Cycling in London

On Sunday we all took part in the London Freewheel Event, where along with 45 000 other cyclists we cycled along a traffic-free 12km route in central London.

The weather was perfect and it was a fantastic day out. Fresh air, sunshine, exercise - what more could you want?

London is a brilliant for communal events and there seems to be so much on at the moment. We've recently had the Thames Festival and the Open House Weekend. Watch out for the Big Draw events which will take place throughout October. They should be fantastic.

My Latest Self Development Book

I'm always on the lookout for books that help you re-think your life. This particular book was recommended to me by a friend so I decided to give it a go. As with most of these books, particularly written by Americans, you have to cut through the author's massive ego trip - 'I'm such a cool dude - makes you jealous, huh', and the 'kick ass, haul ass, way to go!' language.

Having said all that, I did enjoy it and found it very helpful. The basic messages of eliminating excess baggage in your life, automating and outsourcing the mundane and liberating yourself to focus on experiences are very sound and insightful. He's also very generous with his suggestions of additional websites/ authors to look up.

You won't want to read all of it as there is a lot of padding. However, I'd still recommend it as I'm sure most people would find some useful, practical advice within it. You might want to visit his website too.

From Amsterdam to Dublin

I've not had time to blog anything this week. From Monday to Wednesday I was in Amsterdam, or more specifically the Holiday Inn outside Amsterdam. I've still not been around the city centre, despite visiting Amsterdam several times this year. Is it because I'm really too busy? Have I become bored with travel? Think the real reason is because I'm not a great solo tourist. What's the point of seeing something amazing without saying 'wow, isn't that amazing' to whoever you're with. Must get over this. Think I'm missing out.

Thursday to Friday - after a quick pit stop in London - I was Dublin. I spent most of my time going grocery shopping with Irish women. This was bone fide market research, nothing weird, honest. They were very chatty and I learnt loads. Really enjoyed it. Must do more.

Oh Happy Day!

Derby have finally, finally, finally won a League game by beating Sheffield United 2-1 on Saturday after 36 games and almost a year without a win.

Played well too, apparently. So of course, now we've got a win under our belts we're going to start moving up the table rapidly and are dead certs for a play-off place at least. Crisis? What crisis?

Ian Fleming's Thunderball

Having read and enjoyed the Sebastian Faulkes version of a James Bond novel - Devil May Care, I decided to read an 'original' novel by Ian Fleming. Am in the middle of Thunderball and am really enjoying it. Written in 1961, it's a great period piece. What strikes me in particular is:

- the amount of smoking that takes place, how glamorous it all seems

- how women are portrayed. They're objects of desire. They talk too much, are terrible drivers and only interested in money

- how everyone drinks hard spirits especially whisky and cocktails. No-one's had a pint of beer yet

I want to see the film now. Must have a video of it somewhere.

The Growth of the Cornish Pasty

In recent times I've noticed that there are more and more Cornish Pasty shops in central London. Virtually every train station seems to have a West Cornwall Pasty kiosk - the one with the black and yellow awning. I also saw a place called the Pasty Shop at Victoria station last week.

Why are they becoming so popular? I thought we were all becoming more health conscious nowadays.

Latest 10K Run

On Sunday, I ran the Clapham 10K. Finished near the back, didn't break the 1 hour barrier, but still enjoyed it. Luckily the rain held off and it was good to run with the neighbours from our street - the Pretoria Panthers.

Looking out for a race in October - the Dulwich Park 10k on 5th Oct looks promising. Might do this.

Natural Confectionery Company Campaign

I really like this new ad campaign from the Natural Confectionery Company. Charming, quirky, with a strong product message. They could easily have gone down a worthy, good citizen direction but chose not to - which is great. Nice sweets too.

Well done Cadbury's. With the recent Dairy Milk (yes - the Gorilla again) and Trident (Mess with your Head) Campaign they've made some brave decisions on the choice of their creative work.

What's The Best Marketing Job in the World?

Brand Manager of Puma. You've got Usain Bolt as your brand ambassador - undoubtedly the coolest guy on the planet. You also get to go to parties like this.

Dancing Man Videos

I read recently that the videos of Matt the Dancing Man are the most popular on the Web with over 10 million hits on You Tube. He's made 3 videos. For the latest one, click here.

Derby Are Bottom of the Championship

We've gone 36 consecutive League games without a win. This must be some kind of record. I remember when Arsenal went 36 games undefeated to win the Premiership title. I think not winning for 36 games in a row is even harder to achieve.

How Can London Top This?

I loved the Beijing Olympics. The performances were incredible, the ceremonies were spectacular, The Bird's Nest was stunning. So how can London follow this? We can never attempt to emulate this type of event, but instead we need to play to our strengths. Here's some suggestions.

