What I'm Reading

Bought Nick Hornby's Slam at Dublin airport yesterday and am really enjoying it. It's written through the voice of a 16 year old and - at least to me - is very convincing. As with all his books, it's sharp, funny and very easy to read.

I've always been a big fan of his. I'm always impressed by his ability to tell stories through the eyes of other people, for example, the middle class woman in 'How To Be Good'. He writes about stuff that I can really relate to: football, music, parenthood, growing up.

Really looking forward to picking it up again. Recommended.

Poor Arsenal

Last night I caught the end of the Liverpool - Arsenal game which Liverpool won 4-2. On the radio I heard some Arsenal fans sounding so sad and dejected. Do I feel sorry for them? Of course not. They compete for trophies every year, they've got a fabulous stadium and some of the best players in the world. You should try supporting Derby. Then you'd feel depressed every week.

Olympic Protesters in Paris

After our day at Disneyland, we decided to visit the Eiffel Tower. There were lots of people lining the streets as we got out of the Metro station and discovered that the Olympic Torch Procession was about to pass by. We decided to watch and found that we were right next to the pro-Tibet protesters who were trying to disrupt proceedings. Despite the heavy police presence it was very easy to jump out into the road and you could tell that the athletes looked pretty scared. According to BBC reports the event had to be cut short

When everything quietened down we queued to go up the Eiffel Tower only to find that 3 men had climbed up it and managed to unfurl a pro-Tibet flag. we watched the whole incident unfold. We even saw the firemen climb up and eventually arrest them.

Not exactly the day out in Paris we planned but all very exciting.

Visit To Disneyland Paris

On Sunday we went to Disneyland as part of our long weekend in Paris. I wasn't really looking forward to it and was pretty cynical about Disney. However, both Mae and Lia absolutely loved it and I have to admit I had a good time too. The Park was much smaller than I thought - which was good - and was easy to get around. I'm not keen on the scarey rides so was happy to avoid them and the queues for other stuff were much shorter.

We met up with Gaelle, who used to look after the girls when she was a language student and who now works at the posh Disney hotel. Fortunately, she volunteered to take Mae on the Space Mountain Ride which apparently is amazing. Overall, a great day out and an experience the kids will never forget.

The Dream's Over

Remember this day last year, when Derby beat West Brom at Wembley to join the Premier League? What an amazing day.Well, last weekend Derby were officially relegated. The first team ever to be relegated in March and likely to be the worst team ever in the history of the Premier League. Since that final, we've lost our manager, captain, player of the year and chairman. Our performances this year have been unbelievably poor and it's been an embarassment watching them. We had our chance and we blew it.

Derby have always been a badly run club. Despite having a large and loyal fanbase, TV money and American investment, we always seem to be on the brink of financial ruin. Will next year be any better? Well, I doubt we'll be gain immediate promotion. Paul Jewell has done nothing so far to encourage any optimism, but hopefully we'll manage more than 1 win.

So next year in London, it'll be Crystal Palace and Charlton rather than Tottenham, Chelsea and Arsenal. How sad is that?

What I'm Reading

I've just finished 'The Road' by Cormac McCarthy, the story of a man and his son in a post-apocalytic world walking along a road, because its all they can do. It's sparsely written, incredibly bleak and very disturbing.

However, despite the horrors of the world it's the relationship between the man and the boy that's at the heart of the novel. The father's unconditional love for his child and desire to protect him are truly inspiring.

It's a book that's very painful, very intense but definitely worth reading. Recommended.

Wimbledon 10K Run

Yesterday, I completed my 5th consecutive 10K run along with 4 other friends. Fortunately, the rain held off and despite having to run up Wimbledon Hill, the course was reasonably flat.

Need to plan in a run on April and I'm thinking about the Clapham 10K on the 27th. Anyone else want to come along?

The Launch of Terminal 5

Yesterday morning I received this email from BA. Didn't quite go to plan did it....

Dear Mr Franco,

Five and a half years ago the building of our new home began in our most visionary project to date. Today we opened the doors. There is no more waiting... Terminal 5 welcomes you.

