Gah! I live there for twenty odd years and never see a cool owl man!

They're definitely about though, my mum saw them again a few days ago.

Yeah they're definitely there, when Nicky spoke to Richard Bacon on 5Live he said he was at Rockfield

Not technically the Manics, but this afternoon I walked past Wayne and Sean Read (I hope I got his name right) near Cardiff Library - I presume the band must be doing something in their studio nearby!

Probably really busy with all teh prep for the album and Lions tour plus getting ready for the festivals this summer. All good news.

I've seen James in the crowd at a Manics gig during the support...which i think was Ian Brown? He was stood right next to me wearing a hat. I was far too nervous to bother speaking to him, plus you know, crowds etc would have gathered.

Disappointingly I've not heard any stories of fan encounters with James wishing people a Merry Christmas. Usually he starts wishing people Merry Christmas in October. :P

I saw Nicky in HMV newport on Tuesday. He was picking up an ipod dock.

He truly has embraced the now.

Quite depressingly un rock and roll though really isn't it?

Probably a Christmas present for the kids:)

Maybe he's gonna smash it.

Misread that as iPod duck and really did wonder ...

He might take it back when he discovers it doesn't play cassettes... (sorry Nicky.. I jest).

I hope he didn't get a lightning connector-only model for 30-pin connector iPods. Or vice-versa. Most of the docks have an analogue connection too though. Or bluetooth, and we know how he loves bluetooth. In zones!

did you speak? If so, did he mention he has a politics degree?

No, he is entitled to his private life.