Podcast appearances and mentions of Alexander McCall Smith

Don't miss meeting Santa and Christmas Palooza on Monday, December 16th at 5:00 PM.  Registration is open for Prime Time Family Read Night that starts January 16, 2025. Books discussed include:   The Borrowed Life of Frederick Fife By Any Other Name by Jodi PicoultThe Grey Wolf by Louise Penny The Dallergut Dream Department Store by Lee Mi-YeMidnight at the Christmas Bookshop by Jenny ColganThe Great Hippopotamus Hotel by Alexander McCall Smith 

S5 E3: 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith Welcome to the Book Dialogue Thank you for listening in! Welcome to another episode of the Book Dialogue Podcast! We are travelling virtually with Alexander McCall Smith to the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland. The address is 44 Scotland Street, home to a vibrant array of characters living in a townhouse that serves as a microcosm of society. With its rich tapestry of interactions and quirky personalities, Alexander McCall Smith invites us to reflect on the complexities of human relationships and the randomness of life. Closing Thoughts As we wrap up this episode of the Book Dialogue Podcast, we hope you've enjoyed our journey through the charming streets of Edinburgh and the delightful world of 44 Scotland Street.  Thank you for joining us today! We encourage you to explore Alexander McCall Smith's work. Layers of humour, warmth, and insight await you. Until next time, keep reading, keep reflecting, and remember—there's always a new story waiting to unfold. Safe travels in your literary adventures! Thank you for being a part of our community. Sarah & Rebecca Music by Epidemic Sound “Flowers in the Garden” By Cercles Nouvelles https://www.epidemicsound.com/track/6zlqB43d8P/

On this episode of Currently Reading, Kaytee and Roxanna are discussing: Bookish Moments: meeting bookish friends IRL and getting fun bookish mail Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: fall books that aren't spooky, scary or academia The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives Show notes are time-stamped below for your convenience. Read the transcript of the episode (this link only works on the main site) .  .  .  .  1:57 - Our Bookish Moments of the Week 3:25 - Queen Books 7:21 - Amari and the Despicable Wonders by B.B. Alston 7:26 - Blackwell's UK 7:46 - The Swifts: A Gallery of Rogues by Beth Lincoln 7:50 - The Swifts: A Dictionary of Scoundrels by Beth Lincoln 8:04 - Silverborn by Jessica Townsend 8:21 - Heir by Sabaa Tahir 8:26 - Libro.fm 8:33 - Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir 9:06 - City of Brass by S.A. Chakraborty 10:00 - Our Current Reads 10:12 - Fellowship Point by Alice Eliott Dark (Roxanna) 15:07 - Lillian Boxfish Takes A Walk by Kathleen Rooney 16:11 - The Remains of the Day by Kazuo Ishiguro (Kaytee) 21:14 - The Second Ending by Michelle Hoffman (Roxanna) 22:49 - Where'd You Go, Bernadette? By Maria Semple 24:42 - The Return of Ellie Black by Emiko Jean (Kaytee) 24:50 - Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean 27:47 - Cold Blood Liar by Karen Rose 29:25 - Fifteen Dogs by Andre Alexis (Roxanna) 31:02 - Lord of the Flies by William Golding 31:03 - Animal Farm by George Orwell 34:14 - A Short Walk Through A Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke (Kaytee) 34:20 - Commonplace Books 36:09 - The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab 36:49 - Currently Reading Patreon 38:55 - The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane by Kate DiCamillo 40:17 - Fall Books That Are Not Spooky 41:24 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 42:58 - Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery 43:28 - September by Rosamunde Pilcher 44:10 - Still Life by Louise Penny 44:54 - First Frost by Sarah Addison Allen (Amazon link) 45:08 - Practical Magic by Alice Hoffman 45:38 - Tell Me Everything by Elizabeth Strout 46:06 - Outlander by Diana Gabaldon 46:08 - The Other Boleyn Girl by Phillipa Gregory 46:12 - Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett 46:30 - Drums of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon 47:22 - The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith 48:03 - The Song Collector by Natasha Solomons (Amazon link) 48:31 - The Dutch House by Ann Patchett 49:07 - Search by Michelle Huneven 49:45 - House Lessons by Erica Bauermeister 50:19 - The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal 50:33 - Kitchens of the Great Midwest by J. Ryan Stradal 50:40 - Go as a River by Shelley Read 50:56 - Stardust by Neil Gaiman 51:02 - The Princess Bride by William Goldman 51:57 - Shady Hollow by Juneau Black 52:05 - Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett 52:31 - The Guide by Peter Heller 52:41 - The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon 53:20 - Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte 53:36 - The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstein 54:14 - Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier 55:41 - Meet Us At The Fountain 57:15 - Tom Lake by Ann Patchett 57:22 - I wish you would consider re-reading books that bring you joy. (Roxanna) 58:03 - I wish to always have an “in case of emergency” book. (Kaytee) 58:17 - The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst 58:57 - Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree 58:58 - A Psalm for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers 59:00 - Sipsworth by Simon Van Booy Support Us: Become a Bookish Friend | Grab Some Merch Shop Bookshop dot org | Shop Amazon Bookish Friends Receive: The Indie Press List with a curated list of five books hand sold by the indie of the month. October's IPL comes to us from our anchor store, The Novel Neighbor! Love and Chili Peppers with Kaytee and Rebekah - romance lovers get their due with this special episode focused entirely on the best selling genre fiction in the business.  All Things Murderful with Meredith and Elizabeth - special content for the scary-lovers, brought to you with the behind-the-scenes insights of an independent bookseller From the Editor's Desk with Kaytee and Bunmi Ishola - a quarterly peek behind the curtain at the publishing industry The Bookish Friends Facebook Group - where you can build community with bookish friends from around the globe as well as our hosts Connect With Us: The Show: Instagram | Website | Email | Threads The Hosts and Regulars: Meredith | Kaytee | Mary | Roxanna Production and Editing: Megan Phouthavong Evans Affiliate Disclosure: All affiliate links go to Bookshop unless otherwise noted. Shopping here helps keep the lights on and benefits indie bookstores. Thanks for your support!

Join us for an enlightening conversation with Neelkanth Mishra, renowned economist and strategist, as we delve into the dynamic world of India's deep tech sector. In this episode, we explore the evolving deep tech ecosystem in India, discussing its growth, challenges, and opportunities. We also examine India's Research and Development (R&D) landscape, comparing it with the US and China's deep tech sectors to identify key learnings and areas for improvement. Neelkanth Mishra shares his expertise, providing valuable insights into India's emerging deep tech landscape. Resource List - The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book by Alexander McCall Smith - https://amzn.in/d/g03qyWt More about India's 3 stage Nuclear Program - https://www.jagranjosh.com/general-knowledge/indias-3-stage-nuclear-program-heres-everything-you-need-to-know-1709567184-1 Against All Odds, Book by Kris Gopalakrishnan, N Dayasindhu, and Krishnan Narayanan - https://amzn.in/d/7DP1Mmw More about IN-SPACe - https://www.inspace.gov.in/inspace Endless Frontier, Book by G. Pascal Zachary - https://amzn.in/d/egGVgHx Invisible China, Book by Scott Rozelle and Natalie Hell - https://amzn.in/d/fWnTkSN SEMICON India Website - https://www.semiconindia.org/ More about National Quantum Mission - https://dst.gov.in/national-quantum-mission-nqm More about Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) - https://dst.gov.in/anusandhan-national-research-foundation-anrf About SparX by Mukesh Bansal SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth. We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us. In a new episode every Sunday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career. This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you. Follow us on Instagram: / sparxbymukeshbansal Website: https://www.sparxbymukeshbansal.com You can also listen to SparX on all audio platforms Fasion | Outbreak | Courtesy EpidemicSound.com

Sherwood writer James Graham argues that TV has a problem with working class representation, both in front of and behind the screen, as he delivers this year's MacTaggart lecture at the Edinburgh TV Festival. Sherwood Series 2 starts on BBC1 on Sunday. Alexander McCall Smith, best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, on his new stand alone novel set in Edinburgh, The Winds from Further West.Kirsty looks at the growing interest in the Scottish artist Wilhemina Barns Graham. She is joined by Scottish art expert Alice Strang and film-maker Mark Cousins, whose documentary about the modernist pioneer, A Sudden Glimpse to Deeper Things, is at the Edinburgh Film Festival before nationwide release. A new children's book is also published this week: Wilhemina Barns-Graham, written by Kate Temple and illustrated by Annabel Wright. Presenter: Kirsty Wark Producer: Timothy Prosser

A show chiefly in the Scottish dialect this week as we head to the Boswell Book Festival to talk to writer, broadcaster and language activist Billy Kay about his book Born in Kyle; poet, Scots language and mental-health advocate Len Pennie reads us some Poyums and we hear from the prolific author and now Knight of the Realm, Sir Alexander McCall Smith, plus, in the spirit of the festival, we find some memoirs in the RNIB library.

