Something people have said to me over and again is that I've got lots of friends, and lots of close friends - something for which I'm very grateful. It's something of a paradox, since I'm quite an independent person who likes his own space, but I don't know where I'd be without my chums.

I've met friends in lots of places - at school and university, on courses and summer schools, on holidays - and I'm pretty good at keeping in touch with them. In the past, I was a bit snap-happy with my camera, so here's an opportunity to chortle and guffaw at an awful picture of yourself or someone you know.

Even better, I've now spoiled myself and bought a lovely Canon Digital Ixus 55 camera. Very swanky. I got it to go on me hols to San Francisco, but I've taken lots of pics. I'll try and get them all online for your viewing pleasure, but in the meantime,

PS. Before you start writing an email to complain that I've not written anything about you, or you don't have a picture, just hang on! I'm not a student with time to spare, you know. And I'm holding out for some better snaps in some cases too.