10 Jan 09 - 04:59 PM (#2537436) Subject: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Poet's Day Sign the Number 10 petition if you think Les should hold this position... http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/LesBarkerPoet/ |
10 Jan 09 - 05:06 PM (#2537444) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Mo the caller What's happened to the last/present one then? Is there a vacancy? |
10 Jan 09 - 07:34 PM (#2537592) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Betsy Done |
10 Jan 09 - 07:50 PM (#2537606) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST Sorry I'm from the wrong side of the pond, and, being long legged, I can climb those stairs anyway :)! Woof! |
10 Jan 09 - 07:56 PM (#2537615) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Leadfingers Andrew Motion finishes his stint This Year Mo ! |
10 Jan 09 - 08:06 PM (#2537627) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: MaineDog To be fair I must claim the above post signed "Woof" MD |
11 Jan 09 - 07:33 PM (#2537719) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: John J Done. JJ |
11 Jan 09 - 07:54 PM (#2537737) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Snuffy John J, Betsy (and maybe others) Your names won't show up on the petition until you open the Government email and click on the link to confirm that you've signed. |
11 Jan 09 - 08:22 PM (#2537750) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Geordie-Peorgie (nee fl*ppin' cookie again!! Aah'm in an' aah've e-mailed it all ower the world Aah hope yez are aall deein' the same |
12 Jan 09 - 02:08 AM (#2537868) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Dead Horse Good lord NO. The poor bugger has enough to contend with being a folk idol :-) |
12 Jan 09 - 05:09 AM (#2537901) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: mouldy All done. Les for Laureate! Andrea |
12 Jan 09 - 05:37 AM (#2537917) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Terry McDonald Just signed it. Les is appearing at Ringwood Folk Club tomorrow evening, Tuesday 13th, with the Warwick Slade Collective as the support act. |
12 Jan 09 - 06:05 AM (#2537943) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 We played a support slot for LB on Saturday for a "GuideCats" gig, and he was in fine form. Does it mean that he'll have to put on a suit and meet the Queen though? Maybe they could arrange for a Mrs Ackroyd reunion to do the "Bohemian Rhapsody" parody. All signed and I'm circulating every one on my mailing list. The Warwick Slade Collective sounds good - I've always wanted to promote Messrs Lea and Holder as contributors to the folk tradition -not so daft as it sounds "My oh My" is based on a folk tune! Dave T |
12 Jan 09 - 06:10 AM (#2537945) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: r.padgett Done Maybe we will through Les get a higher profile for poetry in general for the masses and the folky people! Ray |
12 Jan 09 - 12:41 PM (#2538024) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Grampus I've signed too, but it'll need a lot more. Click Here G. |
12 Jan 09 - 01:02 PM (#2538046) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Mr Red Is a crate of malmsey (or is it sac?) wise in his condition? Still it is only one crate for the whole stint (not sure how big) - which is how many years? A small point but some have signed as a couple. It would count per person if signed indivually, but not (Knowing how petitions work) if signed jointly. |
12 Jan 09 - 01:42 PM (#2538093) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Ian The poet Laureate has been Andrew Motion, Ted Hughes, John Betjemen (is that spelt correctly?) All of whom have an air of smoking jackets, receptions at Sandringham and quaffing Chateau Lorionde 87. That bugger has an air of chasing my ex wife around a stage brandishing a cucumber and leaving dog hairs in our spare bed. (1981.) Ok, I'll vote for him. Incidentally, comedy and parody apart, his work does deserve better recognition from the establishment. "Will you walk with me" and "Candlelight and Wine" are stunning pieces of work... |
12 Jan 09 - 01:51 PM (#2538101) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Wild Flying Dove I just love the idea so I've voted! |
12 Jan 09 - 02:34 PM (#2538152) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: bubblyrat I have voted for LB also,if only because we shall never see the like of John Masefield or John Betjeman in these talentless, dumbed-down times again-----besides which,LB is VERY talented,and VERY funny, although why some of you have to get on your high horses about the possibility of a Poet Laureate enjoying fine wines,or wearing a Smoking Jacket ,is beyond me ! ---Are you STILL riddled with class angst, or what ??What if Les Barker wore a smoking-jacket and drank Champagne ?? Would you lynch him for it ?? HA !! Morons !!Plebs !! |
