And the reason England are out of the World Cup?

Here's a radical thought - perhaps the players just aren't good enough?

Often we blame the FA, the manager, or the players being tired but none of these arguments hold true.

• The FA? Say what you like about them - and there is a lot, I mean a lot, to criticise - but they do invest in the national team. Good facilities, good back room staff and good logistical support. They've not always been like this - but most of the of the other FAs, especially the smaller ones who don't have the English FA's resources, would love to have the support the English FA supply,
• The manager? The last three have all been successful outside the England job - even the 'wally with the brolly' has shown that he is a good manager by winning the Dutch league, and not with one of the 'glamour' teams
• Poor 'man-management'? The last three managers have (a) been laid back and tried to treat the players as adults and let them make choices, (b) tried to be the players' friend, and (c) had a strict regime. The players haven't responded to any of these approaches and I'm not sure what other options are actually left.
• The players are tired? Rubbish. None of the England team were in the Champions League final and many of the other teams have key players who are based in the English, or other European, leagues and it doesn't seem to have hindered them.

The simple fact is the only constant has been the players. We desperately need to see the Emperor's New Clothes that is the Premier League and how truly 'world class' our players are. The EPL is great entertainment, it may be the wealthiest league in the world, but it's not the best. Virtually no English players are 'world class' - very few would make it into the other top national teams starting 11 - and those who are labelled as such, e.g. Rooney, have consistently failed on the big stages of the World Cup/Euro championship.

Let's accept it - we don't have, and have never had, a 'golden generation'. The players are good, but are over hyped and not world beaters. They are technically poor - they lose possession and cannot adapt tactics to the situation as was clearly shown in today's game. At best they've been a 'bronze generation' (insert gag here about footballers wives and fake tan...). Let's be honest, a last 16 finish is about right.

What would I do next? Little - Capello is still the best manager for the job given who he can pick, and remember England qualified with relative ease. If he goes then either call the players' bluff and get Hiddink, or if we need an English manager get in Hodgson who works well with 'lower level' players as demonstrated with his spells as the Swiss manager and at Fulham.

What can you do? Give up the Premier League - don't believe the hype. The EPL is good fun - but it's not top quality. Get in touch with real lower level and the grassroots. Support your local team - not a 'brand'. Learn to love good technical football - not the kick & rush we see every week. It may not give as much 'excitement' and it will need to be for the long term - but it's the only way England will ever become 'world class'.

Making the most of the weather...

Not 100% sure I made the most of the weather - was very tempted to stay in and watch a variety of sports related TV programming - but went out for a delightful, and hot, cycle ride around the home counties/Thames valley.

So, for a few hours I pottered around Windsor, the Eton College boating lake (where the 2012 rowing will be held) and around Cliveden and Cookham.

Always surprises me that just outside London, just by the M4 or M25, and just under the Heathrow flight path you can find fields and small villages, complete with local churches and summer fayres.

Everything is All White now

Well at least one team playing in white know how to play football. I was in a bar/restaurant when NZ scored v Italy - the Kiwi barman was beside himself. I don't think he could quite believe it.

What I don't understand is how a team made of some professionals, some 'unattached' players, one who didn't seem to make the grade at AFC Wimbledon, and some who are amateurs and have jobs in the real world could hold their own against the current World Cup holders, yet the multimillionaire 'stars' who play in the 'greatest league in the world' could barely string a pass together against a very weak Algeria.

Go NZ, go All Whites - I guess that's why it's the beautiful game.

World Cup - so how's it going so far...

Another very funny World Cup related tweet from The Onion;

"South African Vuvuzela Philharmonic Angered By Soccer Games Breaking Out During Concerts http://onion.com/dkwWFJ"

Well, the World Cup is going pretty much as normal - cagey first matches many of which are dull, the odd shock result (go Switzerland and the All Whites!), and England being rubbish. I don't know why it should surprise me as it's par for the course, but the inability of the England team to string two passes together is incredible. Perhaps, finally the Emperor's New Clothes that is the Premier League (the greatest league in the world?) will be noticed.

However, do not panic. I've just read All Played Out by Pete Davies, just reissued by Yellow Jersey Press as One Night in Turin. It follows England in the 1990 World Cup - and we forget just how bad England were in the group stages there. We started with two draws...

It's an excellent book which delves behind the scenes of the World Cup, the England team, and the press that follow them. The access Pete Davies had would be impossible today and it's a world before email, satellite TV and one where hooliganism was a real issue. There are lots of stories around Gazza, Waddle and Lineker, Platt breaking through during the tournament, and just what a polite and good man Bobby Robson was; and how badly he was treated by the FA.

If you're a football fan you'll love it - a witty and incisive account of football when it seemed a bit simpler.

Website of the week

Don't know what your view of the World Cup is but the often excellent The Onion has had done some wonderful tweeting on its twitter feed (here). Favourites so far include;

• Center Forward: runs up and down the field to keep himself and his teammates awake
• Sweeper: called this for the same reason damn near everything has some other word for it in Europe
• Game clock: runs at random times for no reason and is ignored by players and officials alike
• Referees: decide if a minor penalty receives a yellow, canary, goldenrod, blond or marigold card 

They have also done a very handy introduction to world-cup soccer. And they say Americans don't understand association football.

You mean there was a football match?

I didn't watch the football last night - though I caught the 'highlights' and to be honest didn't seem I'd missed much - as I went to see the excellent Julie Fowlis.

Have to say it's slightly weird going to a concert when there is a big England world cup match on - especially as the band are very Scottish and sing in Gaelic. However, being on the same evening gave it a real intimate feeling. Ticket sales were perhaps lower than expected so to make best use of the space the venue had arranged the seating in to 'cabaret' style which also added to atmosphere. The combination of that, a smaller audience (around 200) who really wanted to be there, and an excellent group made for a wonderful evening's concert.

Julie Fowlis hails from North Uist in the Outer Hebrides and sings traditional style Celtic folk in Scots Gaelic. She possesses a wonderful voice and was BBC Radio2 Folk Singer of the Year in 2008. The evening was a winning combination of that sublime voice, four other very talented musicians, and good humour and charm between the songs all in a pleasant and intimate venue. Her current tour has played/is playing some great venues, including Union Chapel in London on Thursday. Heartily recommend catching her in concert if you can.