Jurassic Park 1993 Movie 6:13 - Out Of The Ruins Anthology Series 9:11 - To My Sibling by Freya Winters10:35 - The Fires Of Heaven / Lord Of Chaos / The Lion In The Valley12:43 - Impact Winter by Travis Beacham 18:39 - Outlawed by Anna North20:31 - Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton/ Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy 22:05 - West Of The Tularosas by Louis L'amour22:48 - Whiteout by Ken Follett24:08 - Terrible Pterodactyls: A Collection Of Flying Reptile Fiction Book by  Samuel Hopkins Adams, Peter Bernard Kyne,  & Thomas Charles Sloane 33:31 - The Lady Hardcastle Series by T. E. Kinsey  / No 1. Ladies Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith 36:05 - Eruption by James Patterson & Michael Crichton36:48 - Dragon Teeth by Michael Crichton37:21 - The Method by James Patterson38:06 - Run Rose Run by James Patterson & Dolly Parton44:23 - Timeline by Michael CrichtonSupport the Show.Be sure to keep yourself Happily Booked! We are Amazon Affiliates, Any link you find available above will redirect you to Amazon. We earn from qualifying purchases with these links. Becky's Homestead Etsy Page: bobwhitehomestead.etsyInstagram/ TikTok - happilybookedpodcastFacebook - Happily Booked PodcastLikewise - BrookeBatesHappilyBookedGoodreads - Brooke Lynn Bates Storygraph - brookebatesratesbooks / magbeck2011 THE Sideways Sheriff - Permanent Sponsor Insta/ TikTok - Sideways_sheriffFacebook - Sideways SheriffYoutube - Sideways Sheriff

Warmly welcome dear Mma Ramotswe podcast listeners. We all know that Botswana is the home country of the No.1 Lady Detective-  but how many of us knows how Botswana taste? To answer that question - what could not be better than to listen to a conversation between Sir Alexander McCall Smith and Botswana's No.1 Lady Chef Mma Ednah Rosen. In Mma Rosens newly awarded cookbook “Taste of Botswana” we find many of the traditional dishes that Mma Ramotswe and her friends loves, plus that we find wonderful photographs in the book from around Botswana.

In this episode, we are joined by Harriet's partner, Michael, and read chapters 46 to 50 of Emma. We talk about Emma's emotional roller coaster, reactions to the Frank-Jane revelation, the proposal scene and Emma's commitment to her father.The character we discuss is Frank Churchill, and then Michael talks about the changing lifestyle of Regency gentleman. In the popular culture section, Harriet talks about three books that are modernised versions of Emma.Things we mention:Character discussion: Serene, The Piano Scene: through Jane's eyes (11 December 2023) – and some other posts about EmmaPopular culture discussion:Alexander McCall Smith, Emma: A modern retelling (2014)Sonali Dev, The Emma Project(2022)Audrey Bellezza and Emily Harding, Emma of 83rd Street(2023)Mäda Primavesi by Gustav KlimtCreative commons music used:Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 12 in F Major, ii. Adagio.Extract from Joseph Haydn, Piano Sonata No. 38. Performance by Ivan Ilić, recorded in Manchester in December, 2006. File originally from IMSLP.Extract from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Sonata No. 13 in B-Flat Major, iii. Allegretto Grazioso. File originally from Musopen.Extract from George Frideric Handel, Suite I, No. 2 in F Major, ii. Allegro. File originally from Musopen.Extract from Ludwig van Beethoven, Piano Sonata No. 28 in A major. File originally from Musopen.

19. Mark Ecob on book cover design (part 1): The award-winning book cover designer, Mark Ecob, aka Mecob, tells We'd Like A Word hosts Paul Waters & Stevyn Colgan how he does it. We also talk about in this 3 part episode: Ben Okri & Tiger Work, Alexander McCall Smith, Piers Torday, sustainable publishing & the Society of Authors, Roald Dahl, Amazon thumbnails, Will Dean & his book Dark Pines & the great cover by Mark Swan / Kid Ethic, Paul Kingsnorth & the challenge of having a good book cover name, genre fiction tropes, Blackwatertown by Paul Waters, Books by Stevyn Colgan, Ben Tallon's podcast - The Creative Condition, the threat of AI, author Ajay Chowdhury & cover designer Dan Mogford, & Lego. We'd Like A Word is a podcast & radio show from authors Paul Waters & Stevyn Colgan. We talk with writers, readers, editors, agents, celebrities, talkers, poets, publishers, booksellers, & audiobook creators about books - fiction & non-fiction. We go out on various radio & podcast platforms. Our website is http://www.wedlikeaword.com for information on Paul, Steve & our guests. We're on Twitter @wedlikeaword & Facebook @wedlikeaword & our email is wedlikeaword@gmail.com Yes, we're embarrassed by the missing apostrophes. We like to hear from you - questions, thoughts, ideas, guest or book suggestions. Perhaps you'd like to come on We'd Like A Word to chat, review or read out passages from books. Paul is writing a new cosy mystery series set in contemporary Delhi - more on that anon. And if you're still stuck for something to read now, may we recommend Blackwatertown, the thriller by Paul Waters or Cockerings, the comic classic by Stevyn Colgan.

18. Mark Ecob on book cover design (part 2): The award-winning book cover designer, Mark Ecob, aka Mecob, tells We'd Like A Word hosts Paul Waters & Stevyn Colgan how he does it. We also talk about in this 3 part episode: Ben Okri & Tiger Work, Alexander McCall Smith, Piers Torday, sustainable publishing & the Society of Authors, Roald Dahl, Amazon thumbnails, Will Dean & his book Dark Pines & the great cover by Mark Swan / Kid Ethic, Paul Kingsnorth & the challenge of having a good book cover name, genre fiction tropes, Blackwatertown by Paul Waters, Books by Stevyn Colgan, Ben Tallon's podcast - The Creative Condition, the threat of AI, author Ajay Chowdhury & cover designer Dan Mogford, & Lego. We'd Like A Word is a podcast & radio show from authors Paul Waters & Stevyn Colgan. We talk with writers, readers, editors, agents, celebrities, talkers, poets, publishers, booksellers, & audiobook creators about books - fiction & non-fiction. We go out on various radio & podcast platforms. Our website is http://www.wedlikeaword.com for information on Paul, Steve & our guests. We're on Twitter @wedlikeaword & Facebook @wedlikeaword & our email is wedlikeaword@gmail.com Yes, we're embarrassed by the missing apostrophes. We like to hear from you - questions, thoughts, ideas, guest or book suggestions. Perhaps you'd like to come on We'd Like A Word to chat, review or read out passages from books. Paul is writing a new cosy mystery series set in contemporary Delhi - more on that anon. And if you're still stuck for something to read now, may we recommend Blackwatertown, the thriller by Paul Waters or Cockerings, the comic classic by Stevyn Colgan.

17. Mark Ecob on book cover design (part 3): The award-winning book cover designer, Mark Ecob, aka Mecob, tells We'd Like A Word hosts Paul Waters & Stevyn Colgan how he does it. We also talk about in this 3 part episode: Ben Okri & Tiger Work, Alexander McCall Smith, Piers Torday, sustainable publishing & the Society of Authors, Roald Dahl, Amazon thumbnails, Will Dean & his book Dark Pines & the great cover by Mark Swan / Kid Ethic, Paul Kingsnorth & the challenge of having a good book cover name, genre fiction tropes, Blackwatertown by Paul Waters, Books by Stevyn Colgan, Ben Tallon's podcast - The Creative Condition, the threat of AI, author Ajay Chowdhury & cover designer Dan Mogford, & Lego. We'd Like A Word is a podcast & radio show from authors Paul Waters & Stevyn Colgan. We talk with writers, readers, editors, agents, celebrities, talkers, poets, publishers, booksellers, & audiobook creators about books - fiction & non-fiction. We go out on various radio & podcast platforms. Our website is http://www.wedlikeaword.com for information on Paul, Steve & our guests. We're on Twitter @wedlikeaword & Facebook @wedlikeaword & our email is wedlikeaword@gmail.com Yes, we're embarrassed by the missing apostrophes. We like to hear from you - questions, thoughts, ideas, guest or book suggestions. Perhaps you'd like to come on We'd Like A Word to chat, review or read out passages from books. Paul is writing a new cosy mystery series set in contemporary Delhi - more on that anon. And if you're still stuck for something to read now, may we recommend Blackwatertown, the thriller by Paul Waters or Cockerings, the comic classic by Stevyn Colgan.

