Then I realised it must be lyrics, given the monkey, a realisation which Google confirmed.

I'm sure someone in the history of string instruments has made and played an actual plywood violin. The question is just whether they were inspired to do so by Leonard Cohen.

If I ever get my hands on a time machine, I will be sure to let you use it for going to the theatre.

Thank you. That's one of the nicest offers I've had in weeks.

(Weirdly, that pretty much is what I'd use it for.)

I find myself strangely fascinated that Kipling seems, from this quote, to have almost struggled with whether to dislike Einstein more for being Jewish or for being German.

I think German, but I wouldn't put money on it.

Not sure about the movie--I reckon I was maybe too young to appreciate it properly. I think the scenery was lovely, which alone might make it worth watching.

I watched it night before last; I liked it very much, but wasn't sure how closely it resembled either its source novel or the author's life. The answer seems to be: much more than I expected on both counts, which is a very pleasant surprise.

I hope you're feeling better, and if said hope is in vain then I hope you will be soon.

Appreciated. I am much, much better than last night.