So a interesting week musically. Monday night was thousands seeing Bon Jovi start their O2 residency. Saturday around 200 watching a folk gig. Both good and both very different in numerous ways - and if I'm honest, I enjoyed the the Julie Fowlis slightly more. If nothing else there was also something funny about being updated with the score from the England game. "It's 1-1. Really? Oh, that's a shame." I *suspect* her tongue was firmly in her cheek.

A bit of rough?

Am I the only one who finds David Cameron's "Come on England!" a bit, well, embarassing?

Reminds me of the posh boy at school pretending he's into football to make friends when really he's a 'rugger' boy through and through.

And they're off

Finally the World Cup is under way - and what a wonderful few weeks we have in prospect. The first finals in Africa, the beautiful backdrop of one of the most stunning countries on earth, and the culmination of the sport of the masses being held in a country where the masses were oppressed for so long.

Above all it looks to be a wide open contest and one where England have a sensible and talented manager - even though we still possess an over-hyped team.

And what a start - somehow fitting for the hosts to score first and with such a good goal. Though not sure their celebrations should be encouraged!


So, three predictions from me;

• South Africa will get through the group stage - France won't
• England will lose to the USA but will get to the quarter finals
• The refereeing will be good overall - but there will be one howler that will cost a team dear, but a 'minnow'

Enjoy!

All the way up to 11 - again

Spent last night at the opening concert of the Bon Jovi 'residency' at the O2.

As I've said before, I'm not a massive fan and they'll never be cool, but a good chance to catch up with a friend (a Bon Jovi fan) and you have to say the band know what they are doing. They did a good, tight 2 & half hour set mixing some new stuff with all the fans' favourites. It's basically a mass singalong with the band.

Two observations. First, the O2 really has changed from it's old incarnation as the Dome, and even from when I went to the first concert there a couple of years ago. It's a good venue and, unlike Wembley, pretty easy to get to/from on public transport, plus there are numerous bars and restaurants. Overall it's pretty impressive.

Second - I'm going to give up on trying to work out the Bon Jovi fanbase. They are a rock band who've been around for 25 years so you'd expect lots of middle aged blokes in demin? You'd be wrong. Me and my mate are both 39 and probably amongst some of the oldest there. Yes you'll still find the odd aging rocker - but most fans are in their 20s with a pretty even gender split, if not slightly more women. I find it bizarre that you're more likely to come across groups of women attending than blokes. I don't understand it, but can't knock it - the group know what they do and do it well.

Basically they've found a winning formula - and whilst they are never going to win masses of critical acclaim - you can't begrudge them their success.

Nothing like a Dame

Can't recall which royal said it - one of the George's I think - but 'bugger Bognor' seems about right. I thought I'd stay in a place on the coast but unfortunately I've chosen Bognor Regis... I've never been here before - if I had I doubt I'd have made that mistake.

To be fair it's like many other British seaside towns - it's a bit down on it's luck and I can't work out whether the large Butlin's resort is a blessing - still attracting tourists - or a curse - it sucks life out of the resort as they never have to leave the Butlin's bubble.

Nonetheless I discover that, like many seaside towns, once you escape the rather run down centre you can come across some nice places - in Margate you have the interesting Cliftonville, in Bognor you have Aldwick and Pagham. I manage to find a wonderful neighbourhood Italian restaurant with great homemade tiramisu and all is right with the world.

So after the 'delights' of Bognor last night, this morning I headed to Littlehampton. Again, like many small seaside towns I can't help but ask what is the point of Littlehampton? What do all the people who live here actually do?

Well, it doesn't matter as it has a certain charm - and the excellent East Beach Cafe. Somewhat surreally, as I tuck in to a lovely lunch, I discover that Dame Maggie Smith is sat a couple of tables away. Interestingly it's not the adults who've spotted her but some of the smaller children - they can spot a Hogwarts professor a mile off. With minimal fuss - most people still don't spot her - she discreetly signs a couple of autographs and is left to enjoy her lunch in piece with her friends and family.

I discover that this is not the only thespian connection Littlehampton has. Apparently Ronnie Barker used to live there and based Open All Hours on a local shop... small world...

Culture in Chichester

Have escaped London for a couple of days and today am in a damp Chichester. Spend the morning going around the excellent Pallant House Gallery with its wonderful collection of 20th century British art - a good selection of work including several by Peter Blake, Patrick Caulfield, and currently showing several pieces by some of the St Ives artists. Following a restorative coffee and chocolate cake - well it was raining and I needed something purely for medicinal purposes - I head to the Chichester Festival Theatre.

By a stroke of luck I've got about the last ticket to Yes, Prime Minister - not a rerun, but a complete new show written by the original team of Anthony Jay and Jonathan Lynn. I'm one of the oldest in the audience - but then it was last on our screens back in 1988!

Written by Jay and Lynn, and directed by Lynn, this is a bang up to date version of the show, complete with references to SpADs, sub prime mortgages and the hung parliament. The writing is as sharp as ever - combining biting political satire with moments of pure farce - as the events unfold over a weekend at Chequers.

I have to admit I was a bit nervous seeing this as the original was so loved - plus could anyone else than Nigel Hawthorne and Paul Eddington play Sir Humphrey Appleby and Jim Hacker? The answer is a clear yes! Excellent casting with the wonderful Henry Goodman as Sir Humphrey, and David Haig (who has also been in the politically sharp The Thick of It) combining bumbling incompetence with political opportunism as Jim Hacker. Full of laughs it has had good reviews and deserves a West End transfer. A wonderful antidote to the damp bank holiday weather.

A local cinema for local people

Spent last Saturday cycling around the Sussex Weald - lovely small villages, quiet country lanes and some disused railway were the 40 mile route I covered. Have to admit I was completed shredded by the end of it so, with trusty cycle safely lashed to the roof bars, I headed in to Uckfield to watch a film.

What a delightful cinema the Picture House Uckfield is. A wonderful local cinema - on the high street, with lots of history (it's been showing films since 1920), and good value. It's clearly a well run, well loved local cinema - such a refreshing change from the 'retail park' chains or the hacked about Odeon's that used to one big screen but have been converted to multi-screen.

Best things were you could take wine into the showing - they had a good slection of red or whites available - and there were no trailers or adverts, straight in to the film. Admittedly I sort of missed of the trailers - but it's was sign that it was run by film fans for films fans - you've come to watch the movie, not the latest Radio 1 advert.

Should you ever be in East Sussex and fancy a film then head here - such gems should be encouraged and supported.

Website of the week

Blogging has been light of late - too much going on - but hope to start reposting a bit more soon.