At Terminal 5 everything has been streamlined and designed to make your journey through the terminal calm and relaxed. And this morning we saw all the planning fall into place. Check-in and Security have been designed to speed you through to Departures in just 10 minutes*.

And with a shopping concourse to rival London's West End, our premium flagship lounge complex, Galleries, and the state-of-the-art baggage system, you'll discover nothing has been overlooked to ensure your time at Terminal 5 is spent in a most relaxing and enjoyable way.

Ashes to Ashes vs Life on Mars

Managed to catch the last episode of Ashes to Ashes last night. Although I've not seen that much of the series, it's clear to me that it's nowhere near as good as Life On Mars. I think the key reasons are:

1. John Simm is much more compelling and charismatic than Keely Hawes as the central character. There's something slightly irritating about her - in the same that Kiera Knightley is hard to warm to
2. We've lost the element of surprise. When Life on Mars first appeared it was genuinely trailbrazing, whilst we know the basic structure now.
3. There's a greater emphasis on humour now rather than tension which makes it less gripping
4. The 70s are more quirky and interesting than the hard nosed 80s.

Having said all that it's still worth watching. I still really like the Gene Hunt character and his sidekicks. There's a new series being made. Will be interesting to see how they keep it fresh.

Dutch Cuisine

I'm staying at the Holiday Inn in Amsterdam and at lunchtime today they served cheese sandwiches and milk. Holland - unlike its neighbour Belgium - is not known for its cuisine. However, it does have a distinctive fast food culture: frikendel (deep fried skinless sausage) kroket (deep fried meat croquette) and bitterbal (small kroket, I think). I don't think it matters what the meat is. Mention these to a Dutch person living abroad and they'll start salivating.

Book Vending Machine

Saw this at Heathrow Airport today. Can you think of anything less appropriate to sell in a vending machine?

Happy Thai Girls

I don't usually show pictures of people I've been working with, but these were such a cheerful bunch. See the two girls on the right? Why do people in South Asia always do that V for Victory sign when they pose for photos?

Brief Encounter, The Play Not the Film

Last night we went to see the the Noel Coward version of Brief Encounter at The Haymarket Cinema.

The production combined stage performance with cinematic backgrounds and at times the 2 merged together.

It was a really entertaining evening that managed to capture the England of the 1930s, with it's suppressed emotions, clipped language and endless cups of the tea. To add to the atmosphere there were ushers in period costumes and some very funny spoof adverts during the interval.

People who are expecting a faithful reproduction of the film may be disappointed as there is a greater emphasis on the supporting characters and less focus on the central couple. However, it's a relaxed and enjoyable night out and essential viewing for all those who believe in love at first sight.

Italian Lessons

One of my New Year resolutions was to improve my Italian and I've finally done something about it. Every Wednesday, starting on April 9th, we're going to have Italian lessions at our house with our own tutor.

I'm not the only Franco who's keen to learn. My sister and cousin are also going to take part along with Karen and a couple of friends. Really looking forward to it!

Delia's Cookery Show

Saw Delia's latest programme this morning via my BBC iPlayer and it made me feel a bit queasy. I've got nothing against short-cuts in the kitchen, but really don't think she should be extolling the virtues of tinned meat. Also I've got no interest at all in her mum's speeding fines or her religious beliefs.

At least Nigella was entertaining, even though she was mad.

Posh Paddy's Night

Last night we celebrated St Patrick's Night at the intimate and rather pricey Lindsay House in Soho. The chef is the renowed Irishman Richard Corrigan, so it was kind of appropriate that we were here. There were 8 of us in a private room, with various oil paintings, cartoons and photos of the chef. Just in case we forget that he's the main man here, I guess. The food was top notch as you'd expect and we had a really pleasant evening, without ever breaking into song. Strictly for special occasions or for when someone else is paying.

Great Week For English Sport

We've got 4 clubs in the Champions Leage semis, England beat Ireland at Twickenham, England beat New Zealand in the 2nd Test Match and Lewis Hamilton wins the season's Formula 1 opener.

Crisis? What Crisis?