12 Jan 09 - 02:37 PM (#2538154) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,danensis Perhaps the Queen would wear a cardigan so he felt at home John |
12 Jan 09 - 03:09 PM (#2538188) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: My guru always said Fab idea, I'm in! |
12 Jan 09 - 04:24 PM (#2538279) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,flying cat me too,love, moira |
12 Jan 09 - 04:32 PM (#2538289) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST I rather hope that he'd 'do a Larkin' and decline it, if offered... |
12 Jan 09 - 07:06 PM (#2538426) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: mandotim I'm in. Tim |
12 Jan 09 - 07:13 PM (#2538433) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Herga Kitty I guess I'll sign it too, but has anyone thought of asking Les whether he wants to be nominated............? He may have similar views (on having to provide poems to mark national occasions) as Wendy Cope. Kitty |
12 Jan 09 - 07:24 PM (#2538441) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Don(Wyziwyg)T Knowing Les, he would provide the necessary touch of humour and humanity, to bring the royals back into the public's heart, where they belong. A national institution saved by a national institution. How bad can that be? Go Les Don T. |
12 Jan 09 - 07:28 PM (#2538444) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Herga Kitty I have signed it. I see that Tom Bliss has signed with the caveat "If he wants it"! Lots of signatory names that I recognise..... Kitty |
12 Jan 09 - 07:35 PM (#2538450) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: bubblyrat Sorry, but he CANNOT decline !" Noblesse Oblige," don't you know ?? PS....Karen & I are looking forward to seeing and hearing you both at Knowle Hill on Thursday next--Will Derek be wearing shorts (OOOHH !) despite the weather ?? Nick E Nackinou |
12 Jan 09 - 07:44 PM (#2538455) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Herga Kitty Well, Br, I don't think Derek will be singing on Thursday without his shorts on.... it might upset Mrs Admiral Pearl. Apologies for thread drift, though I suspect Les Barker would find a suitable poem for the occasion. Kitty |
12 Jan 09 - 07:51 PM (#2538464) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Dave MacKenzie I wouldn't wish being Poet Laureate on my worst enemy. |
13 Jan 09 - 07:19 AM (#2538637) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 I'm attaching part of an email I got from Clive Lever yesterday. Clive was the moving force behind the "Guide Cats for the Blind" CD project, which featured a range of Les's poetry on 3 albums. It's just about getting Les's poems more widely known to the general public. "I think there's more to the manifesto for this political party than calling for Les to be made poet laureate. Perhaps we can try to make the following happen, by emailing some of these ideas to all those who may be visiting the website to sign up to such a campaign: * all petitioners who sign up to write individually and without reference to any other petitioner, to BBC Radio 4's Poetry Please, asking for their favourite Les Barker poem to be featured on the programme. Note though that care must be taken as to how this is done, as they are likely to shy away from anything if they think there's an organised campaign, so we need to fool them into thinking that each person who writes has nothing to do with the rest...so no references to the petition, no standard letters. * Pat Tynan has put up Brian Perkins' Shipping forecast on Youtube, and today uploaded Charlotte Green's Voicemail." |
13 Jan 09 - 10:42 AM (#2538753) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: r.padgett He cannot refuse!! WE flippin need him, we folkies rely on him to make us laugh, Now let the Nation in on our best kept treasure! his material has already been used by certain celebrities Ray |
13 Jan 09 - 01:21 PM (#2538898) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Steve Hunt Don wrote: "Knowing Les, he would provide the necessary touch of humour and humanity, to bring the royals back into the public's heart, where they belong." I, for one, would be very disappointed if he did! The idea of a genius like Les agreeing to become the official mouthpiece of the establishment, and then using his incredible talents to raise the popularity of a small cabal of powerful, un-elected aristocrats is little short of revolting IMO. Right, now I've got that off my chest, I can go back to listening to something Bulgarian recorded for Topic by A.L. Lloyd from back in the 'good old days'... |