Anyway, have found one way to save time. Don't know if you're still following Lost and looking forward to the final part when 'all will be revealed' - personally I gave up at the start of season two.

But if you need a quick catch up - then see the first 5 seasons condensed in to 10 mins here as done by the wonderful Reduced Shakespeare Company.

How old is too old?

A strange couple of days for various reasons. Generally feeling a bit 'restless' with a few things on my mind. Wondering a bit about age - probably something to do with being the 'awkward age' of 39. For example;

• on Sunday I was wondering at what should a man give up wearing hooded tops - unless you're a monk?
• yesterday, for the first time ever, I gave my 'business card' to a couple of people. They were sort of 'homemade' - thank goodness for the variety of stationery Ryman offers - to save the public purse. Surely I'm too old to be giving business cards for the first time?
• Today I phoned a recruitment firm about a job advert I'd seen a couple of days ago. Another first, but it was an interesting looking job and they'd advertised the salary as 'competitive'. The discussion showed it wasn't as 'competitive' as they thought - but am I now too expensive?
• been thinking about 'age' for a couple of other reasons as well.

As I said - a strange week so far - and it's only Tuesday!

That was the week that was

Well, it's been a surprising week and not quite what a lot were expecting. Have to admit I'm very surprised that it's a formal and full coalition government rather than a 'supply and confidence' agreement. Could be a genuinely new era in politics. My observations so far;

• credit where due. All three party leaders were at their best - all 'statesmenlike' and pretty clear and open,
• Given coalition is new territory for Westminster politics we managed to get a pretty quick answer to the government question - credit to the staffers and the Cabinet Office teams,
• Gordon Brown looked a new man - a weight lifted. For once we saw his warmth. Sense he feels a burden lifted and who could begrudge him that? May he enjoy time with his family - for whom he showed real warmth,
• surprised David Cameron has given so much up - five Cabinet posts and various ministerial roles - did he need to? Then again, such a full coalition could be a very clever political move as it could neutralise the 'lunatic fringe' of both parties
• notice how on going to Buckingham Palace Gordon Brown had police outriders and a rolling roadblock, but on leaving he didn't? It's the little things that former ministers will notice in the coming days - no Private Office organising your diary and telling you where you should be, no ministerial car and driver, and for some like the ex-PM, the return to having to sit in traffic jams

Be very interesting to see how the next few weeks pan out!

What happens next??

Some thoughts on an interesting past 12 hours and what may happen next.

When anybody talks about ‘moral authority’ or ‘moral victory’ it’s because they don’t have the actual authority or victory. Each of the parties have flawed claims to become the government and here’s why.

• Conservatives – yes they are the biggest party and got the most votes. But the electorate hasn’t given them a clear mandate – it’s almost as if the electorate wanted change, but were not entirely convinced by the Conservatives so didn’t hand them a clear victory in order to ‘keep them honest.’ Also have the problem that they only have one MP in Scotland – so not a clear UK wide mandate either.

• Labour – clearly the electorate doesn’t want them as the sole party in power, or indeed in power at all. A massive loss in their vote – both in seats and percentage terms. Also have the issue that 41 of their 258 MPs are Scottish and would be able to vote on issues that affect England (and Wales) but, with devolved government, have no impact on their constituency; the tricky ‘West Lothian question’ posed by Tam Dalyell. To remain in government when clearly rejected by the electorate, and be supported by so many Scottish MPs (and possibly the SNP as well) to such an extent, raises issues about their ‘mandate’.

• Lib Dems – seem to be kingmakers but have been compromised. According to the polls people wanted to vote for them, but they couldn’t actually bring themselves to do so once in the voting booth. If they came to support Labour, who have been rejected, they leave themselves open to accusations of selling out to gain office and propping up a busted government. Supporting the Conservatives won't be popular within the party.

So it’s tricky... what should happen?

Well, if I was Nick Clegg I’d say that the Lib Dems will abstain in the vote on the Queen’s Speech – the first vote of ‘confidence’. That puts the decision back to Labour – do they brazen it out and risk defeat? In effect you’re offering Labour the chance to ‘do the honourable thing’. It shows that you’re not going to sell out just to gain power, won’t risk a split your party, and is not denying the result of the electorate. Above all it allows a space to breathe and then puts the onus on to the Conservatives to try to form a government, but is also telling them not to do anything stupid.

What will happen?

Still think a Conservative minority government - with a 'confidence and supply' arrangement with the Lib Dems is the most likely option – but may not happen for a few days.

Who knows – perhaps Caroline Lucas should be asked to try and form a rainbow coalition...

How good were my predictions??

Not bad - but not good.

No Cabinet Ministers lost their seat, BNP didn't win a seat and I overstated the Lib Dem share of the vote. Got the Balls and Bercow races completely wrong.

Pretty good guesses for the number of Cons seats, and the Cons share and Labour share of vote. Also pretty accurate on turnout and that the Greens would win a seat.

So, marginally better than a chicken pecking random guesses on a piece of paper...

One aside. Was dissappointed that Dr Richard Taylor, the local doctor who was the truly independent MP for Wyre Forest, wasn't returned as an MP. He only just lost out to the Conservatives. Whatever your politics he was an intelligent, independent and local voice in a Parliament that is largely media focussed on national issues and with few characterful and individually thinking MPs. He will be missed.

Vote early, vote often?

Well, it's V day (or E day??) - time to make your mark.

Voted earlier - interestingly there was quite a queue - never had that before.

Final predictions...

• Share of vote - Con 38%, Lab 27%, Lib Dem 27%, Other 8% - mainly I think the polls still understate the Conservatives
• Turnout - 65% - up on last time but not a massive amount. For those engaged by the debates I suspect there are nearly as many who are even more turned off by the whole process for a variety of reasons
• Largest party - Cons but short of an overall maj. My guess is 305 seats
• The 'it's not fair' moment - Lib Dems still won't get nearly as many seats as their vote warrants. I think such a perverse result will mean this will be the last 'first past the post' election with a move to the Alternative Vote
• Shocks - three Cabinet Ministers will lose their seats; BNP and Green will each get a seat.

For a different take to the telly - it might be worth dipping into http://tweetminster.co.uk/ once in a while.

See you 'on the other side'...

Kick Ass

I've real mixed feelings about this film. A graphic novel with a cult following becoming a movie that was initially turned down by all the major studios but has been very successful sounds like a good story.

The basic premise about how super heroes are really just ordinary people deep down is interesting.

