Rory: Vernon Kay?
Me: No, no, a proper DJ, does the spinning things with records
Rory: Calvin Harris?
Me: No, an older one
Rory: Fat Boy Slim?
Me: YES, that’s the one!
Rory: What’s her name then?
Me: …….Zoe!
Rory: Zoe who?
Me: Ball! Zoe Ball.
Rory: So it’s her father who’s coming to Spalding
Me: Yes, his name’s something Ball.
Rory: Michael?
Me: No, he’s the singer
Rory: Okay, Mr Ball, let’s just call him John.
Me: That’s it! Johnny Ball! He’s coming. Do you want to go and see him?
Rory: Nah!
Ha ha! Great conversation! And Johnny Ball…. very cool!
Hahaha! Although I knew who you were on about all along – maybe I am old?!
Would that be famous climate change denier Johnny ball. I once saw him slow hand-clapped off stage…
Photopuddle – I hope I'm not the only one unable to get to the end of a sent…
Kirsty – you must be of a certain age too!
Anonymous – I gather he's getting a lot of flak from people now after his comments and not being invited to speak to science groups as much – which probably explains why he's able to come to our local school! I still think he would be interesting to listen to.
I'm amazed you got to the end. My lot would have lost interest half way through. I remember Johnny from Play School. That ages me!
Glad I'm not the only one…my kids do give up!
Sarah – I'm rather amazed he stuck with it too!
Of course, Johnny Ball was in Play School, I remember now, him and Brian Cant!
Lottie – it became worse when Hubby walked in and I tried to relay the conversation to him, forgetting once again, the names of everyone!
Well I wouldn't have guessed who it was – perhaps being even older I missed the Play School thing.
So you are another woman who's got the hot for Cox?
… and after all that, he doesn't even want to go. I don't know, young people today.
Troy – ooh yes, there's something quite boyish about him, coupled with being highly intelligent and a musician to boot. Slightly geeky but very fanciable.
The Dotterel – I know! He'd have jumped at the chance a couple of years ago if it had been Dr Bunhead or Brainiac! I suspect if it were at another venue we wouldn't have a problem.
Thank goodness for that I thought it was only erm, you know, thingy, wotsit, has dark hair, you know her…me!
Silver Tiaras – Oh yes, I know you, you were in that show with me, you know the one with the chickens, in that state in America, begins with a T?
"The one who used to do funny science things…" as soon as I read that I knew instantly who you meant. You're right, it is an age thing – your boy isn't the right age!
(a verbal play on words by me that works better spoken aloud than when written down eh?)
Steve – there you go. The conversation would have been done and dusted in a couple of sentences!
Troy – Don't worry I knew exactly what you meant – but I then started thinking of Prof Cox and went off into my own little world….or is that the galaxy or the universe??
Ah…Johnny Ball. Too expensive to book according to our school, although I reckon he would be rather entertaining… and they would sell enough tickets to parents of a certain age!
Ha ha. I just replace every other word with "thing-a-majig" (or however you spell it). Usually does the trick. Either that or they're all ignoring me. Hmmm…
I was supposed to be interviewing Brian Cox in person on Saturday at the Big Bang Science Fair. Put my make up on and everything. They fobbed me off with someone else instead. All that googling for nothing. Oh well.
I read Johnny Ball is being harangued and cyber stalked for his views on climate change. I always remember him on TV as a child although even his great enthusiasm didn't give me a head for numbers. Still a maths dunce. I'm actually quite good with names – it's one of my many useless talents but I do often put yoghurt in the dishwasher and cereal in the fridge.
Sugarplum – I think you're right: very well-known by the parents of the kids of secondary school age.
Expat Mum – oh I do that: whatchamacallit, whatsisname, and other random utterings.
Alison – You were going to interview Brian Cox!! Oh my lord. I would have worn my make-up and best pants too.
I'm not good with numbers either. So I can't speak or count – no wonder I blog!
So so glad its not just me…….feel better now….remembering names and places is hard work when you're talking to people of the wrong age! Us oldies seem to know in what general direction we are drifting! I spoke to Johnny Ball once very briefly when I was with my son who was about 5 at the time…he remarked that my son had beautiful manners so I was very pleased as punch motherwise…why his approval mattered I know not…but it pleased me all the same……….as for Brian Cox…doesn't really do it for me…….
Libby – That's it: if I'd been talking to you, you would have got the gist of it and all would be well.
I'm quite pleased you don't fancy the Professor – reduces the competition!
Even I was yelling Johnny Ball by line 5!!! But I'm as bad..it's our age my love đŸ™‚
I had visions of DD1 rolling her eyes when I do the same! LOL!
god may we never get together for a conversation; it will be whatshisname and thingymebob all the way