No Country For Old Men

Saw the latest multi-Oscar winning Coen Brothers film on the flight home. It's a very violent film with an incredible performance by Javier Bardem who plays the part of a very scary, deranged psychopath. Worth seeing but certainly not for the squeamish.

The film was adapted from a novel by Cormac McCarthy who also wrote The Road, which is supposed to be really good. Was a big hit with Karen's book club. Will start reading it tonight.

Bye Bye Bangkok

Work's over and I'm flying home late tonight. No real interest in shopping which seems to be an obsession here. Lots of noisy Americans in the hotel lobby and a fair smattering of Thai girls with Western guys.

People here make you feel so welcome and are always up for a laugh. I keep saying that I should take some time off and visit some parts of Thailand. However, it's no real fun on your own and I miss home. Relieved that work's over and am so looking forward to breakfast in Tooting.

At Least We Scored One




Shame they scored 6. Next game Man U on Saturday. Tevez, Ronaldo, Rooney, Saha, Giggs, Scholes. Should be a close game.

Day 2 Bangkok

There's a lovely swimming pool right outside our meeting room, but unfortunately I've not had time to have a dip. Was taken out to a really nice Thai restaurant this evening where a band was playing old Beatles songs. Decided to avoid the temptations of Patpong and head back. Jetlag kicking in and have a full day tomorrow. How boring am I?

First Night in Bangkok

Have just arrived in hot and humid Bangkok and am staying at the very smart Amari Watergate Hotel. Will be here until late Friday, working unfortunately. Very different from the wind and rain of England.

Slept during most of the flight, thanks to BA's flat beds, but managed to see Control, the film based on the life of Ian Curtis, lead singer of Joy Division. It's a really well made film, but not exactly cheerful. Unfortunately I didn't manage to see all of it before the in-flight information system was shut down, but everyone knows what happens in the end.

Great Film

Recently saw Once . A really enjoyable low budget film set in Dublin about a busker who meets a Czech immigrant and the time they spend together writing songs and recording a demo tape.

It's gentle, understated and lacking in sentimentality with some great music. A friend of mine who saw it said she couldn't stop crying at the end. It didn't quite effect me that much, but its definitely worth seeing. Must download the soundtrack.

Chelsea v Derby

Chelsea's next game is against Derby and Mae will take my place in the Executive Box which I'm really annoyed about. Will try and find a TV in Bangkok and watch it. After Chelsea's shock defeat against Barnsley in the FA Cup, Derby must start as favourites.

Stamford Bridge Stadium Tour

Yesterday I took Mae and her friend Ava on a guided tour of Stamford Bridge as Ava's birthday treat. It was really enjoyable, even for non-Chelsea fans, as you really get a behind the scenes view of the stadium: the dressing rooms, the walk down the tunnel, views out onto the pitch. You get a sense that Premiership players are really pampered, with their plasma screen tv in their huge changing room and their posh shower facilities with Molton Brown toiletries. Didn't see the big communal bath. Really interesting and recommended for all foootie fans.

In Eindhoven

Am staying in a hotel in a forest just outside Eindhoven which used to be a monastery. Have just been for a run which is dead easy in Holland because everything's so flat. Biggest danger is avoiding the cyclists. There are so many.

Tonight Tottenham are playing the local team PSV in the Uefa Cup, so I guess I ought to watch it. Will be a big topic of conversation during the training course tomorrow. Got a call yesterday from a friend inviting me to see the Chelsea v Derby game in one of the hospitality boxes at Stamford Bridge next Wednesday. Unfortunately I'll be a in Thailand so will miss it. Blessing in disguise, I reckon. Dread to think what the score will be.

This is England

Saw This is England last night, the Shane Meadows film set in 1983. This is a great film that really captures the mood of the times and gives a real insight into skinhead culture .The actor who played Shaun, the 12 year old central character was brilliant and had never acted before. Definitely worth seeing.

When you look back at that era, you realise how rubbish the 80s were. Terrible music, Maggie Thatcher, the Falklands War, mass unemployment, racism. The 70s were much better.