It's well made with a good cast - Nicolas Cage, Mark Strong - and has good special effects. It should be a good popcorn movie - so why did it leave me with a bitter taste, so much that I'd actually say this is a movie to be avoided?

I think I felt uncomfortable due to the cartoon, yet graphic violence. The character of 11 year old Hit Girl left me really uneasy with her love of violence and 'potty mouth'. Perhaps I'm just gettting old, perhaps I'm just really out of touch and not as open or liberal as I thought - either way it just didn't feel right. I certainly don't think it should have received a 15 certificate.

The 'majority view' of the critics is that this is a pretty good film - see Peter Bradshaw's Guardian review. Time Out offers a middling review here. Interestingly Roger Ebert, the doyen of US critics, is not a fan and even calls it 'morally reprehensible' (see here) - which is very strong stuff from him.

See it and make up your own mind - but personally I think it's one to avoid.

Website of the week

Sometimes you just want to watch a stadium blow up as part of a controlled demolition.

No? Just me then? OK, well you won't want to click here then.

Whip It!

You're a very successful actress who has starred in some of the biggest movies of all time. You're a very sucessful producer who has produced some of the biggest hits in recent years. You're part of a family that is a holiday dynasty. You want to make a directorial debut and someone pitches you a movie set in small town Texas about female roller derbies. This comes across as a good idea?

Who ever persuaded Drew Barrymore to make her directorial debut with this film may have at first seemed a bit mad - but they weren't, it was a surprisingly good idea.

Set in small town Texas Whip It is a female coming of age film where an intelligent young teen finds more to life than beauty pageants by stumbling in to female roller derby. It should be dreadful - it isn't. Gentle and amusing, but with a little bite in the script, it really benefits from a strong cast which includes Barrymore, Ellen Page and Juliet Lewis.

It is not flawed - it could be 20mins shorter, a couple of characters aren't really developed as well as you might like, and Jimmy Fallon's character as the roller derby MC could have been consigned to the cutting room floor in its entirety without losing anything - but it's different. You get involved. You what to know what happens. You engage with the characters, especially the parents who are particularly well drawn. It's an unexpected delight.

Worth watching - and any film that includes a T shirt of 80s Christian metal rock band Stryper as a plot point can't be bad.

Three Election Predictions

Always a dangerous thing but here goes...

1. The 'other parties' will be successful
There were only two MPs in the old Parliament who were truly independent - Richard Taylor, the NHS doctor who has been the Wyre Forest MP since 2001, and George Galloway of Respect in Bethnal Green. Boundary changes mean Galloway is standing in the Poplar & Limehouse seat and will probably struggle to win. Taylor is again standing in Wyre Forest and a lot will depend on how strong a local vote he can still draw. Nontheless, outside the 'normal parties' - Con, Lab, Lib Dem, N Irish, Welsh and Scottish - I suspect that one or two of the 'fringe' parties will either come a good second or even nick a seat. Ones to watch are,

• Stoke on Trent Central - where given a 'parachuted in' Labour candidate and a couple of strong independents who could further split the left wing vote, the BNP, who already have a strong presence on the council, might take the seat.
• Barking - again a strong BNP presence on the local council and a disaffected 'working class' Labour vote could mean the BNP winning - Nick Griffin polled over 16% of the vote and nearly came second in 2005.
• Buckingham - the constituency of John Bercow, the Speaker, and so tradition means the main parties don't field a candidate. However, Bercow is on the left of the Conservatives, Buckingham has been a traditional right leaning Conservative area, there is local dissatifaction with Bercow and Nigel Farage is the UKIP candidate. Anything could happen.
• Brighton Kemptown - should be a strong Green vote here. Not enough to win but will be a good second place.

2. There will be at least one 'Portillo moment'
Hot favourite for this is Ed Balls to lose his seat. Boundary changes mean a 'notional' majority of 9000 but the local Conservative candidate is running a clever and high profile campaign - including raising decent money on the internet. I suspect Balls, a disliked by the public Cabinet Minister in a disliked government, is very worried.

However, there could also be a few other shocks - how about Jacqui Smith in Redditch? Or even perhaps Jack Straw in Blackburn and Harriet Harman in Camberwell & Peckham? The latter two would be big shocks, but this is a funny election.


3. The winner will be...
A few weeks ago I would have predicted the Conservatives with a small majority - but the rise of the Lib Dems means I'm going to slightly change this. I think it will be a hung parliament - but there won't be a coalition. I reckon we will have a minority Conservative government.

My thinking is based on this. There are 650 seats so an absolute majority requires 326 MPs. However, when you take into account the Speaker and Deputy Speakers, a couple of Independents, the NI, Scottish and Welsh parties I reckon that a party with 300 MPs could provide a workable government and not require a formal coalition. Sensible policies will get enough cross party support to be passed, and anything tricky or a 'confidence' matter, such as the annual Budget, could be got through with ad hoc deals, for example with Ulster Unionists or some of the MPs of other parties. Let's not forget the SNP are running Scotland on a minority basis and are making it work.

One other thing...

This election could produce a perverse result - for example, Labour could come third in the popular vote but be the largest party in terms of MPs and remain in government. At what stage will this be unacceptable to the public and there be a massive clamour for electoral reform? If there is such a result I think this is a real possiblity; remember the Westminster elections are now unusual in that they are 'First Past the Post' - Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the London Assembly aren't, and great swathes of the UK are used to a more PR based system.

Website of the week

Sometimes you just need a little explanation to understand the USA - thankfully here is a helpful map.

Full of Glee

I've already admitted that Glee is one of my guilty secrets - tonight's episode was a 'Madonna' special, complete with an excellent Vogue remake.

Compare the original with the Glee homage - just can't imagine a UK show doing something like this so well.

Putting out the welcome mat?

Yesterday's trip got me thinking. At Kew there were various tourists - mainly French and Japanese along with a few Americans. I couldn't help wondering how many intended on being there, and how many have perhaps had an enforced enlongated stay due to the Icelandic ash?

We've seen lots on the news about Brits being caught out and having to stay longer overseas, but very little about those who've had to stay here in the UK for longer than they thought.

I hope we were accommodating and welcoming to them - how guests/visitors are treated says a lot about us.

And not a Titchmarsh in sight...

Despite having lived in London for several years I have never been to Kew Gardens. This is perhaps even more shameful as for the last few years I've lived fairly close. Anyway, today I corrected that - with lovely spring sunshine and the added bonus of no planes flying overheard.

