A tour de force by Sir Jonathan Miller

...at Liverpool earlier this year. Ever since Beyond the Fringe and taking in The Body in Question along with a few memorable Parky interviews [particularly one in which he explained how mid-flight farting on transatlantic jets made perfect scientific sense, given the pitch of the engine noise in the cabin and the characteristic noise profile of the average fart], Jonathan has made me think. I always feel about 50 IQ points better having listened to him - even when he's talking about farting.

His personable style in explaining complex issues and ideas and always choosing the right word and form of expression that perfectly encapsulates the meaning that he is seeking to convey. The long elegant fingers sweeping and swooping in arcs across his body as his arms flay in a demonstration of unbridled self-expression. I could listen to him for hours.

An old newspaper cutting containing a black and white still of him, mid-explanation, hangs on my office notice board. It's within line of sight so that if I'm sitting in there and need some inspiration, a glance at him and it all comes flooding back. He turned 74 last week -you wouldn't think it though...if you want a dose of enthusiasm and captivating narrative in equal measure then click through and watch the vid. It's an hour well spent.