Happy Birthday Sweet 15

It is a big week for birthdays. On Monday we celebrated the birthdays of three reggae stalwarts, today we have one that is closer to home.

It was on this day back in 2009 that 27 Leggies emerged blinking into the light. 2109 posts and 5925 songs later it has grown into the slightly awkward adolescent it is today, still resentful at being saddled with such a stupid name. As it frequently complains, "why couldn't you just have called me Oliver, Jack or Alfie like everyone else in 2009?".

All the blog really wanted to do today was stay up in its room playing online games with its mates, but I have dragged it out to mutter its way through some thank yous.

First, to all the nice people in Promoland for the lovely presents you have sent us over the years. Between you, you have introduced us to a world of wonder. 

Second, to our occasional celebrity correspondents and collaborators such as Gwenno, Awesome Tapes From Africa, Hannah Lou Larsen (the former Asthmatic Harp), Mama Coconut, US National Public Radio and assorted Belgian DJs for creating the fleeting illusion of importance.

Third, to the bots from Singapore who have been such a constant source of support to me and many other bloggers over the last 12 months or so. Couldn't have done it without you, guys!

Last, and most important. to our regular and irregular readers from 138 countries for popping round and for your many kind comments over the years. And the occasional unkind one. My favourite is still "I could say you look like an old onion with a beard. But I don't need to put anybody down to feel good". There's a lesson for us all there.

"Fifteen" - Dig Deeper

"Fifteen Minutes Of Fame" - Suzi Quatro

"15 Highway Lines" - Courtney Marie Andrews

"15 Rounds For Jesus" - Sister Wynona Carr

"15 Years In A 10 Year Town" - Ward Davis