I'm not really in to gardens; I find them slightly dull as one plant looks pretty similar to another to me. What can I say, I'm a city boy. But Kew was lovely - from the magnificent glass houses to the peaceful quieter parts, from the beautiful lawns to the tree top walk - a well worth trip.

Kew collects an interesting selection of visitors. From pensioners with their season tickets who like the cafes and restaurants, to slightly bemused overseas tourists; from school trips with bored teenagers, to SW London yummie mummies and/or their nannies with children in tow. Having a coffee I was near a particularly braying mum with her brood - talking inanities to friends, or on her mobile, she was wittering on about 'raising children is soooo different in Europe' and 'I didn't even record the leaders' debate but daren't tell my freinds. But I ensured I Skyplused Desperate Housewives'. I have to admit that she was such a stereotype I did look around for a film crew wondering if a spoof or a new sitcom was being recorded (or even a section for Outnumbered which has to be the most depressingly middle class and unfunny 'sitcom' since Terry & June - no doubt that will annoy some...).

Stereotypical mums aside - a lovely few hours in an oasis in SW London.

Three Election Observations

As someone interested in politics, who has studied it, and who somehow has ended up working in the Westminster Village, a few observations based on gut feelings and random thoughts.

1. 'It's the economy stupid'
The overwhelming factor in voter behaviour is who people think will make them better off. It's not as simple as straight cash and tax policy, but includes things like education, health and pensions - so it's a bit more nuanced than people think. However, all depend on the underlying economy and whilst I doubt many people appreciate just how dicey the economy is at the macro level, it will still be the largest deciding voting factor. The reason there is no clear party in the lead is that all have pretty similar economic policies - the differences are minor - hence voter uncertainty.

2. It's not the 'first internet election'
Labour may have lost one PPC due to poor tweeting, but the internet won't be a massive factor in this election. Compared to the US Presidential election the parties are raising very little cash via the internet and most of their publicity is still via the mainstream media and direct mail. One or two political blogs will be worth following - and may break a massive story - but it will largely still be a fairly traditional election campaign.

3. Opinion polls are interesting but ultimately useless
It's a cliche that the only poll that matters is the one on election day, but though opinion polls are mildly diverting, they don't actually tell us a huge amount. The following are some of the reasons;

• margin of error - this is usually +/- 2 or 3% - this can make quite a difference, esp. between an overall result and a hung parliament
• there are only a snapshot - it is how a person would vote at the time they asked the question. Polls, on the whole, don't measure depth or strength of support; ask the same person an hour later and the result could be different. A lot can change in a campaign - and voters are fickle
• the 'don't knows' - notice how most polls don't publish the percentage of 'don't knows'/'haven't decideds'? In the past I've been polled and you often don't get this as option. My hunch is that this election there are huge number who are don't knows - to be useful we need polls showing this
• won't vote - who know what the turnout will be, and more importantly how it will be distributed? This is as important as the 'don't knows'

Look at polls, but take the above in to account - polls are interested but are flawed.

Some predictions to follow...

An Easter Break

Blogging has been 'light' of late - OK, non existant. Anyway, been lots on lately and whilst I've not got nothing to say, blogging is a habit, and like all habits you can fall out of it quickly. Don't know if I'll resume blogging more regularly - and given the various false starts of late, I'm not promising!

Escaped to north Devon for a couple of days over the Easter weekend. Quite a contrast. On the Saturday went to Big Sheep - which does exactly what it says on the tin, there are sheep, lots. And pigs, and somewhat bizarrely, some Indian Running Ducks which you can watch being herded by a sheep dog. All very strange but good fun; a great venue, especially with small children in tow who have a wonderful time.

Sunday was slightly different as heading back up the A303 to Thruxton to watch the opening round of the British Touring Car Championship. When in the shelter from the wind and the sun came out it was lovely - when in the wind and no sun it was bitterly cold. Again another good day - and such a contrast in the space of 2 days. One day sheep, the next petrol heads and 'pit lane babes' - OK hairdressers from Essex.

So eventually headed back to London on the Monday. A very British bank holiday weekend in many ways - mixed weather and two different and typically British events.

Mind you, even in rural Devon there was no escape from some aspects of the Westminster Village.

Website of the week

The is lots of knowledge on the web.

But we know that the web was really invented to share Unnecessary Knowledge.

Hitting the refresh button is strangely addictive...

Talking 'bout a Revolution

Last weekend I was up in Manchester to go to Revolution 28. The Revolution series are track cycling meetings that are a cross between an exhibition event and a team meeting, which gives a chance for young talent to develop. Held at the national Velodrome on a Saturday evening it's a good family event for cycle fans - blending the best of the world (Sir Chris Hoy and Victoria Pendleton were competing) with up and coming talent.

I'd never been to the velodrome before and it's a great venue. Spectators are close to the tight, banked track as the athletes whizz past - the atmosphere is great. It must be incredible at a World Cup or championship event.

British Cycling is have a wonderful time - dominant on the track and now with a strong Protour professional team with Team Sky. Interestingly Sky where at the event doing some 3D recording - which will be fascinating to see. But like most sports in the UK it relies on a strong volunteer base. Looking at the officials at the meeting doing their thing in the centre of the track I couldn't help but wonder what some of these volunteers make of it - some of them must have been helping cycling during the lean years. I wonder what they'd have said if 15 years ago you'd told them what the state of UK cycling would be today - complete with knighthoods, world champions and a thorough and professional outfit?

So a great evening - thoroughly enjoyable. And the banking of the velodrome track has to be seen to be believed!

Moore at the Tate

Went to a preview of the Henry Moore exhibition at Tate Britain the other evening.

Not sure what to make of it. I'll admit that I'm not a huge sculpture fan, but looking at these pieces up close you are forced to admire the artistry. Moore worked with a variety of materials - bronze, concrete, elmwood, alabaster - and his works comes in a variety of sizes. Seeing them all together does give you an appreciation of the sheer scale of his work.

But... well... putting so much Moore in one place does dilute it. There is a whole room of 'Mother & Child' pieces, another room has numerous 'Reclining figures'. It, frankly, becomes rather boring and 'samey' after a while - perhaps less really is Moore.

However, there are some simply stunning drawing of miners at work and people sheltering in the Underground during WW2 - they are beautiful and haunting. These are certainly worth seeing and spending time with.