TriAgenics is a medical technology company that aims to deliver the safest, most effective, and simplest means of treating wisdom teeth, and with its revolutionary Zero3™ TBA (3rd Molar Tooth Bud Ablation) one-minute treatment, it's doing just that! To share more details on this one-of-a-kind treatment, we are joined by the President and CEO of TriAgenics, Dr. Leigh Colby. Dr. Colby begins by shedding some light on his company and what the business aims to achieve. Then, he dives into the details of Zero3™ including the science behind the technology, how to use it, the results of its initial trials, why no one else is doing the same thing, and how to go about purchasing Zero3™ as a dentist. As a bonus, Dr. Colby does visual demonstrations and to watch them, head over to our YouTube channel and look for this episode.   Key Points From This Episode:Dr. Colby's professional background and what his company, TriAgenics, is all about.More details on TriAgenics' fully-guided system. The science behind the technology, and to properly use this system.  How soon the company will begin human trials, and some results from its animal trials.TriAgenics' target demographic and what it hopes to achieve. How the company's technology is unique – no one else is doing this!Tune into our YouTube channel to watch Dr. Colby's demonstrations from this episode.The costs and benefits of using TriAgenics, and how purchasing works.  Alexander McCall Smith, murder mysteries, and knowing your audience. Links Mentioned in Today's Episode:Dr. Leigh Colby on LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/leighcolby/ Dr. Leigh Colby Email — leighcolby@triagenics.com TriAgenics — https://triagenics.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on YouTube — https://www.youtube.com/@everydayoralsurgery2602  Alexander McCall Smith — https://www.alexandermccallsmith.co.uk/  Shetland — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2396135/ KLS Martin — https://www.klsmartin.com/en/   KLS Martin 35% Discount Code — StuckiFavs Dr. Stucki's KLS Martin Instrument List & Instruction Video — https://www.klsmartin.com/dr-stucki-instruments Everyday Oral Surgery Website — https://www.everydayoralsurgery.com/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/everydayoralsurgery/ Everyday Oral Surgery on Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/EverydayOralSurgery/Dr. Grant Stucki Email — grantstucki@gmail.comDr. Grant Stucki Phone — 720-441-6059 

Recorded on January 7, 2024 Book talk starts at 13:26 Our annual Fall Sweater KAL is almost over!  Stay tuned for our next KAL which will be announced in Episode 280. Virtual Knitting Group via Zoom EVENTS Tracie and Barb will be at: Northern California Knitting Retreat (fondly known as "NoCKRs) April 25. - 28, 2024 KNITTING Tracie finished: NOT ONE DAMN THING Barb Finished: Donner by Elizabeth Doherty. Using Knit Picks Lindy Chain in the Sage Brush colorway Tracie is Working on: Jen by Josée Paquin in Marianated Yarns Scrumptious HT in Sea of Glass and Indigo Bunting, Laneras Barefoot in Coral and Invictus Yarns Unconquerable Sole BFL in the Powerful colorway Socks to match my Archer in Dizzy Blonde Studios Dizzy Color in Delete and Lisa Souza Dyeworks Deluxe Sock! in Cornflower Tracie has cast-on: Fresh Favorite Tee by Chirsten Clement Designs in Queen City Yarn Coleman in the Maple colorway Fiddly Bits Cowl by Jana Pihota using fingering scraps Barb working on: Colourwheel DK 1 Ball Scarf by Sirdar, using a Sirdar Colourwheel in the Follow the Rainbow Colorway Bankhead Hat #25 by Susie Gourley, using Berroco Vintage in the Forest colorway Barb has cast on: Cheeky Cables Socks  by Mary Lukas using Universal Yarns Zesty Sock in the Pearl colorway Velvet Pullover by Claudia Quintinilla/Ewe Knit Toronto, using  Serendipidye Kings Mountain Fingering in the Piccadilly colorway, Invictus Yarn Adventure in the Don't Look Under the Lilacs colorway, Invictus Yarns Master of my Feet in the Adagio and the Bobby color ways   BOOKS Tracie has read: The Lazarus Files: A Cold Case Investigation  by Matthew Gough - 4 stars Keep it in the Family by John Mars - 4 stars Drop City by TC Boyle - 5 stars Barb has read: A Good Neighborhood by Therese Anne Fowler - 3 stars Thin Air by Michelle Paver -  4 stars To the Land of Long-Lost Friends: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency #20 by Alexander McCall Smith - 4 stars The Hypnotist (Joona Linna #1) by Lars Kempler    

Happy New Year! Michelle is back with a hot take on Tom Hanks's charisma. Read this week: Shark Heart by Emily Habeck, Ordinary Human Failings by Megan Nolan and Chain Gang All Stars by Nana Kwame Adeji-Brenyah, Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, Speedboat by Renata Adler, The Maid by Nita Prowse, Better Left Unsaid by Tufayel Ahmed.This week's deep dive book is the best-selling Good Material by Dolly Alderton, ‘this generation's Nora Ephron'. This week's listener recommendation request comes from Aimée who is looking for light hearted reads, but not Bill Bryson. Sapphire recommends The Dog of the North by Elizabeth Mckenzie, Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld and Where'd you go Bernadette? by Maria Semple. Michelle recommends The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. Joseph recommends Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout. Also mentioned in this episode:The Skeleton Key by Erin Kelly‘You've Got Mail'‘The Shop Around The Corner'Ghosts by Dolly AldertonFoundation by Isaac Asimov Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I am a big reader. Recently, I've been reading Alexander McCall Smith's Sunday Philosophy Club Series. The latest installment, The Sweet Remnants of Summer, offers an intelligent and emotionally sensitive exploration of the light-hearted and profound.

Warmly welcome dear Mma Ramotswe lovers. In this episode we will meet Dr. Howard Moffat a very intersting person both in the books and in real life. Dr. Howard Moffat appears from time to time as a character in the The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books. He is a real person and is an old friend of the author of the novel serie professor Alexander McCall Smith. And believe it or not Dr. Moffat is a relative of the legendary Dr. Livingstone. I belive its partly because of Dr. Moffat and his wife Fiona Moffat that the No1. Ladies Detective novell serie exists. They first introduced Alexander McCall Smith to Botswana in the 1980ties and that's how he started to develop his love for the country and its people

Host Diana Korte speaks with Alexander McCall Smith, the author of more than 100 books sold around the world in 40 languages. This includes the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels, plus other series and stand-alone books.   His newest title in this cozy series, the 24th, is From a Far and Lovely Country featuring Mma Precious Ramotswe and her world of familiar characters.  In this latest installment two cases compete for Mma Ramotswe's attention—and she may need to call in back up. But no worries, there's always time for red bush tea and fruitcake.  Tune in for just how many hours a day Scotsman McCall Smith spends writing his 5 books a year, why the series takes place in Botswana, and what happens when Assistant Detective Charlie gets his first case.               --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/booktalk-diana-korte/message

Narrator David Rintoul returns in another charming trip to Alexander McCall Smith's Department of Sensitive Crimes. Host Jo Reed and AudioFile's Robin Whitten discuss this tongue-in-cheek take on the dour Scandi noir genre, with Detective Ulf Varg investigating the missing cabin of a bacon magnate while negotiating trouble at work. Rintoul strikes the perfect balance between seriousness and satire. His tone of wry affability as Ulf and his voicing of various secondary characters will keep listeners absorbed and smiling. Read the full review of the audiobook on AudioFile's website. Published by Recorded Books. Find more audiobook recommendations at audiofilemagazine.com Support for AudioFile's Behind the Mic comes from Dreamscape Publishing. Dreamscape is an award-winning independent publisher and multimedia studio that is committed to producing a diverse catalog of high-quality audiobooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hema Sukumar, author of MINOR DISTURBANCES AT GRAND LIFE APARTMENTS.Hema chats about:Her background in engineering and how working on a geophysical ship led to her writing her first novelWhy food plays such a huge role in her writingHow a Guardian Masterclass helped her get publishedHow she'd highly recommend booking agent 1-2-1 through Jericho writersGuest Author: Hema Sukumar Twitter: @Hema_Sukumar IG: @hemasukumarwrites Books: MINOR DISTURBANCES AT GRAND LIFE APARTMENTS by Hema SukumarHost: Kate Sawyer Twitter: @katesawyer IG: @mskatesawyer Books: The Stranding by Kate Sawyer & This FamilyHema's recommendations:A book for fans of Hema's work: 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith, The Single Ladies of Jacaranda Retirement Village by Joanna NellA book Hema has always loved: Malgudi Days by RK NararyanA book that's been published recently or is coming soon: The Twilight Garden by Sara Nisha Adams, Four Seasons in Japan by Nick Bradley, After The Funeral by Tessa HadleyIf you enjoyed this show please do rate, review and share with anyone you think will enjoy it: https://www.spreaker.com/show/novel-experienceNovel Experience with Kate Sawyer is recorded and produced by Kate Sawyer - GET IN TOUCHTo receive transcripts and news from Kate to your inbox please SIGN UP FOR MY NEWSLETTER or visit https://www.mskatesawyer.com/novelexperiencepodcast for more information.Thanks for listening!Kate x

In this very first episode of Mma Ramotswe Podcast you will hear an interview with professor Alexander McCall Smith, the author of the of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency- novel series. Highlights in Episode no1: -Remembering how the book character Mma Ramotswe took form in the village Mochudi in the African country Botswana. -Reflections on Mma Ramotswe´s character and her passions in life. -Alexander McCall Smith´s background in Africa and Botswana. -Is it true that The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - novel serie will become a musical? -25 years anniversary - the first book came out 1998. How does that feel? - When will Alexander McCall Smith visit Botswana again? Thanks for listening and please let us know if you have any special wishes for a coming episode. You reach us on ramotswepodcast@gmail.com EPISODE NO 2: (will be published in October) This episode takes place in northern Botswana, up in Maun at a place called Elephant Havens. Here Mr Bee, is interviewed about how the Elephant sanctuary that he co founded called "Elephant Havens" became a story in the 21th book "How to raise an Elephant". Music and audio editing by Mikael Rosen Introduction by Ednah Rosen Interview by Mats Ögren Wanger #alexandermccallsmith #mmaramotswepodcast #mmaramotswe #TheNo.1LadiesDetectivAgency #internationalpodcastday #theno1ladiesdetectiveagency #botswanatourism #redbushtea #forgivness #sirseretsekhama #botswana #gaborone #kgalehill #mmamakutsi #safari #africalove --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mma-ramotswe-podcast/message

Writers on a New England Stage with Alexander McCall Smith, recorded live at The Music Hall in Portsmouth, NH in 2015. This archive program may still contain broadcast elements from the time it aired.

