7 billion people live on this earth, Squeeze are number 4 in the internet chart, we have sold out tonights show (1,829) here in Birmingham at the Symphony Hall, and i had three cups of coffee, all magic numbers. I think i signed 40 or 50 ticket stubs and maybe 40 albums, two tee shirts and 25 tour programs, i slept for one hour in the dressing room on the sofa, i eat one piece of Salmon. All magic numbers. We played around 20 songs in a 1 hour and 45 minute set. I drove 124 miles after the show to London for my day off. There were three road closures in route. Frustrating. I arrived in bed at 2am. Its basically all good news, we are getting there with some bells on, and everyone seems happy in the camp. Glenn is beaming more than recently and thats a good thing. Melvin is always beaming, as is Simon, who seemed less beaming today but as ever he played a great show. Its a very busy time, with all these things going on planning ahead is not easy for me, i can only focus on the now and what is on the table, two oranges and some cheese. Although there is no time to catch my breath everything seems to be tightly fit into place. Its so great playing in Birmingham, the hall is beautiful and the sound is perfect. Outside the venue as i drive away the sight of a city centre on heat, girls in no clothes and men all pumped up in shirts and jeans, there is dance music coming out of each building and the Police stand around looking on. Its a zoo, i drive by and head towards the day off down the M1. Another number. Not a magic one most of the time, with its 50mph 20 mile stretch, with average speed cameras that we all play cat and mouse with. I wonder. But as they say if the shoe fits wear it, i found this one on the street by my hotel, i wonder.