If you are a fan of Moore then you'll enjoy this. If not I suggest an alternative. Within yards of Tate Britain find two of Moore's pieces - one by the Thames across the river from MI6 building, one on the green by Parliament where the TV crews do their interviews. These are beautiful pieces in beautiful locations - and can be enjoyed for free.

The Age of the Train part 2

On train back from Manchester.

Virgin Trains really are donkeys. Most tickets require 'mandatory' seat reservations. None of the reserved seats are marked - all seats have labelled 'available'.

Result - chaos as people find their 'allocated' seats already occupied.

Still, at least we seem to have hot water and working loos. I guess that's progress?

The Age of the Train

Currently on train to Manchester. Travelling by Virgin is 'interesting'.

1. Are lots of 1st class coaches - probably empty. Result - standard class is rammed.
2. Is no tea or coffee or hot drinks due to a 'blown fuse.' Eh... can't you replace the fuse?Simples.
3. There was an annoucement listing the working toilets - it didn't sound very many.

So, we have modern, new trains but you can't get a hot drink and a lot of the loos don't work? This is progress?

Mind you - perhaps no hot drinks and non-working toilets are linked...

Website of the week

For those who use Twitter but haven't quite got their head around the privacy settings and still have their geo-location switched on. Have a look at Please Rob Me and learn an interesting lesson.

 

hattip - dizzythinks

Avatar 3D

I don't where to start with Avatar. One of the most expensive movies ever made, first really massive blockbuster to be made in 3D, and now the biggest grossing film of all time with takings of over $2billion.

Pity they didn't spend money on a plot...

Humans are on the planet Pandora where they are mining Unobtanium which sells for millions of dollars per kilo - no, I'm not making this is up, this really is the story.

Humans can't breathe on Pandora but they've developed 'avatars' of themselves as locals which people can operate telepathically by being in a sort of pod. Thus they can interact with the restless locals. Ex-marines provide security for the humans.

Bascially take 30% of Lord of the Rings, 30% Star Wars, 30% Apocalyse Now and, somewhat bizarrely, 10% of the campfest that is Flash Gordon and you have a bit of idea of the film.

Overall the themes seem to be that raping a planet of resources is bad, the military will always fire first and ask questions later, and big business is evil. Messages and the read across to green issues, climate change, the Iraq/Iran/Vietnam wars are all there with massive klaxons going off just in case you haven't quite got it.

It is a beautifully shot film - you can see where the money went - but it's a falsehood that this is a 3D 'game changer'. Actually much of the film would be as impressive in 2D, the 3D effects are good but not 'wow!', and you can easily watch huge chunks of this without your annoying 3D glasses if you want.

But what this does show is how far CGI has come on in recent years - frankly the actors are optional and could easily be completely done artificially via computer. Indeed, in the future we may not need/see real actors - whole films could be done with a complete cast of Avatars.

And that, not the 3D effects, is what the legacy of this, rather mediocre, film will be.

Website of the week

Don't know if you're a fan of bagels - me? I don't mind them but can't get that worked up over them.

However, if you've ever wondered how to make your bagel in to a Mobius strip (see here), well thankfully there is a website for that. Welcome to the Mathematically Correct Breakfast.

There is even a handy YouTube video...

Forest for the trees

Weather's not great but need some fresh air so head out for a decent stroll.

I like the fact that even though you can live in the south east of England, in some of the most densely populated parts of Europe, you still find peace and quiet.

It's cold, damp and a bit muddy - this forest could just as easily be in Wales or Scotland. And then, to surprise you, you come across a market gardening operation.

Though looking at the sign, I'm guessing it's not just the locals of Surrey employed here.

Full of Glee

There are certain TV programmes that both define a decade and are guilty pleasures;

• In the 1980s it was Beverly Hills 90210 - did you like Brandon or Dylan, Andrea or Kelly? (And let's face it, the current updated series just isn't the same even with Brenda and Kelly cameos...)
• In the 1990s it was Buffy
• In the 2000s/noughties it was The OC

I have to say that for the 2010s/teens it could well be Glee.

For so many reasons it shouldn't work - teen angst, musical numbers - but it's one of the funniest, best written and most original shows currently on TV.

It also has a killer soundtrack - and any show that includes an old Huey Lewis & the News track can't be wrong. Glee - my current guilty pleasure.

Things you only know if you're single...

The Times magazine on Saturday has a wonderful little column by Hannah Betts called 'Things you only know if you're single.' It's funny and very knowing. For example, TYOKIYS include;

• you can see why all you're single friends are single - but can't see why you still are
• bank holidays are miserable - for May Day read Mayday

This week it was "Swofties are taking over from cougars." Swofties? Single women over fifty who like clubbing, tweeting and exotic holidays - see here.

What I like is the concept is slightly ridiculed and that we mustn't forget that "today's Swoftie is tomorrow's Single Woman Over Seventy Who Considers Eating Cat Food."

Just as Bridget Jones' Diary let out too many secrets about the female mind, and High Fidelity gave away far too much of what really goes on in a bloke's mind - the TYOKIYS column might be letting the reality of singledom out of the bag!

Website of the week

It's been a while but here's another of those websites that some will find brilliant and cute...

.... and other will find disturbing.

Some people have way too free time to spend on Photoshop...

Oh well - you've heard of 'manchild' - here's ManBabies

Is President Obama going to be President Carter take two?

I don't write much, indeed any, thoughtful stuff here - froth, films and funnies tend to be the preferred witterings here, but I do follow politics on both sides of the Atlantic and can't help wondering if Obama is going to be a one term President in the mould of Jimmy Carter.

There are many similarities;

• both came to power on the back of discredited Republican administrations
• both inherited difficult econmic conditions
• both brought optimism and promises to office, but struggled once in the White House
• both had to deal with difficult foreign policy issues in the Middle East - Israel/Palestine and Iran/Iraq
• both seem to be decent family men who have perhaps found gaining office considerably easier than actually being in office

I do wonder if the similarities may continue, for example;

• Carter was undone by the situation in Iran - could Obama? Indeed the odds seem more stacked against him as he has the additional issues of Iraq and Afghanistan to worry about.
• Carter faced a challenge from within the Democratic Party towards the end of his term, despite being the incumbent President - Edward Kennedy ran against him for the 1980 Presidential campaign. Could Obama, whose poll ratings are pretty low and dropping, face a challenge from, say, Hilary Clinton or another leading Democrat 'for the sake of the party'?
• There was initially no clear Republican challenger to run against Carter - in the end Reagan emerged and swept to power. Where will the next Republican challenger to Obama come from? Who are the up and coming Republican Governors?