Í þættinum er útvarpað tveimur viðtölum sem tekin voru í tengslum við Alþjóðlega bókmenntahátíð í Reykjavík 2023.Annars vegar er rætt við Mariana Enriques frá Argentinu um smásagnasafn hennar Allt sem við misstum í eldinum sem kom úr árið 2022 í þýðingu Jóns Halls Stefánssonar. Hins vegar er rætt við metsöluhöfundinn Alexander McCall Smith um hina fjölmörgu bókaseríur hans einkum seríuna um kvenspæjarastofu nr. 1 í bænum Gaborone í Botzvana. Í byrjun þáttarins er Íslaks Harðarsonar skálds og þýðanda minnst en hann lést 12. maí 2023. Leikin eru tvo brot úr gömlum þáttum Orða um bækur. Annars vegar frá 18/10 2018 þegar sagt var frá útkomu ljóðabókarinnar Elleftir snertur af yfirsýn eftir Ísak og hins vegar frá 1/11 2021 þegar rætt var við Íslak um þá nýjar þýðingar eftir hann. Lesari: Anna María Björnsdóttir Umsjón: Jórunn Sigurðardóttir

Í þættinum er útvarpað tveimur viðtölum sem tekin voru í tengslum við Alþjóðlega bókmenntahátíð í Reykjavík 2023.Annars vegar er rætt við Mariana Enriques frá Argentinu um smásagnasafn hennar Allt sem við misstum í eldinum sem kom úr árið 2022 í þýðingu Jóns Halls Stefánssonar. Hins vegar er rætt við metsöluhöfundinn Alexander McCall Smith um hina fjölmörgu bókaseríur hans einkum seríuna um kvenspæjarastofu nr. 1 í bænum Gaborone í Botzvana. Í byrjun þáttarins er Íslaks Harðarsonar skálds og þýðanda minnst en hann lést 12. maí 2023. Leikin eru tvo brot úr gömlum þáttum Orða um bækur. Annars vegar frá 18/10 2018 þegar sagt var frá útkomu ljóðabókarinnar Elleftir snertur af yfirsýn eftir Ísak og hins vegar frá 1/11 2021 þegar rætt var við Íslak um þá nýjar þýðingar eftir hann. Lesari: Anna María Björnsdóttir Umsjón: Jórunn Sigurðardóttir

Author of over 50 books, Alexander McCall Smith is probably best known for his 'No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series of novels. Author of over 50 books, Alexander McCall Smith is probably best known for his 'No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series of novels. Author of over 50 books, Alexander McCall Smith is probably best known for his 'No 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series of novels. 

Don interviews Alexander McCall Smith, author of the wildly popular No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

The Mystery Gang is back! Alexis Neal, Laurie Norris, and Katie Grubbs discuss the HBO adaptation of Alexander McCall Smith's bestselling mystery series.

Chair: Sue Turnbull Alexander McCall Smith is a man of many talents. An Emeritus Professor of Medical Law, he is perhaps best known for his entertaining crime books, including The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. These beloved works are just the tip of a prolific iceberg that encompasses everything from philosophy to children's literature. In this session, he'll turn his hand to a new task - attempting to convince crime reviewer and academic Sue Turnbull to open the untouched volume of W.H. Auden poetry she won as a school prize in 1969. Event details: Thu 09 Mar, 5:00pm on the East Stage

On this week's episode of Currently Reading, Meredith and Roxanna are discussing: Bookish Moments: reading peccadilloes and reading as a race Current Reads: all the great, interesting, and/or terrible stuff we've been reading lately Deep Dive: questions and answers about a reading partnership, and how that works in the real world of Roxanna and Meredith The Fountain: we visit our perfect fountain to make wishes about our reading lives As per usual, time-stamped show notes are below with references to every book and resource we mentioned in this episode. If you'd like to listen first and not spoil the surprise, don't scroll down!  We are now including transcripts of the episode (this link only works on the main site). The goal here is to increase accessibility for our fans! *Please note that all book titles linked below are Bookshop affiliate links. Your cost is the same, but a small portion of your purchase will come back to us to help offset the costs of the show. If you'd prefer to shop on Amazon, you can still do so here through our main storefront. Anything you buy there (even your laundry detergent, if you recently got obsessed with switching up your laundry game) kicks a small amount back to us. Thanks for your support!*   . . . . 2:02 - Bookish Moment of the Week 3:49 - Season 5: Episode 21 8:47 - Current Reads 8:56 - Home Fire by Kamila Shamsie (Roxanna) 15:36 - Babel by R.F. Kuang (Meredith) 26:29 - The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith (Roxanna) 26:43 - The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith 30:56 - The Drift by C.J. Tudor (Meredith) 32:38 - The Chalk Man by C.J. Tudor 35:41 - The Bodyguard by Katherine Center (Roxanna) 35:56 - Happiness for Beginners by Katherine Center 38:11 - Things You Save in a Fire by Katherine Center 39:52 - A World of Curiosities by Louise Penny (Meredith) 42:44 - Glass Houses by Louise Penny (Meredith mistakenly said castle instead of houses) 46:43 - Legends and Lattes by Travis Baldree 47:29 - The Long Way Home by Louise Penny 50:45 - If you are interested in a new Louise Penny segment called “A Journey to Three Pines” featuring Meredith and Roxanna, reach out in all the ways to let us know! Currentlyreadingpodcast@gmail.com, @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram, or in the Bookish Friends Group if you're a member of Patreon. 52:09 - Still Life by Louise Penny 52:52 - Deep Dive: Cultivating a Reading Partnership 56:42 - A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas (ACOTAR #2) 59:11 - Babel by R.F. Kuang 1:00:01 - The Marriage Portrait by Maggie O'Farrell 1:08:38 - Meet Us At The Fountain I wish to read more contemporary fiction and Own Voices in 2023 (Roxanna) I wish everyone would realize you can have a fulfilling reading year no matter how many books you read (Meredith) Connect With Us: Meredith is @meredith.reads on Instagram Kaytee is @notesonbookmarks on Instagram Mindy is @gratefulforgrace on Instagram Mary is @maryreadsandsips on Instagram Roxanna is @roxannatheplanner on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast.com @currentlyreadingpodcast on Instagram currentlyreadingpodcast@gmail.com Support us at patreon.com/currentlyreadingpodcast and www.zazzle.com/store/currentlyreading

Vad händer med författarnas frihet att skriva som de vill? Är den i färd med att gröpas ur? Det fruktar Alexander McCall Smith, som skapat serien om ”Damernas detektivbyrå” och är upphovsman till mer än hundra böcker. Iain Martin intervjuar.

A good portion of the reading world always looks forward to the next novel from Alexander McCall Smith. You can also count as a fan this week's guest reviewer, Vicky Wood. She and host Pat Leach have both read his latest Isabel Dalhousie story called, “The Sweet Remnants of Summer”

Gillian Bremner was looking for something different when she retired from her role as CEO at Presbyterian Support Otago. Little did she know she would soon be running a multi-tiered tourism company in Botswana. 