14 Jan 09 - 05:55 AM (#2539442) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Warwick Slade I saw Les, live, for the first time last night while playing support with The Warwick Slade Collective. He was great. I have signed and will canvass any one I know. (about 3 people) |
14 Jan 09 - 08:50 AM (#2539569) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Terry McDonald As a member of the aforementioned Collective, I was at Les's Ringwood gig last night. I asked him if he'd lije to be the Poet Laureate and his response was that, if chosen, he'd really enjoy putting establishment noses out of joint. (Not his exact words, but that was the gist of it!) |
14 Jan 09 - 09:23 AM (#2539592) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: r.padgett Good for him!! Ray |
14 Jan 09 - 01:01 PM (#2539708) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 And a few ears out of joint as well one would hope! |
17 Jan 09 - 05:05 AM (#2541087) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Grampus Refresh |
17 Jan 09 - 06:41 AM (#2541137) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 I've been asked by Clive Lever of "Guidecats" to update Les's entry in Wikipedia - I've made a start on this and hope to have it finished by the end of the weekend, when I've got used to all the "bells and whistles" on Wikipedia. If anyone else wants to contribute/edit, Wikipedia is of couses open source. |
17 Jan 09 - 07:02 AM (#2541154) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Lizzie Cornish 1 I think Les Barker should be Prime Minister..not just Poet Laureate. :0) |
17 Jan 09 - 09:34 AM (#2541262) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Graham Bradshaw When this was first mooted back in the late Summer, it was met with responses like: "Great idea", but "Not much chance though". And then I thought about it and came to the conclusion that this is not such a silly idea after all. Assuming Les wants it, it is entirely possible. Just think how many people know and love Les's work on the folk scene alone. It must run into several million. And then there is all the exposure he has had on mainstream radio because of the Guide Cats albums. There are a lot of very heavyweight broadcasters who think he is the dogs doodahs. However you look at it, any other candidates are likely to be virtually unknown to most of us other then a few Radio 3 listeners. It's about time we had The People's Poet as laureate. I did hear somewhere that it was to be a public vote this time. Anybody know? Whatever, if all his fans did vote, he'd walk it. Just think of all those late night telly programmes with those up-their-own-arses arty types, and Les bringing some much needed levity to the proceedings. Priceless. G |
17 Jan 09 - 08:42 PM (#2541814) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 There is also now a Myspace page for "Guidecats" - fairly basic at the moment but at least up and running:- http://www.myspace.com/guidecatsfortheblind |
18 Jan 09 - 04:09 AM (#2541964) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 Clive Lever of "Guidecats" has penned this which he has asked me to post:- Where is Les? Everywhere I hear Pam Ayres. Michael Rosen's poetry, I keep hearing plenty of. Where is he? Not on Radio Four or three. Won't our national radio Play Les's poetry? Pam's been featured on Q I, Someone tell that Stephen Fry, Of those cats that guide He's overdue For being seen on Two, Where... where... is Les? Why they still don't know his shy "'ello" Is life's great mystery. McGough is heard on Radio 4, Ask for rhymes that you adore, He'll play Spike I'm sure, Macmillan too, Andrew Motion for you, But where ... where... is Les? (Tune: Where is love? (Lionel Bart) Brian Perkins does crazy things with the shipping forecast: On YouTube at: Brian Perkins "Shipping Forecast" And Charlotte Green poses as the Voicemail messenger from hell at: Charlotte Green "Voicemail" Check out the videos, get the albums at www.bcab.org.uk. |
18 Jan 09 - 09:23 PM (#2542715) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: vectis Last link not working Acorn |
19 Jan 09 - 05:14 AM (#2542869) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 forgot the "http", didn't I - "when will I ever learn? http://www.bcab.org.uk |
19 Jan 09 - 12:08 PM (#2543170) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Anonymous Willie Yeah, I have voted for him, using my real name, (takes ll the fun out it...) Mind you, the question was posed above, about a peoples poet. 30 years ago, I would have put John Cooper Clarke on that pedestal. S.W.H. |