In the end Carter's reputation grew upon leaving office - largely due to his work for Habitat for Humanity and his continued work around the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. I sense something similar may happen to Obama - he becomes a 'greater' world statesman after leaving office than he ever was as a one term President.

Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

Not often I go to the theatre - certainly not often enough - but I went the other week to see the latest version of Tennessee Williams' Cat on a Hot Tin Roof. Like much of Williams' work it's a play brimming with dysfunctional family issues, repressed sexuality and, frankly, quite a lot of unpleasant characters.

This particular staging is slightly different as it has an all black cast. Directed by Debbie (Fame) Allen it stars James (voice of Vader & CNN) Earl Jones, Phylicia (Mrs Cosby) Rashad, Adrian (Hustle) Lester and, somewhat strangely, Richard (the Richard Blackwood Show) Blackwood. It is wonderful.

The cast are excellent, with no weak links, and all give excellent performances nuanced between making the characters unpleasant, which most are, but allowing us to see some of their redeeming qualities. Above all there is the brilliant writing of Williams'. The play may be over 50 years old, but it is still bang up to date - the second act remains one of the best father/son scenes ever written.

If you get a chance to see it, then do - and a play that also has Derek (Playaway and Heads & Tails) Griffiths can't be bad.

Experimenting

Just seeing if I can blog from my iPhone.

Who knows, if this works I may update more than 3 times a month.

But then again, we all know what's going to really happen...

Apologies for the poor service - wrong kind of snow...

Afraid I've been as bad as ever of late with the updating - apologies.

Thought I'd be a bit better, especially last week - but unfortunately it's been very busy.

It'll be like buses - nothing for ages and then loads of posts at one.

Website of the week

Forget the upcoming 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

Don't worry about the 2012 Olympics in London.

What you want is The Redneck Games. Details about time and place available here.

Sherlock Holmes

Until I saw Sherlock Holmes I'd never seen a Guy Ritchie film. If this is his 'return to form' then I don't feel I've missed much.

The movie has Robert Downey Jr as Holmes and Jude Law as Dr Watson. Both are charismatic actors and have a good presence on the screen. One sub plot of the film is Watson has got engaged and about to move from Baker Street and Holmes is not happy. So, is this really a 'bromance' movie laced with homoerotic undertones? Well, not really, and that might have made a better film as there would have at least been a plot.

The movie is 'okay'. It's mildly diverting but I can't remember the story - if there was one. Downey and Law make a good odd couple double act, and Rachel McAdams and Mark Strong hold their own as the supporting cast. However, the best you can say about the overall enterprise is 'workmanlike'.

Something is missing. It's not really about Holmes and Watson and could have been any other characters set in this period. This is almost a pantomine paraody - all it lacks is Biggins as a dame. Now, that would be a movie worth watching.

New Year Resolutions - Day 2

So, day 2 - how are the New Year Resolutions going? So far, so good??


A couple of weeks ago I registered with an new GP so had a minor check up. On the whole things were fine, "when did you last see your GP?" "1996", was my reply. My blood pressure was a little high - the nurse took it 3 times just to make sure - but when I told them where I work, "well, I guess that explains that." Then came the time to measure my weight. It wasn't too bad - but let's just say that I'm *ahem* slightly 'bigger boned' that I thought. Upshot is I need to take more exercise.

Weather today was lovely and crisp, and one of the joys of where I live is that in 40 minutes I can be amongst the countryside. So today I headed to the North Downs and the River Wey just outside Guildford for a 7-8 mile walk.

OK, so much of the good work... most of the good work... probably all of the good work... was undone by the pie and chips I had for tea... Still, day 2 and the 'more exercise' resolution is intact. Small steps...

You know you're middle aged when...

Hope that you've had a lovely Christmas as we are now in the 'phoney' period between Christmas and New Year. Christmas is sort of over, many are off work until the New Year, whilst others are already back to normal.

Anyway, I've got various things I could be doing but yesterday I headed to some shops. I didn't need anything specific - but there were some items that if I came across in a sale I'd buy.

Before long I found myself in John Lewis looking at some nice towels in the sale. This is it, middle age is finally here as not only did I find myself buying said towels - but was actually quite pleased with the purchase...

Peace & Quiet at Christmas

A very happy Christmas to one and all.

It's a wonderful crisp morning and for the first time in many years I'm in Birmingham when Santa delivers his presents. A few years ago on Christmas Day I headed in to central London, on my way somewhere, to see how busy it was, and, if quiet, to take some photos of quiet London streets. It was busier than I thought and to have a re-read of that post see here.

This morning, with lovely clear skies, I do the same in the centre of Birmingham. It's lot quieter than central London, but there are still more people milling around than I expect, including some tourist taking the odd photo.

The old and the new - St Martins Church and Selfridges

A quiet Bull Ring - will be very different in 24 hours!

The now iconic addition to Birmingham's skyline

Birmingham Cathedral - spot the Bishop competition

More of the changing Brummie skyline.

The Christmas Bells

Back in Birmingham for a few days over Christmas and head to one of the more unusual Christmas traditions in south Birmingham - the Bournville Village Green Carol Service.

Bournville - the 'village' created by the Cadbury's in the late 19th century - has a primary school, indeed it's the one I attended. For reasons never entirely clear, the school has a bell tower complete with a carillon of bells. This means that rather than merely play chimes on the hour, there is a sort of keyboard and full tunes can be played on the large clock bells. Each Christmas Eve a couple of thousand gather to sing carols on Bournville Green as the tunes are played on the bells in the school bell tower. There are also traditional Christmas readings.

It does become semi amusing as the laws of physics kick in. The Green is one side of the main road through Bournville, the school the other. The Green is fairly large. Sound travels at 330m per second. Result - rarely are the bells and the singing in time - indeed this year during the first carol the singing managed to be both ahead and behind the music!

Still, its a decent, and well timed, service lasting 45 minutes. The prayers by the local vicar are good as they contain relevant and local prayers for both the future of Cadbury's - a massive local employer current under rumours of takeover by Kraft - and for the injured servicemen and women who end up being treated at the local Selly Oak Hospital.

Overall it's one of those wonderfully strange quirks that you occasionally come across in Britain - and not a bad way to start Christmas.

Website of the week

Just to prove anything can be improved with Muppets...

Website of the week

Some times you want to go a bit further afield than zone 6 on London Underground - or even beyond Europe.

For those looking to travel even further then the Milky Wat Transit Authority Map will be a helpful tool.