1. Focus on the Individual Not the Collective

During the ceremonies we should focus on individual creative flair rather than the mass co-ordination that the Chinese are so good at, showcasing our global stars of music, theatre, etc.

There should be much less of a corporate feel and there should be the opportunity for different communities to come to the fore.

2. Showcase the Whole of London

Ensure that the world sees all of London rather than just the Olympic Park. It's great that other fabulous settings such as Lord's, Wimbledon, Regent's Park and Wembley will feature in the Games. I remember seeing a lot of Barcelona during their games. We should show off the beauty of London.

3. Create a Party Atmosphere

When Germany held the World Cup, they set up big screens in public places. We should do the same and encourage communal viewing of the big events. There should be a real sense of celebration everywhere with street parties and free public events. We should make the Olympics feel light hearted, entertaining and slightly eccentric. Boris set the tone with his 'ping pong's coming home' speech. More of the same please.

4. Involve The Fans More

In Beijing not all the stadia were full for various reasons. We should ensure that true fans get a chance to go to the events so the crowds can create an intense, passionate atmosphere everywhere.

5. Ignore the Cynics

We're brilliant at negativity in the UK, constantly predicting disaster and moaning about how crowded London will be, how we'll mess everything up, etc. The organisers must ignore and ride through all this and not let the cynicism drive us down.

6. Focus on the Legacy

After the Games we should ensure that everyone has an opportunity to use the facilities and that they don't become empty testimonies to extravagance. We should involve, children and schools before and during the Games so they develop a love of sport and get a chance to develop their talents.

I'm SO looking forward to London 2012. It's a privilege to be given the opportunity to host them and I think they're going to be amazing.

New Addition to the Franco Household

Talullah Lollipop Starfish. 9 weeks old. From Streatham Hill Vet.

Great Film

Recently saw The Lives of Others. It's a German film that re-enacts life in East Germany in the mid 1980s under the watchful eye of the secret police known as the Stasi.

It has everything. Outstanding acting, a gripping story, great soundtrack. No wonder it won the Oscar for Best Foreign Film. A few of us watched it and we all loved it. Can't recommend it highly enough.

Weekend in Glandore

For the past 9 years we've spent the Bank Holiday weekend staying with friends in Glandore in West Cork. Weather was a bit iffy, but it was still great to be there. I always take a picture of Mae sitting at Hayes' Bar. Here's the latest.

Jakarta

Have just arrived in Jakarta. My home for the next 3 days. Flew on an Airbus A380, the biggest passenger plane in the world, in business class with Singapore Airlines. So much space. Was the most luxurious flight I've ever been on. Saw Kung Fu Panda and Ironman. Both very entertaining. Kung Fu Panda slightly more violent.

Nice hotel - the Kristal - with a very inviting pool. Shame I've got work to do.

Same Old, Same Old

Two home games for Derby, two 1-0 defeats. The margins aren't as big, but the results are the same. We've not won a league game for almost a year. Will we be relgation candidates? Looking likely at the moment.

Olympic Withdrawal Symptoms

I can't believe its over. What am I going to do now? I've loved the Olympics. Thought the Games were amazing. BBC coverage was superb. The Chinese put on an incredible show. The athletes were outstanding. Feel inspired and uplifted. Can't wait for London 2012.

Back From Hols

Getting back into work from 2 weeks in the sun is really tough as:

1. The weather's awful
2. The Olympics are on the telly
3. I'd much rather be on a beach in Italy

Whilst away, I managed to get through 3 good books

John Dickie's Delizia: if you love food and you love Italian history, then you'll love this
Sebastian Faulkes' James Bond novel: glamorous, escapist nonsense
Russel Brand's Booky Wook: frank, honest and funny. I'm not a fan of his but I realluy enjoyed it.

Am loving the Olympics - particularly Usain Bolt jogging through his 200 metre heats and the British cyclists. Very distracting. Must get back to my work.....

Can On You Rams!

Can you believe it, the new footie season is about to begin. Over the Summer Derby have bought 11 new players - a brand new team - in an attempt to return to the misery of the Premier League.

So..will need to learn lots of new names and try to work out who's been sold. Trickiest name - Przemyslaw Kazmierczak - Polish midfielder. As with all footie fans, I'm feeling optimistic. Hopefully Paul Jewell will be able to record his first ever win as Derby manager in our opener against Doncaster.

He's bought the players so there can be no excuses. My prediction: Derby in a play off position by Christmas or else Jewell will be gone. Let's hope it's the former.

First London game: QPR on 27th Sept. Anyone want to go??