19 Jan 09 - 04:53 PM (#2543392) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,danensis Not to mention Benjamin Zephaniah |
27 Jan 09 - 09:15 AM (#2550118) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Mr Happy Me email 'ad a glitch last week but its fixed now, so I'm all aigned up! Any more for any more? |
27 Jan 09 - 09:17 AM (#2550120) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Mr Happy Hmmmnnn, can't see Les's name there? |
29 Jan 09 - 01:31 PM (#2552121) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 According to Les's Wikipedia page, it's his birthday tomorrow. Shall we all send him an email:- les@mrsackroyd.com |
30 Jan 09 - 08:23 AM (#2552798) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: DG&D Dave I have the strange feeling that he might start with the Deck of Cards parody, the name of which escapes me. Dave. "When I see the Queen, I know I'm in the wrong bus queue..." |
08 Feb 09 - 05:00 PM (#2561160) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Grampus 477 so far............ .........who'll be No 500? Get signing G. |
08 Feb 09 - 06:02 PM (#2561206) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 Les was actually on Genevieve Tudor's "Sunday Folk" on Radio Shropshire tonight talking, none too seriously of course, about the possible Laurateship. It's in the second half, available on "Listen Again". |
08 Feb 09 - 06:03 PM (#2561207) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 Link for above post:- Les Barker on Sunday Folk |
11 Feb 09 - 09:34 AM (#2563788) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Cally, his personal nurse If he becomes Poet Laureate I will knit him a suit so he can be properly dressed. Something along the lines of the cardigans I thought. |
11 Feb 09 - 11:12 AM (#2563882) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Nigel Parsons The comment above about the Queen wering a cardigan was uncalled for. After all, she breeds Cardigans (and Pembrokes). Perhaps she'll breed a new one for Les! |
11 Feb 09 - 12:13 PM (#2563952) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Rifleman (inactive) I'm just envisaging HM with a corgi, of either breed, wrapped about her person, it's quite funny actually... and Les for Poet Laureate? Yes Indeed!!! |
12 Feb 09 - 03:35 AM (#2564669) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Norfolk Dumpling The count is 584 this morning Copy & paste to vote here http://petitions.number10.gov.uk/LesBarkerPoet/ |
13 Feb 09 - 09:41 AM (#2565878) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,a fan 646 now |
13 Feb 09 - 11:12 AM (#2565978) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 Apparently Les will be appearing on Lorna Milton's afternoon radio show on BBC Three Counties Radio on Friday 20th February -the programme runs between 2.00 and 4.30, and according to the info I've received Les will be on at 1.40, so this will obviously be a clear case of deja vu! Will put on amended time as soon as I get confirmation -I imagine it will be 2.40. |
18 Feb 09 - 05:45 PM (#2570399) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 Les will be a guest on "BBC Three Counties Radio" this Friday 20th Feb on the afternoon show which runs between 2.00 and 4.30pm hosted by Lorna Milton. Not sure if he will be discussing the Poet Laureateship or Guidecats but he will , I would think, undoubtedly be reading some poems. BBC Three Counties Radio. |
20 Mar 09 - 04:52 PM (#2593589) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Grampus Time for a BUMP as the deadline approaches Deadline to sign up by: 09 April 2009 Only 764 signatures - so far. Dissappointing. Click Here G. |
20 Mar 09 - 05:15 PM (#2593612) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Helen Jocys. I've just signed 'pro'. He deserves it. The man's a master of imagination and language. More votes needed. HelenJ. |
21 Mar 09 - 04:22 AM (#2593885) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: r.padgett Yes a finer man and poet you can't find A man of the people Ray |
21 Mar 09 - 06:48 AM (#2593928) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 It is rather disappointing as LB can get that number in just one marquee at a festival - hope for a final SURGE!!! |
30 Mar 09 - 04:02 PM (#2600690) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Grampus Refresh The deadline approaches rapidly Deadline to sign up by: 09 April 2009 Only 779 signatures - so far. Dissappointing. Come on, one last push before the deadline............ Click Here G. |
31 Mar 09 - 04:05 PM (#2601557) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Rob the Roadie Best choice by far! |
02 May 09 - 06:37 AM (#2623059) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Acorn4 So Carol Ann Duffy is the new Poet Laureate. From what I've heard they've gone for the Steve McLaren option! Les will have to put his suit back in the wardrobe, I guess! |