Two days of sun! But flood watch continues (1:40); Baseball & soccer seasons delayed because the field conditions are trash (8:35); How far have you gone to try to solve a mystery? Like tracking down a weird noise? (15:35); Counting the garbage (and it's a lot) - The 2022 litter index shows it's worse than last year (23:45); Small Town Salute...to resilience in towns that put up with regular flooding. The latest from Morris (32:00); Trying to get here from Ukraine. Parents have secured visas but kids have not and they're stuck (42:00); More listener mysteries (50:30); Tix for the Rolling Stones exhibit, Unzipped, coming to Winnipeg's Expo Live! at Portage Place (55:25); 'In A Time of Distance' - book of poems from celebrated author Alexander McCall Smith (1:00:10).  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Virtual get-together via Zoom on Saturdays, 12 noon  PST - Details here   Our 2 Knit Lit Chicks Mini Skein KAL goes until 5/1.  You can get all the details here!  Mini Skein Finished Object thread here.   12 in 22 - Unofficial KAL/challenge to knit 12 (or however many you want) sweaters in 2022. Details here!   The 2KLC 2022 Swap is almost over!   Important dates:   May 1: final check in.  May 15th: Mail By Date   KNITTING Barb has finished: Vanilla Socks using Western Sky Knits Aspen Sock wurm by katushika, using Straightfork Farm 60/40 Sport Weight in the Purple Haze colorway   Tracie has Finished 1.  Tracie's Rock It Tee  by Tanis Lavillee in Anzula Breeze in Aspen and Garnet and Earl Grey Fiber Co. Rooibos Single in Bloom 2.  Tracie's Sedona Baby Dress by Erin Harper, using Lion Brand Mandala Ombre 3.  Wren Headband (free) 4.  Knitted Flower Tutorial by Julie Taylor (free) 5.  Mother Bears 266-269 6.  Secret Project for her Swapee in a very special yarn...   Barb continues working on: 1.  That's My Jam by Steven Fegert, using a kit bought from Learning Men Fiber Arts, using their MCN blend Show Stealer 2.  May(be)Queen by La Maison Rililie, using Blue Moon Fiber Arts Gaea in the Falcon's Eye colorway 3.  Hipster Shawl by Joji Locatelli, using Malabrigo Rios in the 880 Hojas colorway. Ribs and Wave Poncho by Great Yarns! Using Cascade Superwash Wave in the 106 Blue colorway 4.  A project for her swap partner   Barb has frogged: Transition Slipover Vest by Aimee Sher, using Berroco Ultra Wool in the 33146 (purple) colorway   Tracie continues working on: 1.  Colorful Geometry Sweater by Petra Machová Kouřilová in Invictus Yarns Reward in Olive, a gradient set of Koigu American Merino, and 2 Emma's Yarn Practically Perfect Smalls 2.  Socks to match my Swallowtail pullover in Psych Ward Yarns Joy Sock - using hem/cuff chart from Swallowtail by Jamie Hoffman 3.  Moon of My Life by Nadia Crétin-Léchenne adapted by Celia McAdam Cahill for a man in worsted weight yarn - in Universal Yarns Uptown Worsted  in Granite and Berroco Vintage in Cotton Candy   Tracie has frogged: Lazy Days Romper and Pinafore Dress by marianna mel in Rowan Calmer   BOOKS Barb read: 1.  After the Party (Ralph's Party #2) by Lisa Jewell - 3 stars 2.  How To Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith - 5 stars 3.  Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid - 4 stars 4.  Unbelievable: My Front-Row Seat to the Craziest Campaign in American History by Katy Our - 4 stars 5.  Evidence of Love: A True Story of Passion and Death in the Suburbs by John Bloom and Jim Atkinson - 5 stars   Tracie has read: 1.  The Less People Know About Us: A Mystery of Betrayal, Family Secrets, and Stolen Identity by Axton Beta-Hamilton - 5 stars 2.  Above Suspicion (Anna Travis #1) by Linda LaPlante - 4 stars 3.   The Wrong One by Dervla McTiernan - 3 stars   Tracie talked about Naloxone, a medication that can treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation.  She also discussed Fentanyl Test Strips - to detect Fentanyl in street drugs.     Barb discussed Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines in the United States. acie talked about Naloxone, a medication that can treat a narcotic overdose in an emergency situation.  She also discussed Fentanyl Test Strips - to detect Fentanyl in street drugs.     Barb discussed Colorectal Cancer Screening Guidelines in the United States.  

After a break, the Mamas are back with a fun way to boost your summer reading: pairing a gown-up book series with a Middle Grade book series that share the same world and characters in the spirit of Spin-Offs that only kids of the 80's and 90's could love! Inspired by their cold beach walks, the Mamas jumped on an ocean-themed book series for Middle Graders that ties into a series of grown-up books with the same characters and overall themes. Parent/child book club, anyone?Book Chat:Grown-Up Book: Mangrove Lightning by Randy Wayne WhiteMiddle Grade Book: Fins by Randy Wayne White randywaynewhite.comPick 6: More Book Spins-Offs We Love!1. Alexander McCall-Smith's chapter book The Great Cake Mystery has the same MC as his adult series the #1 Ladies Detective Agency2. Carl Hiaasan's Chomp, Hoot, Scat, Flush, Skink and Squirm are MG books that are styled like his adult books3. Famous adult author Terry Pratchett's MG book, Only you Can Save Mankind4. Finishing School Series is a steampunk MG series by Gail Carriger who also has adult steampunk books5. Death Comes to Pemberley is a book and movie based on the Pride and Prejudice characters by Jane Austen written by famous mystery author P.D. James6. The whole family can join the fun with Little House on the Prairie Picture Books that match up to themes and scenes in the Middle Grade series by Laura Ingalls Wilderswww.twolitmamas.com

David and Perry plunge again into the murky depths of crime fiction, both in print and on television. General News (05:04) 2022 International Thriller Writers Awards (01:45) The Stella Prize 2022 longlist (01:22) BSFA Awards (01:44) Crime Fiction we've been reading (52:18) The Dark Remains by William McIlvanney and Ian Rankin (09:44) The Housemate by Sarah Bailey (05:35) Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (07:48) The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie (05:14) The Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith (06:00) The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield (06:21) The Way It Is Now by Garry Disher (08:29) David responds on The Way It Is Now (02:44) Troppo TV Series (07:21) Windup (01:47) Photo by Jimmy Chan from Pexels He took my father grossly, full of bread;With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May;And how his audit stands who knows save heaven? Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 3

David and Perry plunge again into the murky depths of crime fiction, both in print and on television. General News (05:04) 2022 International Thriller Writers Awards (01:45) The Stella Prize 2022 longlist (01:22) BSFA Awards (01:44) Crime Fiction we've been reading (52:18) The Dark Remains by William McIlvanney and Ian Rankin (09:44) The Housemate by Sarah Bailey (05:35) Razorblade Tears by S. A. Cosby (07:48) The Torrent by Dinuka McKenzie (05:14) The Department of Sensitive Crimes by Alexander McCall Smith (06:00) The Apollo Murders by Chris Hadfield (06:21) The Way It Is Now by Garry Disher (08:29) David responds on The Way It Is Now (02:44) Troppo TV Series (07:21) Windup (01:47) Click here for more info and indexes Photo by Jimmy Chan from Pexels He took my father grossly, full of bread; With all his crimes broad blown, as flush as May; And how his audit stands who knows save heaven? Hamlet, Act 3 Scene 3