Gastronomic Weekend in Tuscany and Umbria

Just back from a long weekend in Italy where we managed to visit 4 different restaurants in 4 different towns. Highlights were:

Ribollito in Arezzo

Crostini in Anghiari

Tagliatelli with black truffle sauce in Assisi

Bistecca alla fiorentina in San Sepolcro

Plus managed to drink a bottle of Brunello and a few glasses of Vin Santo. Fantastic.

The Harry Potter Platform

This week I've been travelling up and down Platform 9B at King's Cross, right next to the Platform that takes you to Hogworts. My train ended up at St Neots. Didn't see any wizards.

I Love This Product

If you're into porridge, then I can recommend Jordan's Organic Porridge. Make it in a saucepan and the thick fat oats turn rich and creamy, just like arborio rice. Even when you make it with water. Yum

Off to Italy

This weekend we're flying to Perugia. We're off to see the farmhouse we've bought in Tuscany, near Arezzo. It's been rebuilt but needs a huge amount of week doing to it.

I guess there's lots of reasons why we bought it:

- to reconnect to my Italian roots

- to be able to spend long holidays in a place of my own and cook to my heart's content

- to become a place where my extended family can get together

- to be able to make my own olive oil

- because Tuscany is heaven on earth

When I was kid my grandad owned a house in Torre del Lago near the Tuscany which he eventually sold. I always hoped that one day I'd have my own place. We've had some architects plans through and this weekend we're going to visualise the layout. Watch this space for progress reports!

What I'm Reading

Am currently reading 'The Book Thief' by Markus Zusak. It's the story of a young orphan who steals books and her foster family, set in 1939 in Nazi Germany. Death is the story's narrator.

Sounds depressing? Well it's not. It's uplifting, moving and funny. It's been a worldwide bestseller and is also regarded as being suitable for teenagers as well as adults.

Have not reached halfway yet, but am really enjoying it. Recommended.

Goring 10K Run

Today I managed to complete my 4th monthly 10K run. Was a lovely morning for it and there were over a 1000 runners taking part. By far the most popular 10K I've entered. The race itself was pretty tough, with a 1km climb at the beginning and a long hill about half way around. However, the Oxfordshire countryside was very pretty and overall really enjoyed it. Even got a medal.

My time - as ever - was pretty slow, so need to focus on building up some speed. My friend Teresa has lent me her copy of 'Marathon Training For Dummies'. Bedtime reading.

Lunch at Canary Wharf

Met up with James, an old University mate of mine near his office in Canary Wharf. Spent most of the lunch moaning about getting older and trying to figure out what had happened to the people we used to know. And yes, we did remember Ricky Gervais. He was the slim guy we used to see in the bar with the New Romantic haircut. He wasn't one of our mates.

I rather like Canary Wharf with its open spaces, views over the river, new buildings and nice bars. Reminded me what a great place London is. In this week's Time Out magazine, there's a great article which lists London's Best 50 Websites which is worth having a look at. I quite like the look of The London Review of Breakfasts. Very useful

Running Events

Amazingly, I'm still managing to run regularly and have got my next 10k run this Sunday. It's the Goring 10K and there's still time to enter if you're keen. This time, we're going to make a day out of it. My running partner Tony and I are dragging our families along with the promise of lunch at a local pub. If you know of anywhere nice, then let me know.

After that, I'm planning to run the Wimbledon 10K on 30th March, where Karen has also promised to enter.

And not forgetting the legendary Dovedale Dash on November 2nd. You get to run through the UK's most beautiful countryside and get soaking wet crossing the river Dove by the stepping stones. I expect everyone with a Derby connection to take part!

I'd Rather Be on Dartmoor

Its half term at the moment and the family are in Devon. I was there for the weekend, but unfortunately I had to come back because of work commitments. Bad planning on my part. Wish I'd taken the week off.

More Views

This time, Plymouth.

Views Over London

Yesterday I was working in an office by the river with some lovely views over London.

The US Presidential Elections

I'm really enjoying the race to become US President, in particular the battle between Obama and Clinton to win the Democratic Party nomination.

I can't pretend to understand the ins and outs of the voting system but from what I've read, they're neck and neck, with Obama appearing to have a bit more momentum at the moment.

