One summer, a swap meet changed the lives of two Wisconsin residents. Mike Lipscomb had purchased a Predicta telly, which ceased production in 1960. He was fascinated with its space-age appearance, as was his colleague, David Riedel. So they decided to bring them back, only with updated features like a colour picture, 180-channel capacity and cable, plus DVD and VCR accessibility. Costing $1,400-$3,600, the handmade sets are popular with showbiz personalities. One is Elton, who purchased some for his staff. (June 5, 2005 Journal-Sentinel; August 16, 2002 Business Journal)

FURST EPISODE

Remember the Orange 3G advert, filmed on the set of the Red Piano? Two of the headliner's co-stars may have looked familiar . . . and for good reason. One has also been spotted on Little Britain the last couple of years. That's Steve Furst, credited with putting together the UK's first magazine devoted to comedy--The Heckler--over a decade ago. In addition, he was part of The Gary Glitter Story . . . not a stretch since he'd already been in a glam rock tribute band. As for Brennan Brown, he has been in several Law & Order episodes. And his mother-in-law happens to be in the same business: Samantha Eggar. (Chortle.co.uk; Imbd.com)

BILLY AND THE KIDS

What do Elton and Billy Connolly have in common? Both have depended upon Steve Brown. The Empty Sky producer who coordinated albums like 11-17-70 and Caribou, is now the comedian's manager. He also runs Billy's new pub in the Mediterranean. It's perfect for Steve, who lives in Gozo. What's more, he can stay active musically because The Mill Room promotes local bands. (June 19, 2005 Times of Malta)

CONQUER THE SUN

''Patti LaBelle meets Nathan Lane.'' It's how Michael Cagle bills himself . . . which probably brings Vegas to mind. Indeed, until the end of this month, he's part of the Spotlight variety show at Bourbon Street Hotel & Casino. After that, he'll take his repertoire, which includes Don't Let The Sun Go Down on Me, Circle of Life and I Guess That's Why They Call it The Blues, on the road. But Michael, who first began crooning when he was five, hopes to return to The Strip by the end of the year . . . along with Spotlight's comic juggler/magician Will Roya. (June 3, 2005 Las Vegas Sun; June 8, 2005 email)

SIXTY YEARS ON

Did you know that a backing vocalist on Tumbleweed Connection and Honky Chateau wrote hits for Lulu, Andy Williams and the Hollies? He also put out a couple of his own albums, assisted by Lesley Duncan and Ray Cooper. They were initially available in the early seventies, but got lost with so many other singer/songwriters out there. However, in April, Castle Records reissued Tony Hazzard's tunes in the form of Go North: The Bronze Anthology. This obviously encouraged the 61-year-old, who now plans a new cd. (Castlemusic.com; Chrisspedding.com; June 13, 2005 Echo)

THE PANIC IN ME

You may have heard that James Newton-Howard used to take music classes at the University of Southern California. He ended up quitting, which was logical since he'd been asked to join Elton's band. That, in turn, led to many other collaborations, and an opportunity to score a comedy. James agreed, although he was ''terrified.'' He didn't know if he could ''write on command'' and was uncomfortable with the technology. The pianist and composer had no inkling that such assignments would become a regular part of his life, from Head Office in 1985 to this year's The Interpreter. (James-Newton-Howard.com; http://uk.imb.com)

THE PITCH IS BACK

Many have attended UK events such as concerts and exhibits, not realising they've encountered Rola-Trac. This is a Norfolk-based enterprise which provides protective plastic surfaces as well as temporary roadways, car parking and walkways. They even have a contract with the Ministry of Defence, making floor covering for tents and helicopter landing areas. With such a background, it's no wonder Elton's management group insisted that they take care of the pitch at Carrow Road as well as ten other venues. (May 31, 2005 EDP News)

TIME HAS TOLD ME

A soccer stadium's spring extravaganza attracted the Danish royal family and 20 TV cameras. Sound like a concert by someone we know? Actually, it was part of Once Upon a Time, celebrating the bicentenary of Hans Christian Andersen. Over the course of the production, about 4,000 meals were prepared, thanks to Chili John Rasmussen. He's a chef who loves pop music and cooking. So he's been fortunate to have worked with artists like Elton and Wet Wet Wet . . . especially since he was originally involved with other sorts of rock when he studied geology! (Hca2005.com; Lotsch Web site)

PLEASE

It's not often that a 12-year-old becomes his family's cook. Brian Reed did, since he loved preparing food. So he turned it into a profession, starting out as a bus boy and ending up running his own place, Adrian's Gourmet Kitchen in Carmel, CA. In between, Brian learned the ''importance of service to the point of obsession'' when he worked at San Francisco's Sherman House, a 5 star hotel catering to Martha Stewart and other notables. Undoubtedly, this was useful when he became Sous Chef at The Ivy, one of Elton's favourite haunts. (Adriansgourmetkitchen.com)

STREET KIDDS

Chris Jackson was making dinner for his girlfriend's birthday when he was called away. He's not a doctor but an award-winning Getty staff photographer. So the Welshman has snapped pictures of all sorts of personalities, Jodie Kidd and Elton among them. Even so, Chris confided to the Western Mail (June 6, 2005) that his dream job would be with National Geographic.

Herman's Habits (78)

REACH OUT TO ME

Thursday 9 June 2005 @ 23:59 - GMT