Chris joins the show today to talk about the historical significance of the naming of the Cunard Queens, ahead of the announcements next week about Cunard's newest ship naming. And of course, we have the latest cruise news from around the world. Support the showListen, Like, Subscribe & Review on your favourite podcast directory.Share the podcast with someone you think will enjoy the showBuy Me A Coffee – This podcast is only possible thanks to our supporters, simply buying a coffee keeps us on air. It is just like shouting your mate a coffee, and we consider our listeners close mates. https://bit.ly/2T2FYGXSustainable Fashion – choose a TBCP design or design your own… all using organic cotton, green energy and zero plastic https://bit.ly/32G7RdhSupport Chris in his walk from Cape to Cape: All donations support zero2hero empowering young people to deal with mental health.  https://donate.mycause.com.au/cause/263123?donateToMember=156839Cruise NewsCarnival Australia ships re-deployed back to North America Both Australian ships will now be based in the United States, with Spirit to depart until late next year.Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled all Australian cruises until Oct, with the brand to also temporarily reposition Carnival Splendor to North America, joining fellow former Australian-based fleet-mate Carnival Spirit.Splendor's Australian sailings from 10 Jun to 26 Sep 2022 have been cancelled, while Carnival also announced Spirit's sailings from 05 Jun 2022 all the way through to 05 Oct 2023 have been cancelled.Guests impacted by these changes will receive an e-mail with further details, along with specific offers available to their bookingAnd more from Carnival Carnival had previously shared that Carnival Sensation's restart was delayed, and that Carnival Ecstasy would move from Jacksonville, Fla. to Mobile, Ala. to operate what were previously planned as the Carnival Sensation itineraries, effective with the Mar. 5, 2022 restart.  In addition, Carnival said that Carnival Spirit would go to Jacksonville to take over the Mar. 7, 2022 restart in Jacksonville, operating the previously scheduled Carnival Ecstasy itineraries.Carnival is now announcing the following updates:Jacksonville: As previously announced, Carnival Spirit will replace Carnival Ecstasy in Jacksonville. While that will happen for departures from Mar. 7 through Apr. 9, 2022, the next two cruises are being cancelled, and then a new ship will be assigned from the Carnival fleet to Jacksonville for the Ecstasy itineraries, effective Apr. 23, 2022. That announcement will be made shortly.Mobile: Carnival Ecstasy will reposition to Mobile for departures from Mar. 5 through Oct. 10, 2022. Cruises from Mobile that were planned for Carnival Sensation from Oct. 15, 2022 through Sep. 30, 2023 have been cancelled. At a later date, Carnival will be announcing a new operating plan for Mobile cruises.Australia: Carnival is cancelling planned operations of Carnival Splendor from Jun. 10, 2022 through Sep. 26, 2022, and of Carnival Spirit from Jun. 5, 2022 to Oct. 5, 2023. Details for a two-ship return to Australia will be announced when they are confirmed.As part of this deployment plan, Carnival Sensation will not restart guest operations and Carnival Ecstasy's last cruise in guest operations will be the Oct. 10, 2022 departure from Mobile and both ships will leave the Carnival fleet. Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings' Flagship PortMiami Terminal Awarded Prestigious LEED® Gold CertificationNorwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. which operates Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, announced that its brand new state-of-the-art Norwegian Cruise Line flagship terminal at PortMiami received an honorary recognition as the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold New Construction v4.0 cruise ship terminal in Florida, the United States and the world.  Developed by the U.S. Green Building Council, LEED is the most widely used green building rating system in the world, and LEED certification is a globally recognised symbol of sustainability achievement. LEED for Building Design and Construction, specifically New Construction, provides a framework for building a holistic green building while addressing both design and construction activities.The state-of-the-art terminal often dubbed as the “Pearl of Miami” welcomed guests for the first time in August 2021 upon the Company's return to service in the U.S. with Norwegian Gem.The 17,500 square metre terminal, which can accommodate cruise vessels carrying up to 5,000 cruise guests, was designed with innovation and sustainability at the forefront. The team created a platform that optimises the terminal's energy performance, indoor air quality, water efficiencies, utilisation of local materials and resources and much more. With high levels of energy performance in mind, the project was designed to perform at least 38% better than the average building. In addition to significant water quality permits and protections, the terminal includes manatee protections and pollution discharge protections, and plans to have shore power capabilities by the Northern Hemisphere Autumn of 2023.Norwegian Cruise Line introduces Norwegian VivaNorwegian Cruise Line (NCL), has unveiled Norwegian Viva, the next ship in its brand-new Prima Class.Providing guests with elevated experiences including more wide-open spaces, thoughtful and stunning design and exceptional service, Norwegian Viva will begin sailing remarkable Mediterranean itineraries in June 2023, homeporting in key Southern European port cities including Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece. She will then sail the Southern Caribbean for her 2023-2024 northern hemisphere winter season offering warm-weather getaways from San Juan, Puerto Rico.Mirroring the upscale design and structure of her record-breaking sister ship Norwegian Prima, Norwegian Viva, also built by renowned Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri in Marghera, Italy, will debut at 294 metres long, 142,500 gross tonnes and accommodate 3,219 guests at double occupancy. Travellers will live up every second of their journey in the most spacious accommodation including NCL's largest inside, ocean view and balcony category staterooms.This world-class vessel offers the highest staffing levels and space ratio of any new cruise ship in the contemporary and premium cruise categories, as well as the largest variety of suite categories available at sea. Luxury-loving guests will enjoy a redefined The Haven by Norwegian, NCL's ultra-premium keycard only access ship-within-a-ship concept. The Haven's public areas and 107 suites have been designed by Piero Lissoni, one of Italy's most renowned designers, with features including an expansive sundeck, a stunning infinity pool overlooking the ship's wake and an outdoor spa with a glass-walled sauna and cold room.The Prima Class' variety of recreational activities also make their elevated comeback on Norwegian Viva with only-available-on-Prima-Class experiences including The Rush and The Drop, the fastest freefall drop dry slides at sea, and the Viva Speedway, the largest three-level racetrack at sea.Norwegian Viva will feature Ocean Boulevard, the 44,000 square foot outdoor walkway which wraps around the entire ship; 11 diverse eateries at Indulge Food Hall; The Concourse boasting an outdoor sculpture garden; Oceanwalk's glass bridges over water; and expansive pool decks and infinity style pools at Infinity Beach.Norwegian Viva will boast eye-catching hull art designed by Italian graffiti and sculpture artist Manuel Di Rita, commonly known as “Peeta,” who also illustrated the exceptional hull design on Norwegian Prima. World-class architects who helped design Norwegian Prima including Rockwell Group, SMC Design and Miami-based Studio Dado, have also returned to influence the aesthetic of various restaurants, staterooms and public areas.The first two Prima Class vessels, Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Viva, will feature cutting-edge alternative technologies, such as a NOx reduction system (SCR), that reduce the ship's overall environmental impact.  SCR catalysts filter out sulfur oxides up to 98% and nitrogen oxides up to 90%, ensuring the vessels meet Tier III NOx compliance. Further, they will be equipped with an Exhaust Gas Cleaning System (EGCS), an Advanced Wastewater Treatment System to treat and clean all wastewater to meet stringent international standards, as well as Cold Ironing functionality to connect to onshore power grids to further reduce emissions while in port. For more information about the Company's environmental, social and governance efforts, please click here.LIVELY ITINERARIES ON NCL'S NEWEST SHIPNorthern Hemisphere Summer 2023: Mediterranean from Rome, Athens and LisbonFollowing a string of inaugural cruises and beginning June 2023, Norwegian Viva will become the newest ship embarking in the Mediterranean. Between 15 June and 6 November 2023, she will sail a series eight, nine and ten-day voyages from Lisbon, Portugal; Venice (Trieste) and Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy; and Athens (Piraeus), Greece, offering guests the opportunity to explore the Mediterranean's Spanish, Italian and Greek regions.Northern Hemisphere Winter 2023-2024: Southern Caribbean from San JuanNorwegian Viva will become the largest new ship to ever homeport in San Juan, Puerto Rico. On 15 December 2023 she will depart San Juan on a seven-day Caribbean voyage with her first stop in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. She will then make her way to Philipsburg, St. Maarten; Bridgetown, Barbados; Castries, St. Lucia; St. John's, Antigua; and St. Thomas in the U.S. Virgin Islands before returning to San Juan on 22 December. Future sailings will also include notable ports in the Caribbean for seven- and nine-day sailings.Cunard takes Shakespeare to the high seas with the Royal Shakespeare CompanyCunard will be taking Shakespeare and new work to the high seas in 2022, as it joins forces in a first-of-its-kind partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) to bring world class theatre to its transatlantic stage.Available exclusively on-board flagship Queen Mary 2, guests will enjoy tailored theatrical performances by the RSC, which creates captivating theatre by Shakespeare, his contemporaries and other literary legends past and present. The performances will be available for all guests on board, including a unique blend of Shakespeare's iconic love scenes in a brand new piece called Boundless as the Sea, created by Owen Horsley.Guests will also have the opportunity to see critically acclaimed new work from the RSC with Miss Littlewood: a musical by Sam Kenyon exploring the life of one of theatre's most playful and radical figures, making its transatlantic debut.For those interested in learning what it takes to be an RSC actor, the on board cast will be leading a series of workshops that explore their craft. Guests will also be able to access “Shakespeare Tales,” intimate, informal events where the actors will perform their personal favourite sonnets and speeches, and answer questions from the audience.n addition, Queen Mary 2 will host a touring exhibition, “Digital Diorama: An Augmented Journey Through Shakespeare's Stratford.” Guests will use devices to experience scenes from his plays come to life before their eyes. Some of the RSC's most popular productions in recent years including Hamlet, Henry V, The Merry Wives of Windsor and As You Like it will also be screened in Cunard's on board cinema, Illuminations.The three year partnership will begin on May 29 until August 12, 2022 and then again from September 15 to November 13, 2022, and will offer this bespoke programme exclusively to Cunard guests on Queen Mary 2 throughout these two periods. Guests will experience either Boundless as the Sea or Miss Littlewood on each featured voyage. Dates for future years to be announced at a later date.Literature Festival at Sea with Cheltenham Literature Festival returns in 2022 with stellar line-upThe extraordinary Literature Festival at Sea, curated by the programming team of the Times and The Sunday Times Cheltenham Literature Festival, will return once again in 2022 with a line-up of some of the world's finest talent, including Bernardine Evaristo, Ian Rankin, Alexander McCall Smith, Mary Beard and Richard Osman.The seven-night crossing, which departs New York for Southampton on 3 December 2022 will include a plethora of workshops, talks and readings as Queen Mary 2 sails across the Atlantic.Guests will hear from award-winning authors about their life and work, go behind the headlines with The Times journalists and get to improve their writing skills in workshops led by literary experts.Princess Cruises Expands Contactless MedallionPay Payment into DestinationsGuests sailing on Princess MedallionClass™ ships now have a contactless purchasing option that eliminates the need for them to carry cash or credit cards into destinations on their cruise vacation. The premium cruise brand today announced the expansion of MedallionPay™, the frictionless payment experience that lets guests use their Princess Medallion® wearable device to shop, play, eat and drink, with a number of merchants in ports of call in the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and all Alaska ports of call, and also to now include 7% back on shoreside purchases as an onboard ship credit for the inaugural year.MedallionPay currently is available in St. Thomas, Cabo San Lucas, Cozumel, and Puerta Vallarta, with more destinations and merchants being added in the near future, including extensions into all Alaska ports Princess ships call on.  Among prominent merchants now accepting MedallionPay are Diamonds International and Cariloha, as well as more than 65 other retailers from restaurants, bars, souvenir stores, and jewelers to museums and excursion operators. MedallionPay is available to all retailers large and small with no setup or monthly fees to register as a MedallionPay merchant, no required long-term contracts and the software is free to use. Merchants simply pay a transaction fee that includes all credit card processing fees and can cancel service at their discretion.Guests who make purchases with participating merchants enjoy the convenience, security and a 7% shipboard credit on purchases when they associate a credit card with a MedallionPay account. And it equates to even bigger rewards when guests associate their MedallionPay account with a cash back credit card.No credit card or personal information is stored on the Medallion. And the MedallionPay ecosystem exceeds the security levels used in financial institutions and passports by using the latest methods of tokenization, abstraction and encryption.When making a purchase with participating retail locations in select ports of call, merchants securely confirm the transaction with two-factor authentication that exceeds typical credit card transaction.Discovery Princess Officially Delivered to Princess CruisesThe newest cruise ship in the Princess Cruises fleet – Discovery Princess – was delivered on January 28 during an official handover at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Monfalcone, Italy. Discovery Princess expands the Princess Cruises fleet to 15 MedallionClass vessels and features an evolution of the design platform used for the cruise line's previous Royal-Class ships. The 3,660-guest Discovery Princess is the sixth and final Royal-Class newbuild and shares all of the spectacular style and luxury of her sister ships – Enchanted Princess℠, Sky Princess®, Majestic Princess℠, Regal Princess℠ and Royal Princess℠. With an array of innovative new experiences, guests will enjoy 270-degree sweeping views from the largest balconies at sea in the Sky Suites, unwind in ultimate comfort at The Sanctuary and indulge the senses with world-class dining options. Plus, Princess live entertainment presents mesmerising new Broadway-style production shows that can only be seen in the state-of-the-art Princess Theatre.  