This may be a very naive thing to say, but I wonder if they'll do a deal - a bit like Blair and Brown, whereby they agree to work together for the common good of the Party? This could mean the loser becomes the 'running mate' of the winner and eventually, the vice-president.

I can't imagine that in terms of idealogy Obama and Clinton would be very far apart, plus I feel that as a combination they would be unstoppable and have much broader appeal than McCain. I'd love to see that happen.

In Amsterdam

Am staying at a Holiday Inn in an Amsterdam suburb on a big main road. I was hoping that I'd be in a downtown location, so I could go for a wander around the famous canals.

However, don't feel like getting into a cab, so will stay put. Anyway, have got work to do and want to get some rest. Am loving my book, so looking forward to diving into it. O the glamour of business travel. Will miss Valentine's Day for the second year running. Not great planning.

I Can't Face Match of The Day

Its on at the moment. But I know what'll happen. Derby will lose again. Paul Jewell will applaud the effort but lament the fact we were punished for making the basic errors ' that you just can't afford to make in this league'. The opposition manager will make some respectul remark that Pride Park is never an easy place to come to - when they know that it is really and being grateful for 3 points - which they expected to get.

Lineker will be smirking as he used to play for Tottenham and supports Leicester and Lawrenson will be bored as there's no Liverpool game. The only consolation is that Newcastle were even worse so Shearer will be pissed off.

Think I'll cheer myself up by listening to some Radiohead.

What I'm Reading

Am loving Any Human Heart by William Boyd. Am less than halfway through, but am looking forward to picking it again at the next opportunity. It's written through the journals of a central character whose life spans the 20th century, interweaving historical events and famous faces.

He's such a good storyteller. I loved Restless, his last book and this is equally enjoyable. I'd been scratching around for ages looking for a decent book to read. Finally picked up this which has been on our bookshelf for ages. Recommended.

Friday Night in Covent Garden

From St Pancras I went straight to a workshop in a venue just off Long Acre. It was a beautiful day, the weekend was upon us and so everyone was in good mood. I decided to finish the class early so everyone could grab some late afternoon sun down the pub. Made me very popular.

Met up with my old mate Cath from Nestle days. Decided that 1988 was a great year for brand management talent and helped fuel Nestle's golden period of marketing: the Gold Blend couple, The Casa Buitioni Club, Crosse and Blackwell Baked Beans. Its been downhill ever since.

Covent Garden was packed. The nice weather has brought everyone out. Plus I reckoned people have abandoned their 4 week period of abstinence. Had a great meal in Thai Pot. Even got a black cab home. I was still on expenses, after all.

A Trip to France

Have been in France for the past couple of days visiting both Dijon and Paris. Am getting to like the new St Pancras Eurostar terminal. There's more facilities and it seemed less crowded. Apparently the station's champagne bar is a nice place to meet for a drink. And they've got heated seats.

Yesterday, of course, there was a strike. This time, the taxi drivers. Had to walk to my hotel from Dijon station, which fortunately wasn't very far. I even saw the England game in full which was repeated on French tv. Really pleased for Capello. He's made a great start. He's got the players playing for their places and has really set the right tone. I wonder what the tabloids are saying about him now?

Apparently The French are not very impressed with Sarkozy after his whirlwind marriage to Carla Bruni and his popularity ratings have fallen dramatically. I rather like him and think he's just the kind of leader France needs.

Enjoyed a good catch up with an old mate in Paris tonight before I get the very early Eurostar back tomorrow. Unless of course, there's another strike,

Becoming a Global Iconic Brand

The first thing Derby need to do is to buy a player from South East Asia. Whenever I go there, I'm amazed how up to date people are on the Premier League and they all follow an English team. Apparently in Thailand games are shown live, very late at night, and bars are packed. It causes a lot of family trouble, with wives upset at their husbands regularly being out all Saturday night.

On my last trip I was working with a guy from Hong Kong who was in his early 30s. He knew all about Derby's recent performances and the history of the club. 'I used to love Archie Gemmill' he told me.