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life

The First Day of the Rest of Your Life (Le premier jour du reste de ta vie) is a French film that tells the story of family over a period of around 15 years. There is the grandfather, the parents, their three children and the ups and downs of their lives - their matches, hatches and dispatches - in middle class suburban France.

Not a lot happens - there are no helicopter crashs, no car chases, no shootouts. What you have is a simple story, beautifully told and acted by a wonderful ensemble cast. Issues of aging, of father and son relationships, and matters of sex and love are all tackled. It mixes humour, there is a lovely funny scene around a driving test, with moments of real poignacy and it is not afraid to tackle death. Some have described the film as sentimental and overstylised - that I can see. Nonetheless, the film is a good example of French cinema and you leave the screening wondering why the UK can't make films like this.

Nominated for 9 Cesar awards (French equivalent of the Oscars and BAFTAs) it won three - all deserved. It has a very limited UK release - even in London it's only showing at 2 cinemas - but if you can find a screenings it's worth a look. The ending - with a delightful look to camera - is lovely.

Hand of God - part 2

Peter Cook best summed it up when in his 'football manager' character, "Football can be a cruel mistress."

Ireland's defeat last night to France is both tragic and, frankly, funny.

Tragic because it was harsh and cruel. England still moan about the 'hand of God goal', and that happened over 20 years ago. Hopefully the same thing - pointlessly pining for what might have been - won't happen to the Irish fans.

But it was funny as it highlighted the bizarre thought process - or lack of one - that footballers have. How often does a referee change such a big decision in a high level match - never; so why crowd round him and the assistant? Secondly, the French goal didn't actually change the Irish position, other than rule out a penalty shoot-out. At the start of extra time Ireland needed a goal to win. France scored. Ireland still needed a single goal win. It might be harsh - but they were virtually no worse off after the goal, and still had the full second period of extra time.

Football is a beautiful game - the beautiful game. Any game that produce a goal like this in a World Cup Final has to be.

There are no doubt some conspiracy theorists who reckon that as France are sponsored by Adidas - a FIFA partner - this was the result FIFA wanted. Farfetched - but football has an ugly side. Think not? Then read the excellent David Conn, Foul by Andrew Jennings, or the related Transparency in Sport website, and you'll see football's darker side.

Ireland should, and indeed have, been asking why the play offs were seeded rather than a straight draw? Linked to the fact that Portugal, France, Russia and Germany were all struggling to qualify for the World Cup Finals when the seeding idea was suddenly announced?

If you love football then ignore the glamour of the Premier and Champions Leagues - support a lower or non-league team. Ignore the big nations in the World Cup and get behind a minnow. Embrace New Zealand - OK their nickname of the All Whites may be a bit unfortunate given the host nation is South Africa, but they are a nation happy to have qualified and will have a blast.

They'll also probably hold England to a nil nil draw in the final group stage match when England need a win to get to the next stage!

Website of the week

A couple of websites to offer - similar in style to the excellent Postsecret.

First up there is Photochaining.

And there is also i got an envelope.

Enjoy - and may be participate - in web based art projects.

And this is what I blog on?

Things still a bit busy and I've not got back to blogging as much as I'd like. Was unwinding over the weekend and catching up on various stuff I'd recorded off the telly. Armstrong and Miller can be a bit hit and miss - but it has more hits than misses and the WW2 RAF pilots who talk in 21st century teen is still very funny.

Sat there watching one sketch I suddenly thought, 'hold on, I recognise that station. That's where I get on the train ever morning I go to work.'

Still can't work out if spotting this was being incredibly observant or whether it's geeky beyond redemption...

All Hallows Eve

On the whole I'm fairly relaxed about Halloween. If people want to dress up as witches, skeletons or zombies then OK - I don't think it's going to lead down some slippery slope to worshipping Satan.

Similarly I don't think Harry Potter will lead to devil worship. I've never understood the inconsistency that Lord of Rings was 'OK' yet Harry Potter was 'evil' - this largely seemed to rely on the fact that Tolkien was a Catholic and ignored that sorcery and spells run deep through book series of books. However, 'Trick or Treat' really annoys me.

Two reasons - firstly, it's a dreadful import from the USA. Had any of us ever come across it until we watched ET? Let's stand against this cultural imperialism.

Secondly, it sends really confusing messages to children. On one extreme this week we have had the bizarre playground story in Watford - on the other, for one night a year we dress children up and send them off to ask strangers for sweets.

For either reason let's not encourage 'Trick or Treat'.

And the grumpy old man rant ends...

Lets play ball

Sunday I headed off to Wembley to the NFL game. Can't say it was as close as the two previous regular season games played in London - New England Patriots did a workmanlike job of defeating Tampa 35 -7. It's not that Tampa's defence were that bad - but their offense was very poor. They have yet to win this season, and if they carry on playing like they did on Sunday it'll be a long and win less regular season.

I've now been to Wembley 3 times to see football - once association and twice American - over the past few years. It really does disappoint as venue.

Sight lines and seats are great - I've sat in very different places and each has been fine. The problem is not really the arena, it's the whole experience. It's simply in the wrong place. Getting there is not simple and getting back is worse - despite improvements the transport links are still poor for such a venue. The location is wrong - there is nothing else to there apart from go to the stadium, unless you want to shop at nearby IKEA. The lack of bars, restaurants and just general space around the stadium adds to the chaos on leaving events; as there is no reason to stay there everyone heads to the tube.

Once inside it's not much better - you queue for everything for far too long. Food is expensive, poor and takes far too long to serve, and queuing for a programme takes too long - even when they are priced at £10 so the seller rarely has to make change. Wembley likes to boast it has loads of toilets - it may well do but you still have to queue too long. This Sunday it was the longest I've ever queued at an event for the loo - which suggests whilst they have a lot of loos, the loos to people ratio is inadequate.

Wembley cost a ridiculous amount of money and hosts numerous events each year - by now any teething troubles should have been sorted. I just expect better from our 'national stadium'.

Cardiff and the Millennium Stadium is just so much better - I fear for the 2012 Olympics.

Website of the week

Been a busy week so far and it's only Tuesday.

Still - this website might make you feel better...

Blogging will be back

To say that blogging in 2009 has been 'irregular' is an understatement. 'Twas never intended to be thus.

The past five or so months have been pretty 'full on' and various things have had to be put on hold - the blog was one.

Readers may not miss it - but I do!

Hopefully it'll be back soon.