02 May 09 - 06:45 AM (#2623060) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Emma B Well I voted for Les but.... we have the first woman (previously ruled out, according to some accounts, because Tony Blair feared her sexuality might not play well with "Middle England") and the first Scot (she was born in the 'working class' Gorbals district of Glasgow) to hold the post since its creation 341 years ago. In an interview she said that she was looking forward to her "butt of sack" – the 600 bottles of sherry traditionally given to the poet laureate – and that she had asked for hers up front, as Motion had not yet received his :) She likes her sherry dry. |
02 May 09 - 01:41 PM (#2623193) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Bonzo3legs Lesby a poet!! |
02 May 09 - 04:35 PM (#2623247) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,HelenJ Too late alas. The prize has gone to a Mancunian (or one who works in Manchester.). Pig sick. Better luck next time but it should have been THIS TIME. |
03 May 09 - 02:35 AM (#2623405) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: r.padgett Bad luck I reckon However what about giving him a gong of some description? Sir Les would probably be one too many and conjure up Dame Edna's friend, maybe? But we do need to laugh! and Les has done so much Charity work over the last 40 years to help good causes and has worked at gigs for nowt and travelled to sparsely attended folk clubs and charity events for the love of it!! Ray |
14 Jun 09 - 05:23 PM (#2656374) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Herga Kitty I've now had an e-mail with a link to Government's response to the petition.... Kitty |
14 Jun 09 - 05:42 PM (#2656388) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Geordie-Peorgie G-P's Thread aboot the same thing! |
14 Jun 09 - 06:04 PM (#2656404) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Herga Kitty Oops - just got back from a festival, so didn't see the GP thread, sorry! Kitty |
15 Jun 09 - 09:19 AM (#2656864) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,Mr Red I got an e-mail. Just! Ms Duffy has been appointed and already written a poem castigating those responsible for the credit crunch (aka recession, aka depression) and it doesn't leave many without a mention. Swift response from the PM! still he has a lot to worry about - eh? |
23 Aug 10 - 05:02 AM (#2970936) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: sian, west wales I've just resurfaced following the Tegeingl (teg-ENG-ul) Festival weekend in Mold, N. Wales where a good time was had by all once again. It might be that Les was passed over for the Poet Laureate position but please note that the gentleman in question WON Tegeingl's poets' Stomp. I'm sure many of you know how seriously the Welsh take their poetry and poets. The central prizes of our Eisteddfodau right up to National levels are for poetry, and the winners are head-line news, at least in the Welsh language press. A Stomp is a slightly different affair. 9 invited poets - generally ones who have won a major Eisteddfod prize and/or are 'Names' in literary circles - compete in two rounds, reading their poems selected for the occasion. (Usually humourous, satirical, or comments on current events.) Well - Les competed, in Welsh, against some pretty Big Guns of the Welsh language poetry scene and won! He's got a little model Chair to prove it - a purpose-built Chair being the traditional prize for a major poet. I've got a very poor Blackberry photo up on the trac Facebook page if you need proof. We're dead chuffed for him! Hurrah Les. Who needs a Poet Laureate anyway? sian |
23 Aug 10 - 05:44 AM (#2970959) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: Sailor Ron In Welsh! Is ther no end to this man's tallent!?! |
23 Aug 10 - 09:27 AM (#2971081) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: sian, west wales It would seem not. sian |
24 Aug 10 - 08:33 AM (#2971699) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: McGrath of Harlow The remarkable thing is that Les Barker in Welsh would still have an audience that didn't have a single Welsh word laughing hysterically. |
23 Dec 22 - 10:44 AM (#4160010) Subject: RE: Les Barker as the next Poet Laureate? From: GUEST,NB Boi As a New Brunswicker, maybe it would be better than our current Provincial Poet Laureate, Dav Pond... I assume most of you haven’t heard of the bathroom-destroying, haiku-writing prodigy, but he’s 14 and appointed HIMSELF Provincial Poet Laureate. Welcome To New Brunswick, Everybody. https://allpoetry.com/Dav_Pond |