Spot the Difference

Derby's new midfield hero Robbie Savage and Prince Charming from Shrek

KL Day 2

Have managed to survive the first day of my workshop despite the jetlag and have had a lovely dinner with people from Thailand, Hong Kong, India and China. Had quite a laugh actually, largely at the expense of English tourists. Just learnt that Derby avoided defeat yesterday which was amazing. Still reeling from the fact that the new American owners dream of turning Derby County into a 'global, iconic brand' and paid £50 million for the club.

Have recently finished reading 'A Spot of Bother' by Mark Haddon. It's been in the bestsellers list for quite a time now and I can understand why. It deals with everyday issues that many people face: ageing parents, family tension, marriage, retirement, adultery and does so with humour and sensitivity. This is very different to 'The Curious Incident of the Dog In the Night-Time', which I loved. Not quite as good, but worth reading.

Am flying back tomorrow evening and have got updgraded to First Class! Can't wait. Apparently its been quite chilly back home

KL Day 1

Arrived early this morning in Kuala Lumpur and have spent all day at the Marriott Hotel preparing for a 2 day workshop. It was a daytime flight, so didn't sleep much. Read Nigel Slater's 'Eating For England' which is an easy, funny and nostalgic view of our food culture. I also saw Michael Clayton, starring George Clooney. Good film, worth taking out on video I reckon. Has received a surprisingly high number of Oscar nominations.

Experiencing humidity, fab food food and jetlag. All the usual pros and cons of a short trip to Asia. Must try and get to sleep soon, so I can focus on being bright and breezy tomorrow

Lia's Cooking Party

On Saturday, for Lia's 7th birthday we had a cooking party. This involved 12 girls preparing, cooking and eating their own pizzas and decorating fairy cakes. It was a really enjoyable afternoon, largely masteminded by auntie Silvana with Mae in charge of games. And the pizzas were yummy too. None left for me unfortunately.

Lovely Day For a Long Run

Yesterday was a crisp sunny day. The perfect conditions for a 10km across the Epsom Downs. the Perch IX is a really enjoyable event and recommended for anyone who is vaguely interested in running. The course is quite demanding, but is very pretty and very varied with great views over London. It starts off at Epsom Race Course. The going was good and no, we didn't have to jump over any of the fences. Luckily nobody fell over and had to be shot.

The results are out and I finished 543 out of 561, which fulfilled my ambition of not finishing last. There was a bit of a party atmosphere afterwards where music was blaring out over the loudspeakers and we were given water, mini Mars bars and our souvenir t-shirt.

Need to book in my next race soon to keep up the momentum. I can't believe I'm actually enjoying all this running.

Teenage Fanclub Gig

Despite a 3 hour delay in Helsinki due to the snow, I just managed to get back in London to see Teenage Fanclub play at KOKO, which I always remembered as Camden Palace. My friend who got me the ticket has seen 'The Fannies' at least 6 times, but for me it was a first. (He's also a big fan of The Jesus and Mary Chain, by the way)

Anyway, really enjoyed it. It's so good to see live music - one of my New Year resolutions. They were excellent. Great vocals with lots of uplifting tunes and jangly guitars designed to put you in a good mood. Perfect end to a frustrating day.

Thank You, BBC

I know I'm a late adopter, but I've just discovered BBC iPlayer on my laptop. So, sitting here in my rather bland hotel room in Helsinki, I can watch last week's TV instead of the Finnish ice hockey. And it works!

Next, I think I'll Listen Again to The Archers. Am a bit out of touch with what's going on.

Feeling Depressed?

Apparently this is the most depressing week of the year. This is because
- the spirit of Christmas has worn off
- its dark and cold outside
- you've got huge credit card bills to pay
- you've broken your New Year resolutions.

However, I'm a born optimist and prefer to look on the bright side, which means remembering that:
- days are getting lighter
- it's the year of the Beijing Olympics which are going to be amazing
- you can stay in eat lovely, filling food and catch up on your favourite movies

Plus today's Lia's 7th birthday and there's a party at our house on Saturday!

Helsinki

Just landed in Helsinki and it's properly cold with snow everywhere. Bit of a shock after leaving a mild and wet London, where apparently night time temperatures have been the warmest ever recorded for this time of the year. Thanks for the update, Met Office.

