Hey, according to Simon Kelner, editor-in-chief of The Independent, I live in "one of Britain's most exciting and dynamic towns". No, I've not moved. Yes, he is talking (or writing) about Ipswich, unbelievably.

This startling quote was lifted from a 20 page "Best of Ipswich" colour supplement that came free with the Independent on Sunday a week or so back. I suspect this was only the case in the East of England. I find it hard to imagine the good folk of Exeter, for instance, rushing round the newsagents in search of a copy and boosting the circulation figures. On the other hand I find it easy to imagine Mr Kelner using exactly the same phrase about Plymouth, say, in their own regional pull-out.

Cynicism aside, maybe you'd like to learn about "the top 50 places to go to in Ipswich"? If so, here's my retyped and reformatted guide to the Best of Ipswich (as nicked from the Independent). Just as well I can touch type perfecttly.

Always of interest, I think, to see what outsiders (including those from Bramford) make of the town. I've been here far too long to be objective about it. Don't know what it is, but it's strange the pull that the town has for those brought up round here. Even those that spend time living in other parts of the country often end up back here. Could be something in the Gipping.

I want to go back to my home town
Though I know it'll never be the same
— Home Town, Joe Jackson

There would normally be another paragraph here, but I've hammered this keyboard enough tonight and it's very late, and some of us need to be up for work in the morning. Ricicles to look forward to for breakfast.

Be seeing you!

Ed