Discovery Princess uses the latest technologies to reduce fuel consumption, treat wastewater, and support our environmental compliance effortsDiscovery Princess will depart Italy and make her way to the Port of Los Angeles to sail on a series of Mexican Riviera and California Coast voyages from March 27 – April 24, 2022, before heading up the Pacific coast to begin a season of seven-day Alaska cruises from Seattle.  Costa Toscana tasked the Sanremo Festival to the seaThe 72nd edition of the Sanremo Festival, the most popular Italian song contest, will be hosted at sea for the first time, thanks to the collaboration between Costa Cruises and Rai Pubblicità.Costa Toscana, the new “green” ship of the Italian company's fleet, will be the floating stage for the live shows of two stars of the past editions of the Festival: Orietta Berti and Fabio Rovazzi. They will be joint by exceptional Italian artists, who will perform every evening on the stage of one of the ship's theatres.Costa Toscana will be a constant and regular presence at the Sanremo Festival not only on television, on Rai Uno, but also on the radio. Indeed, the program “Tre per due” of Rai Radio Due, with the “Gemelli di Guidonia” singers, together with the band “Stefano Signoroni & the MC”, will be on board for the entire duration of the Festival.Costa Toscana is moored at anchor about one kilometre from the port of Sanremo, where she arrived on January 30 and will stay until February 6. On board, there will be no public presence, except for who will contribute to the events planned on board, in addition to the ship's crew members. For the occasion, a special health protocol has also been developed and shared with the relevant health authorities.Costa Toscana is the new Italian-flagged ship in the Costa Cruises fleet. Built at the Meyer shipyard in Turku (Finland), she will leave for her first Mediterranean cruise on March 5, 2022, from Savona.  Designed as a true traveling “smart city,” the ship is powered by liquefied natural gas, the most advanced technology currently available in the maritime sector to cut emissions, which Costa was the first to introduce on cruise ships. On board, 100% separate waste collection and recycling of materials such as plastic, paper, glass and aluminium is carried out. The entire daily water requirement is met by transforming sea water through the use of desalinators. Energy consumption is reduced to a minimum thanks to an intelligent energy efficiency system.The interiors of Costa Toscana are the result of an extraordinary creative project, curated by Adam D. Tihany, created to enhance and bring to life the best of this wonderful region in a single location. Furniture, lighting, fabrics and accessories are all “Made in Italy“, created by 15 partners highly representative of Italian excellence. The on-board offer is perfectly integrated into this extraordinary context: from the Solemio Spa, to the areas dedicated to entertainment; from the themed bars, in collaboration with major Italian and international brands, to the 21 restaurants and areas dedicated to the “food experience”, including the new Archipelago restaurant, which offers menus created by the three star chefs Bruno Barbieri, Hélène Darroze and Ángel León, as well as raising awareness and funds for sea conservation projects carried out by the Costa Crociere Foundation.Spectrum of the Seas to arrive early in Singapore International Guests can Sail on Royal Caribbean International's Popular Ocean Getaways as soon as April 2022Holidaymakers can now pack their bags from  11 April 2022 for the ultimate adventure on board Royal Caribbean International's Spectrum of the Seas, Asia's largest, newest and most innovative ship, for spectacular 3- to 4-night Ocean Getaways. Six months sooner than anticipated, guests will enjoy world-class dining, showstopping entertainment, a private enclave for suite guests and state-of-the-art amenities exclusively designed for the Asian market. Sailings are now open for bookings.Guests on board Spectrum can savour an array of Asian-inspired cuisine, such as teppanyaki and hot pot-style dining, a showcase of unparalleled entertainment that touches on the cultures, colour, music and dance styles of Asia; high-tech experiences; and more. Highlights include:Sky Pad – Asia's first, this virtual reality, bungee trampoline adventure is where guests can strap in, don a headset and transport themselves to another time and planet.Suite Enclave – Royal Caribbean's first and exclusive space for the exquisite Royal Suite Class Star, Sky and Sea accommodations in a private area, featuring exclusive floor access, an elevator, private restaurants and a dedicated lounge area. Two70 – Boasting stunning 270-degree ocean views by day and transforming into a multidimensional theatre by night, this transformative space flaunts six agile Roboscreens, breathtaking live performers and mind-bending aerialists to create unimaginable visuals.SeaPlex – The largest indoor active space at sea, featuring bumper cars, laser tag, fencing, archery and more.Star Moment – A lively and energetic karaoke venue where family and friends come together to belt out and sing like stars.Family Friendly Accommodations – From exterior balcony staterooms to interconnected rooms, to the signature two-level Ultimate Family Suite, an expansive, multiroom retreat complete with its own slide and cinema that also doubles as a karaoke stage, there's an array of staterooms designed for the whole family.Signature Experiences – A bold lineup of guest favourites are on deck, including the FlowRider surf simulator, the North Star, an all-glass observation capsule which ascends 300 feet above the ocean to deliver incomparable 360-degree views; and RipCord by iFly, the first sky diving experience at sea.A World of Flavours – There are 19 dining options that serve up a variety of cuisines, including Hot Pot, an authentic Chinese dining experience; Teppanyaki, a celebration of Far East flavours cooked in Japan's traditional teppanyaki style; and Sichuan Red, a new specialty dining experience tailored just for Spectrum, where diners can savour a bold tapestry of spices and Sichuan flavours. Signature classics include imaginative cuisine at Wonderland, American steakhouse Chops Grille and authentic rustic fare and handmade pasta at Jamie's Italian.In line with its Royal Promise and regulations stipulated by the Singapore government, Royal Caribbean continues to implement health and safety measures for the well-being of its guests and crew members, and the destinations it visits. The comprehensive, multilayered set of measures include pre-departure wellness screenings and testing, contactless embarkation and debarkation, enhanced ventilation and sanitization on board, as well as sailing with fully vaccinated crew members and guests. The cruise line will continue to evaluate and update its measures as circumstances evolve with various government and health authorities.Guests who book their vacation on Spectrum on or before 31 March 2022, can be assured of flexibility in their plans with Royal Caribbean's Cruise with Confidence program, which allows for changes and cancellations up to 48 hours before their cruise sets sail. As long as holidaymakers cancel at least 48 hours before their sail date, they will receive a Future Cruise Credit. The credit is valid for future bookings on or before 30 Sept 2022, for sailings departing before 31 Dec 2022, or one year from the original sailing date, whichever is later.Viking celebrates float out of Newest Egypt Ship Viking® today announced its newest ship for the Nile River—the 82-guest Viking Osiris—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time the ship has touched water. Set to debut in August 2022, Viking Osiris will sail Viking's bestselling 12-day Pharaohs & Pyramids itinerary. The arrival of Viking's new ship later this year coincides with several key events in Egypt in 2022, including the highly anticipated opening of the new Grand Egyptian Museum outside Cairo on the Giza Plateau—as well as the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb by Howard Carter and his benefactor, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon. Building on Viking's longstanding relationship with the Carnarvon family, guests who sail on board Viking Osiris will experience Privileged Access® to memories from 1922 and the events surrounding the discovery of King Tutankhamen's tomb.Hosting 82 guests in 41 staterooms, the new, state-of-the-art Viking Osiris is inspired by Viking's award-winning river and ocean ships with the elegant Scandinavian design for which Viking is known. The vessel features several aspects familiar to Viking guests, such as a distinctive square bow and an indoor/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Viking Osiris will join the company's other ship on the Nile, Viking Ra, which launched in 2018. Additionally, in response to strong demand, Viking Aton, an identical sister ship to Viking Osiris, will join the fleet in 2023.AIDA Cruises Announces the Expansion of its Selection ProgramThe cruise company AIDA Cruises will further expand its Selection program. The AIDAselection voyages, which are very popular with guests, will be offered and further developed in the future regardless of ship class. Guests can expect a wide selection of special itineraries with authentic travel experiences.In October 2022, AIDAsol will be the first Sphinx-class ship to embark on a world cruise. Highlights of this 117-day XXL adventure include the circumnavigation of Cape Horn and the Cape of Good Hope, destinations such as the Avenue of Glaciers, Tierra del Fuego, Mauritius, Cape Town and New Year's Eve in Sydney.Guests will travel to the Lofoten Islands with AIDAbella, the highlights of the Arctic Circle with AIDAluna, and AIDAblu will offer extraordinary experiences on voyages to Mauritius, Seychelles and Madagascar. The new offer will be complemented by the voyages of AIDAvita and AIDAaura, which will provide unforgettable Selection moments in the summer of 2022 with their routes to the Scottish Islands or to the archipelago off the Swedish coast, among others.Each AIDAselection voyage will feature unique highlights. Thanks to exclusive excursions and longer shore stays, guests get to know the country and its people intensively. Experienced guides surprise with real insider tips. Depending on the route, renowned lecturers come on board.Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep to set sail with P&O Cruises on IonaP&O Cruises is partnering with Aardman, the creators of Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep, to bring a range of character-based activities for all generations to newest ship Iona.Children in The Reef clubs will be able to participate in themed dance classes and craft workshops where they can make Gromit ears or Shaun the Sheep masks. All the family can then come together for quality time to enjoy special screenings of the Wallace & Gromit and Shaun the Sheep films in the cinema, or have photos taken with the eccentric inventor Wallace and his loyal friend Gromit at special character appearanceHolland America Line Celebrates Naming of Rotterdam with Ceremony in Namesake City and Special Seven-Day Voyage Holland America Line‘s newest ship Rotterdam is set to get the royal treatment at a naming ceremony in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, May 30, 2022. Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet of the Netherlands will be the ship's godmother, carrying on a Dutch royal tradition that began in the 1920s.Rotterdam‘s special seven-day “Rotterdam Naming Celebration” cruise sails roundtrip from Amsterdam, Netherlands, departing 29 May 22 and also visits Kristiansand, Stavanger and Flåm, Norway, with scenic cruising in SognefjordAnd moreJoin the show:If you have a cruise tip, burning question or want to record a cruise review get in touch with us via the website https://thebigcruisepodcast.com/join-the-show/  Guests: Chris Frame: https://bit.ly/3a4aBCg    Chris's Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/ChrisFrameOfficialPeter Kollar: https://www.cruising.org.au/Home  Listen & Subscribe: Amazon Podcasts: https://amzn.to/3w40cDcApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2XvD7tF  Audible: https://adbl.co/3nDvuNgCastbox: https://bit.ly/2xkGBEI  Google Podcasts: https://bit.ly/2RuY04u  I heart Radio:  https://ihr.fm/3mVIEUASpotify: https://spoti.fi/3caCwl8  Stitcher: https://bit.ly/2JWE8Tz  Pocket casts: https://bit.ly/2JY4J2M  Tune in: https://bit.ly/2V0Jrrs  Podcast Addict: https://bit.ly/2BF6LnE Hosted on Acast. 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Welcome to the Scran Burns Night special. On this episode Rosalind and her guests willl be talking all things Burns night and regaling you with some words from the bard.Rosalind is joined by Brian Kinsman, Master Blender at William Grant and Sons who talks about his memories of Burns nights past whilst keeping the secret essence of Drambuie close to his chest. Simon Howie, arguably Scotland's most famous butcher, also joins Rosalind and they discuss how the humble haggis has become a staple in many households and just what was behind sending haggis into space last year.To bring us right up to 2022 Rob Gilmour from Flavourly beer company talks to us Rosalind about Haggis beer - believe it or not!On this episode there are some clips from our big Burns celebration last year - you'll hear from Alexander McCall Smith, Mark Thomson of Glenfiddich who will address the haggis and Outlander star, Sam Heughan who told us how he would be celebrating the bard's birthday.Thanks to Ross Miller, whose wonderful music you will hear on this episode. You can find more from him on www.rosmillermusic.com.We hope you enjoy this Scran Special - slainte mhath!