In the airport there were Christmas lights everywhere which was a bit strange. Maybe they're to promote Lapland as an all-year-round holiday destination.

Staying at a very strange concrete hotel in the middle of a forest. Will probably go the gym tomorrow as it's too cold to run. May even decide to go to the sauna if I'm feeling brave.

Laserquest Party

Mae's Laserquest event was a big hit on Saturday, with virtually every child saying that it was 'the best party ever!'

Can't quite see what the attraction is myself, but what do I know. She's already said that she wants the same thing next year.

On Saturday it's Lia's 7th birthday party and she's having a cooking party with her auntie Silvana. Much more my kind of thing

Same Old Derby, Always Losing

Poor Paul Jewell. I bet he's wondering what he's got himself into. Another game. Another defeat. Despite 5 new players joining, nothing has changed. We still can't defend and we aren't creating enough chances.

The answer. Take the long view. Plan for relegation and rebuild. I hope the fans and the chairman continue to support Jewell through this tough phase. I also hope Jewell doesn't get too disheartened and sticks with us.

Our Chinese Weekend

On Friday night we went to see the Ang Lee film Lust, Caution. It's a story that's set in Hong Kong and Shanghai in the early 1940's. Very atmospheric, tense with some very explicit sex scenes. It's too long (over 2 and a half hours) with a plot that moves very slowly, so you have to be patient. Plus, you have to read substitles all the way through, which can be challenging. However, stick with it and you'll really get drawn into it.

A lot of the scenes in Lust, Caution take place over games of Mah Jong and on Saturday night our friends taught us how to play. It's a really good game which combines a few rituals, some skill and a fair amount of luck. I got a Mah Jong set for Christmas and am sure I'll get into it.

Today we went to see the terracotta warriors at the British Museum which was great. It's a small and intimate exhibition and you can very close to the warriors which are really impressive. The audio commentary is essential to ensure you get the most out of it. Highly recommended. Lia comes from Xi'An the home of the warriors and we went to see them in their original settings. We hope to return in a couple of years time.

And of course afterwards we went for some delcious dim sum in Chinatown.

Is the New iPhone Any Good?


I don't own one but have played with a couple that my friends have bought. So far, I'm not convinced that it is. Of course, the touch-screen user interface is very cool. However, I don't think the key features (camera, video, diary, etc) are any better than a lot of phones you get today and I don't think the keyboard is that easy to use. I'm sure there will be better versions in the future, so I'll hold back for now.

However, the new iPod Touch IS really cool. It's slim, has the same amazing touch screen as the iPhone and is a genuine improvement on the previous model.

Profeet

I need to buy a new pair of running shoes and to help me choose I went to Profeet near Clapham South, a specialist running shop. Being heavy, slow and having dodgy knees I thought it best to get some expert advice.

At the shop they diagnosed my running style via video camera and came to the conclusion that I overpronated and that my old (expensive!) Nikes weren't doing me any good. They then custom-made an insole to give me the support I need and recommended a new shoe - Brooks which were designed to give me greater stability.

I've just been on a run and I must admit it did feel a bit odd as I'm not used to having so much support. However, my knee felt OK and the shoes were very comfortable.

Definitely worth a visit to Profeet if you're thinking of buying new shoes and have some problems with your running. Convinced me never to buy Nikes again!

Doesn't Time Fly

Today is Mae's 10th birthday. Amazing isn't it? She's now into double figures, which for her is a big, big deal. As it's a weekday we didn't really have a big celebration - just an M & S chocolate cake and a couple of rounds of 'Happy Bithday to You'. This weekend there will be a proper Laserquest Party. The fun never ends!

Mamma Mia, Here I Go Again

We've just come back from a weekend in Bristol, where a group of us saw the hit musical Mamma Mia at the Bristol Hippodrome.

We went to see our old friend Richard Shelton, who starred as Harry Bright.

Before the performance we had a backstage tour and wandered around the set which was really interesting.

Mamma Mia is the world's number 1 musical and it's easy to see why. The songs are great and there's lots of laughs. A show that everyone will enjoy. And of course, Richard was great.

The show's about to begin an international tour, but you can still catch it at Bristol, Glasgow and Belfast.

The Newcastle Delusion

I'm still shocked at the way Newcastle sacked Sam Allardyce, the latest managerial 'Messiah' to be dismissed for not providing them with the success they feel is their divine right. I still can't understand why Newcastle feel they're a top club. They've not won anything since the 1960s. They always pay over the odds for average players. Every player who joins the club ends up as a worse player whose value subsequently decreases.

Their fans are always banging on about the need to play football the Newcastle way - whatever that is - and keep going on about how they're the most passionate in the land. However, whenever I see them on Match of the Day they're always moaning about their team and streaming out of the ground before the end of the game if they're losing.

Of course, they've got wealthy backers who will know doubt again pay over the odds for another 'top' manager. There's huge support for another local hero - Alan Shearer (who won the league whilst playing for Blackburn, not Newcastle, incidently) who's never managed a club in his life. Harry Redknapp is favourite. He'd be mad to leave Portsmouth, but he'll be paid a fortune.

Good luck to him. He'll need it.

M & S Again

This was the Sun's story exactly a year ago. Will be quite different tomorrow, I'm sure.

M & S Advertising

Marks and Spencer shares dropped by 20% on the back of some fairly average sales results that were announced today. Just when we thought that everything had been sorted with the brand, it's now back in trouble.

Talking to a few people today, I didn't realise how many people can't stand their food ads, with their sexy voiceovers and the lingering close ups. I used to quite like them, but must admit they do make me feel a bit queasy now.

All Change at Derby

Well, it looks like Derby will have a whole set of new players by the end of the month according to the Derby Evening Telegraph. This will probably include the most hated man in English football, Robbie Savage. So far, only Steve Howard has left. He was our player of the year last year, but clearly wasn't good enough for the Premier League. I hope he does well for Leicester.

Will it help Derby avoid relegation? Probably not, but it's very exciting seeing all these new signings. Fingers crossed.

My Next 10km Race

Have just entered a race on 27th Jan called the 2000 Perch which takes place over Epsom Downs. Anyone else want to enter? If so, click here. Closing date for entry is 18th Jan and there will be over 2 000 runners taking part. Apparently its quite a tough race but very scenic. Come on, you know it'll be good for you!

Birthday Weekend

Yesterday I turned 46 and had a really nice weekend. On Saturday, we went to Locanda Locatelli. Lovely, classic Italian restaurant. Delicious food, great service. Feels quite special, but without between pretentious. Reminded me of the River Cafe and in many ways it was just as good.

Went for lunch yesterday at an old friend's new house near Godstone which was really relaxing and was great to see them again.

Got some nice presents too!

If only Derby had won in the FA Cup, it would be the perfect weekend. However, we could only manage a 2-2 draw, which given Derby's season isn't too bad. Saw them play Blackburn over Christmas and they were so clueless it nearly made me cry.

More Money Than Sense

If you're over 40, male and health conscious the chances are that you've got a racing bike. If you're a real enthusiast you'll be in love with the Rapha brand. Rapha produces extremely expensive, premium quality cycling gear with extreme pose value. £105 for a pair of shorts, which my friends assure me are 'really good quality'.

Apparently the brand didn't exist a couple of years ago. It just shows you. There is always space for a premium brand, especially when targeted at professional males going through a mid-life crisis.

London to Brighton

Saw this last night on DVD. It's a truly excellent film about 2 young girls trying to escape the clutches of a pimp who is out to get them. Incredible performances, with a gripping plot that avoids all the gangster movie cliches. Reminds me of Mike Leigh / Shane Meadows style films. Highly recommended.

Extras

The most enjoyable bit of telly I saw over Christmas was Extras. The previews weren't that postive, especially when it was being compared to the last ever episode of the Office. However, I thought it was fantastic and in its own way just as good. Very funny, thought provoking, sad, great acting.

I particularly enjoyed the cameos from the famous people, epecially George Michael as well as the Carphone Warehouse scenes. After the Office and Extras, what else will Ricky Gervais do next? Anything he wants, I guess. The world's at his feet. He was at the same university as me when I was there. Never knew him.