You've heard of Nordic Noir but what about Scandi Blanc? Bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith has taken the noir out Swedish crime fiction in his latest series starring the warm-hearted detective Ulf Varg. Also, writer Jessie Tu on her preoccupation with loneliness and a big sweeping narrative about a fictional female pilot who goes missing in the act with US author Maggie Shipstead.

This week we join award winning author, Alexander McCall Smith, for a special Book Week Scotland event which touches upon the impact of Covid-19 on his writing, the connection between whisky and literature, and a reading from a whisky poem.

Throughout 2020 Jigisha and Ryan have enjoyed the privilege of discussing a wealth of titles that are special to them with creators that brought them to life. This week is no exception. We are joined by Alexander McCall Smith, author of the much beloved The No# 1 Ladies Detective Agency series amongst many others. We discuss his latest novel, Elephants, Botswana, and much much more.How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall SmithThe Rain in Portugal by Billy CollinsWhale Day and other Poems by Billy CollinsAgent Sonya by Ben MacIntyre

Rachel and Simon speak with prolific novelist Alexander McCall Smith. Alexander was a professor of Medical Law, before turning his hand to writing fiction. His first book, “The White Hippo”, a children's title, was published in 1980. But it wasn't until the appearance of the highly successful “The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency” series that Alexander became a household name. The series has now sold over twenty million copies in English alone. Alexander's various series of books have been translated into forty-six languages. Others include the “44 Scotland Street” novels and the Isabel Dalhousie books. Recently, he launched the Ulf Varg series of ‘Scandi blanc' novels set in Sweden. Alexander talked to us about his rapid writing pace, the moral questions of detective novels and the idea of cultural appropriation. You can find us online at alwaystakenotes.com, on Twitter @takenotesalways, and on Facebook at facebook.com/alwaystakenotes. Our crowdfunding page is patreon.com/alwaystakenotes. Always Take Notes is presented by Simon Akam and Rachel Lloyd, and produced by Katy Lee, who also handles our social media. Our music is by Jessica Dannheisser and our logo was designed by James Edgar.

Learn more about Go Further and the partnership to end AIDS and cervical cancer

Alexander McCall Smith joins us at the Hay Literary Festival to talk about global sensation, the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, which celebrates its 20th anniversary this summer. The conversation includes news of his forthcoming titles: the next Precious Ramotswe book, which sees her making a foray into politics; and an anthology of Scottish poetry.

Today on The Food Podcast Lindsay sits down with Alexander McCall Smith, Scottish writer and Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh. What begins as as a conversation on his use of tea in writing becomes a deep dive into tea etiquette, kindness and the importance of ritual. Of course the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is discussed; tea breaks are at the heart of detection, I'm sure Mma Ramotswe would say. Meditation is also woven in, along with the importance of packing tea (and a tea pot) when traveling. So put the kettle on, curl up, and have a listen. But remember to be polite, unless of course you switch to coffee.  Many thanks for listening.  Lindsay Cameron Wilson Host of 

In this 12-minute podcast, we meet best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith, via Skype from his home in Edinburgh, Scotland. He will be flying in to speak on Bainbridge Island about his latest detective novel, Precious and Grace, and his many other series of books. His free event at the Commons room of Bainbridge High School, on Saturday Oct. 15th at 2:30pm, is being hosted by Bainbridge Public Library, Eagle Harbor Books and Liberty Bay Books. As you'll hear in this conversation with BCB's Channie Peters, Mr. McCall Smith is the author of several diverse series of novels and is also professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh. He has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. The author was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and was a law professor at the University of Botswana. His latest book, the 17th in his series of "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" novels, takes place in Botswana and features the fictional lead character Precious Ramotswe as the country's premier lady detective. As our BCB host asks in this interview: "How does an emeritus professor of medical law -- a gentleman -- get inside the head of a woman from Botswana?" For further information about this "West Sound Reads" event, visit the website of Eagle Harbor Books. Credits: BCB host: Channie Peters; BCB audio editor and social media publisher: Barry Peters.

This week sees the release of a lot of water in cinemas as surfer Blake Lively does battle with a great white shark in The Shallows, and inhabitants of a small Norwegian town struggle to survive a tsunami in The Wave. Adam Smith comes up for breath to offer his verdict on both. Alexander McCall Smith is back with his 11th instalment of his popular '44 Scotland Street series' with The Bertie Project. He reveals what happens to Bertie next, how the pressure of writing a serialised novel affects his style, and, after more than 80 books, will he ever slow down?To help celebrate the National Youth Theatre turning sixty, two playwrights, Bola Ajbage and James Fritz, have penned plays hoping to fire the imagination of young theatre goers. They join Kirsty to explain why they've put technology and housing centre stage in a bid to speak to generation Z. Seas and rivers have long been a source of poetic inspiration so to continue our series where we find out what artists in residence do, we take a walk up a towpath in Birmingham with canal laureate Luke Kennard.

As part of BBC Music Get Playing, supporting amateur music making around the UK this summer, 5 leading writers and artists contribute an Essay in this series, in which they talk about their little-known passions for playing an instrument. In the final programme of the series, the writer Alexander McCall Smith, author of "The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" describes how he learned to play saxophone which led to him starting The Really Terrible Orchestra.His career as an amateur saxophonist began with lessons' from his wife's flute teacher and then, during a stay in the US, he began to assemble a collection of saxophones, including a fine bass instrument.After returning home to Edinburgh, Alexander decided that he should encourage other amateur musicians to play together, no matter what their standard, and the Really Terrible Orchestra was born. In spite of its name, it has performed in concert halls to packed houses.Producer: Emma Kingsley.

Philip Pullman discusses the great Soviet children's classics of the 1920s and 30s, Jung Chang on Empress Dowager Cixi and Alexander McCall Smith on the book he'd never lend.